Rural Dictionary: Crop Rotation

Posted: 4/12/2019

Crop rotation is the systematic planting of different crops in a particular order over several years in the same growing space. According to SDSU Extension, benefits of good crop rotation are numerous and include reduced soil erosion and improved soil water management, soil tilth, and fertility. Along with this Crop rotation can also reduce pest issues and reliance on pesticides. Rotations also allow farmers to spread their workload and better utilize labor and machinery resources. The risk from weather related incidents can also be reduced with a good crop rotation.

Mark Salvador, Strategic Accounts Manager for Pioneer states, each corn or soybean variety has traits that make them suitable to a farmer’s crop rotation or management practices. Things like root strength, plant standability, tolerance to diseases, rought, insects and herbicides are important to farmers depending on their management style and geography. Watch a Video here.