Crop rotation refers to the practice of cultivating different types of crops in the same area over multiple growing seasons. This approach offers several benefits, including a decrease in the over-reliance on specific nutrients, as well as a reduction in pest and weed pressure. It also minimizes the likelihood of developing resistant pests and weeds. On the other hand, monocropping involves planting the same crop in the same location for many years. This method causes the soil to gradually lose specific nutrients and encourages the growth of a competitive pest and weed population. Without addressing nutrient imbalances or varying pest and weed populations, monoculture farming depends heavily on external inputs for productivity. Conversely, implementing a well-designed crop rotation can decrease the need for synthetic fertilizers and herbicides by taking advantage of natural ecosystem services from a diverse set of crops. Moreover, crop rotation can improve soil structure and organic matter, reducing erosion and improving the resilience of farming systems.
