Crop rotation involves growing different crops on the same land in a planned sequence over successive seasons or years. Unlike intercropping, where multiple crops are grown simultaneously, and mixed cropping, where different crops are grown together without a defined pattern, crop rotation focuses on alternating crops in a planned succession to optimize soil health, manage pests and diseases, and enhance yields.
What is crop rotation, and how does it differ from intercropping and mixed cropping?
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Crop rotation is a farming technique where different crops are planted in the same field in sequential seasons or years. It aims to improve soil fertility, control pests and diseases, and reduce soil erosion by alternating crops with different nutrient needs and growth patterns. In contrast, intercropping involves planting two or more different crops simultaneously in the same field to maximize land use efficiency and resource utilization, while mixed cropping entails planting two or more crops together without distinct rows or patterns, often to reduce risks associated with crop failure and enhance biodiversity. While crop rotation focuses on sequential planting for soil health and pest control, intercropping and mixed cropping emphasize simultaneous cultivation for increased productivity and resilience.