Examples of Crops Grown by Crop Rotation

Crop rotation is a practice in agriculture that involves growing different crops in a particular sequence on the same piece of land over a period of time. This technique is employed to improve soil fertility, control pests and diseases, and manage weed growth. Here are some examples of crops commonly grown using crop rotation:

1. Corn
- Corn is a widely grown crop in many regions and serves as a staple food for humans and livestock.
- It is often included in crop rotation systems due to its high nutrient demand and susceptibility to pests and diseases.
- By rotating corn with other crops, such as legumes or cover crops, the depletion of soil nutrients can be minimized, and the risk of pest and disease infestations can be reduced.

2. Soybeans
- Soybeans are a nitrogen-fixing legume crop that adds nitrogen to the soil through a symbiotic relationship with bacteria in their root nodules.
- Including soybeans in a crop rotation system can improve soil fertility by replenishing nitrogen levels.
- Additionally, soybeans have a different pest and disease profile compared to other crops, reducing the risk of buildup and allowing for effective pest management.

3. Wheat
- Wheat is a cool-season cereal crop cultivated worldwide for its grains, which are used for various purposes like making bread, pasta, and other food products.
- Including wheat in a crop rotation system helps break pest and disease cycles, as different pests and diseases target specific crops.
- Wheat also helps improve soil structure and organic matter content, as its extensive root system helps break up compacted soil and increases organic material decomposition.

4. Legumes (such as peas, lentils, and beans)
- Legumes are nitrogen-fixing crops that form a symbiotic relationship with bacteria in their root nodules to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants.
- Including legumes in crop rotation provides a natural source of nitrogen, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.
- Legumes also have the ability to suppress weeds and improve soil structure, making them beneficial for overall soil health.

5. Cover crops (such as clover, rye, and vetch)
- Cover crops are grown primarily to protect and improve the soil rather than for direct harvest.
- They are often used in crop rotation systems to prevent erosion, suppress weeds, improve water infiltration, and enhance soil fertility.
- Cover crops also add organic matter to the soil as they decompose, providing a food source for beneficial soil organisms.

Implementing crop rotation helps maintain soil health, increase crop yield, and reduce the reliance on chemical inputs. By diversifying the crops grown in a particular area, farmers can mitigate the risks associated with monoculture farming and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

With crop rotation, particular nutrients are replenished depending on the crops that are planted. For example, a simple rotation between a heavy nitrogen using plant (e.g., corn) and a nitrogen depositing plant (e.g., soybeans) can help maintain a healthy balance of nutrients in the soil.
A five to seven-year rotation was common in the mixed livestock-crop farms of the northern Midwest and the Northeast during the first half of the 20th century. An example of this rotation is the following:
Year 1. Corn
Year 2. Oats (mixed legume–grass hay seeded)
Years 3, 4, and 5. Mixed grass–legume hay
Years 6 and 7. Pasture