These microorganisms are what make nutrients available to plants. [9], In addition to lowering the need for inputs (by controlling for pests and weeds and increasing available nutrients), crop rotation helps organic growers increase the amount of biodiversity their farms. Crop residues provide animal feed, while the animals provide manure for replenishing crop nutrients and draft power. [7] Row crops typically have low biomass and shallow roots: this means the plant contributes low residue to the surrounding soil and has limited effects on structure. Rotating crops adds nutrients to the soil. Labour, power, and equipment can be handled with more efficiency; weather and market risks can be reduced; livestock requirements can be met more easily; and the farm can be a more effective year-round enterprise. [17] In Brazil, conversion to no-till methods combined with intensive crop rotations has been shown an SOC sequestration rate of 0.41 tonnes per hectare per year.[18]. [7] While often the most profitable for farmers, these crops are more taxing on the soil. Throughout human history, wherever food crops have been produced, some kind of rotation cropping appears to have been practiced. Cropping pattern in India. It is sufficiently flexible for adjusting crops to many situations, for making changes when needed, and for including go-between crops as cover and green manures. Chinese banks lend more to agriculture, small firms, Canada ready to export more food to China: Agriculture minister, Latest policy reinforces backing for agriculture, Supply-Side Structural Reform of Agriculture Requires Patience and Persistence, Chinese city builds its own 'London Tower Bridge', Primary school has 28 sets of multiple births, Across China: The restoration of an ancient Beijing alley, China cracks down on pornographic VR content, Former senior official sentenced to 9 years for bribery, Premier Li calls for efforts to further streamline governmental approvals, Rules for physical disability prevention and rehabilitation, China sees biggest overseas returning wave in recent years, Survey portrays confidence and concerns of Chinese, Watchers from home, abroad flock to spot new bird species, Ten photos from across China: Feb 17 – 23.

The four-field crop rotation became a key development in the British Agricultural Revolution. Protection against soil loss is maximized with rotation methods that leave the greatest mass of crop stubble (plant residue left after harvest) on top of the soil. The fallow system will cover 2 million mu of farmland affected by environmental problems, including heavy metal pollution and desertification, in North China's Hebei province, Central China's Hunan province, and some western regions.

Every seventh year … In areas that are highly susceptible to erosion, farm management practices such as zero and reduced tillage can be supplemented with specific crop rotation methods to reduce raindrop impact, sediment detachment, sediment transport, surface runoff, and soil loss.[23]. [4] From the times of Charlemagne (died 814), farmers in Europe transitioned from a two-field crop rotation to a three-field crop rotation. wheat). Crop rotation, by nature, increases exposure to biomass from sod, green manure, and a various other plant debris. Ancient China agriculture relied on two staple crops which were rice and millet.

Rotations for any number of fields and crop relationships can be described in this manner. [28] Such management practices that succeed in retaining suitable soil cover in areas under fallow will ultimately reduce soil loss. [7] With tillage, disruption and oxidation of soil creates a less conducive environment for diversity and proliferation of microorganisms in the soil. [10], There are numerous factors that must be taken into consideration when planning a crop rotation. China aims to complete primary crop rotation and fallow systems in the next three to five years. [17] Carbon, along with hydrogen and oxygen, is a macronutrient for plants. [8], Crop rotation is a required practice, in the United States, for farm seeking organic certification.

Every seventh year they would not till, prune or even control insects.[3]. One section was planted in the autumn with rye or winter wheat, followed by spring oats or barley; the second section grew crops such as peas, lentils, or beans; and the third field was left fallow. Growing the same crop in the same place for many years in a row gradually depletes the soil of certain nutrients and selects for a highly competitive pest and weed community. [5] This is advantageous for small farms, who often cannot afford to leave cover crops to replenish the soil for extended periods of time, as larger farms can. A preliminary assessment of crop interrelationships can be found in how each crop: (1) contributes to soil organic matter (SOM) content, (2) provides for pest management, (3) manages deficient or excess nutrients,(4) how it contributes to or controls for soil erosion, (5) interbreeds with other crops to produce hybrid offspring, and (6) impacts surrounding food webs and field ecosystems.[5].