Crop Rotation

Definition of Crop Rotation

Crop rotation is the practice of growingdifferent types of crops sequentially on the same field to improve soil fertility, reduce pests and diseases, and increase agricultural productivity.

Why Crop Rotation Matters?

Crop rotation is important because it helps maintain healthy soil, prevents nutrient depletion, and reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers. It also minimizes pest and disease build-up that can occur when the same crop is grown repeatedly in one field. Sustainable crop rotation practices contribute to long-term agricultural productivity and environmental protection.

Related Terms

• Fallow – Land left unplanted to restore fertility.

• Soil Fertility – The ability of soil to support plant growth.

• Cover Crop – Plants grown to protect and enrich soil.

• Arable Farming – Crop-based agriculture on cultivated land.

• Sustainable Agriculture – Farming that maintains resources for the future.

Useful Resources

Explore these authoritative resources to learn more about crop rotation, sustainable farming practices, and soil management:

• Crop Rotation – Wikipedia – Comprehensive overview of crop rotation practices, benefits for soil fertility, pest management, and historical development.

• FAO Soil Management and Crop Rotation – Detailed guidance from the Food and Agriculture Organization on sustainable crop rotation, soil health, and improving agricultural productivity.

• DEFRA Sustainable Crop Practices – UK – UK government resources on crop rotation, sustainable soil management, and best practices for UK farmers.

• Eurostat Agriculture Data – European Union statistics on crop production, arable land usage, and crop rotation practices across EU countries.

• Open Agriculture Data – European Data Portal – Access thousands of datasets on European crop rotations, soil management, and agricultural outputs.

• FAOSTAT – Global Agricultural Data – Global statistics on crop production, rotation practices, and sustainable agriculture indicators.

• Research Gate- Explore the latest publications in Crop Rotation, and find Crop Rotation experts.

• AHDB – Crop Management Guidance – UK-focused advice and research for optimizing crop rotation, improving soil fertility, and boosting yields sustainably.

• British Crop Production Council (BCPC) – UK-based organisation providing science-based guidance and innovations in crop rotation and crop protection.

Learn the meaning of more essential agricultural terms with our easy-to-use Key Terms glossary here