On the implementation and details of this practice, decide based on the region, crop rotation, soil, farm specifics, determine which type of cover crop benefits you and implement it following the instructions of the chosen specialist!
Crop rotation is an agricultural technique in which crops are planted on different plots of land each year in different sequences (orders).
The practice is to maximize healthy soil, ensure strong crop growth, and reduce the likelihood of weed or pest infestation. If a farmer plants winter corn, after harvest he will rotate the crops and plant something else in the field. In this example corn is used, and a new crop could be beans. Where corn takes up a lot of nitrogen as it grows, beans are considered good nitrogen fixers.
When deciding on a rotation plan, it can be complex, involving many crops, or just a simple strategy with two or three crop rotations. In the case of the Project, the decision must be made by systematically considering the other regenerative practices proposed and that you will choose to apply.
Plants and cultivated crops have varying nutritional differences and require certain nutrients to grow. There are also some crops that are more susceptible to pest or weed infestation.
Typically, in traditional farming methods, the same crops are planted on the same areas of land every year. In this case, the soil loses its nutrients over time. This makes it a more favorable environment for diseases to develop or pests to make their home.
As these monocultures grow, more pesticides and chemical fertilizers are needed to control the problem.
Crop rotation is used to avoid the multiple problems that crops can have.
By rotating crops, you help restore nutrients in the soil and the plants themselves.
Rotation also reduces pest problems because pests will not congregate in one place on a particular crop.
Lower pest infestation means that chemicals and pesticides won't be used either.
Decide on crop rotation after informing yourself and consulting your chosen specialist, considering the particularities of your farm!