Pick and Write [Agricultural Word]👉#17
Crop rotation is a basic and old agricultural technique where farmers will plant different types of crops sequentially in the same land in several planting seasons. Instead of growing a single crop over and over, the cycle method replenishes the soil and reduces the tendency for specific pest and disease to thrive on the farms-problems commonly experienced in modern farming.
How It Is Used
And the essence of these crop rotation relies on variety and the relationship between crops. Each plant needs specific nutrients. Some plants like "heavy feeders" consume a high quantity of nitrogen. For example corn requires an abundant amount of nutrients from the soil. A common solution is to follow a corn harvest with the planting of legumes. Legumes have the ability of "fixing" atmospheric nitrogen back into the soil via bacteria residing on the root nodules. Thus, subsequent crops are naturally supplied with more nitrogen.
Advantages
1.Improved soil fertility and structure- A farmer can use plants with varied root systems. Long rooted crops tend to aerate the soil and absorb deep nutrients to the top surface which will then be accessible for shallow rooted plants later on.
2.Control of pests and diseases-Some pest and pathogen can only survive on a specific host crop. Planting a different crop each season "starves" the pests and pathogens causing them to die down and greatly reduced dependency on pesticides.
3.Erosion control-By planting the soil with different species throughout the year, topsoil can be retained more efficiently, prevented by being washed away by rain and soil blown away by wind.
The crop rotation is indeed a natural, environmentally conscious and sustainable alternative to the modern heavy dependence on chemical fertilizer. By replicating natural diversity and mimicking the patterns of ecosystem, it ensures soil health and productivity for future generations. It's a basic knowledge for all farmers aspiring for better yield and environment.
Thanks for reading my post I'm inviting @goodybest, @abdullahw2 and @bela90 to participate.
