8 core benefits of enriched crop rotations

By integrating different crops in a rotation, typical infection cycle of pests and diseases can be interrupted. This is based on a balanced alternation between stalk and leaf crops. Also, adding catch crops can make an important contribution to disease control. The wide crop rotation makes it more difficult for diseases and pests to survive on the fields and in the soil. In the end an alternation of crops can result into less need for crop protection.

An improved structure can be caused by growing different types of crops with individual root systems and root lengths. Deeper roots can loosen up the soil and leaving organic matter in the soil after growing season. A preserved soil structure prevents nutrient-leaching and improves the water-holding-capacity of the soil. This supports the plant in dry periods with improved availability of water and nutrients.

A preserved soil structure can result in a higher activity of microorganisms. An increasing activity can be caused by organic matter input of crop residues or dead plant material. The organic matter supports to establish a balanced moisture, temperature and aeration in the soil for better living conditions of microorganisms and crops. The microorganisms release nutrients from the organic matter, which results into better plant growing conditions for crops.

The soil fertility can be improved by a balanced input of organic matter by crop residues or dead plant material. Organic matter increases the carbon-content of the soil, which results into a slow release of nutrients out of organic material and can lead to a long-lasting fertilization effect. The slow release of nutrients and long-lasting fertilization caused by microorganisms prevents nutrient-leaching.

Crops use different types and amounts of minerals from the soil. A rotation helps to balance the usage of essential minerals for growth and health and increase the nutrient use efficiency. Furthermore, various amounts of nutrients can be returned to the soil with the incorporation of crop residues or catch crops. This return improves soil structure, which results into a higher mobility and availability of macro- and micronutrients in the soil.

Higher nutrient efficiency and soil fertility are reducing the need of fertilization by a higher availability of macro- and micronutrients. This can reduce the dependence from mineral fertilizers and decrease the fertilizer costs for farmers. Especially in times of increasing energy and production costs for fertilizers, the establishment of crop rotation can have an important impact on reducing costs for the farmer.

The different sowing and harvesting times in a crop rotation contribute to biodiversity and create habitats for different species. A higher diversity of species ensures the pollination and has a positive effect on secured crop yields. Furthermore, some species can be natural antagonists for pests and reduce their damage on crops.

In addition to extended crop rotations, catch crops can help in cultivation breaks to cover the soil, suppress weeds, bind CO2 and contribute to the build-up of humus. Catch crops mobilize and conserve valuable nutrients, promote soil life and the diversity of insects. All in all, catch crops improve the soil structure in general.