rotation
roh-TAY-shun
/roʊˈteɪ.ʃən/
the practice of growing different types of crops in the same area in sequential seasons.
In farming, this is a strategy to avoid soil exhaustion and break pest cycles.
The story behind the word. Derived from the Latin 'rota', meaning 'wheel'. Just as a wheel turns and returns to its starting point, crop rotation involves a cycle of planting that eventually returns to the original crop after the soil has recovered.
Word relationships
- sequence: A more general term for things following one another, lacking the 'circular' or repeating nature of rotation.
- alternation: Implies switching between just two things, whereas rotation can involve many.
- monoculture: The practice of growing the same single crop year after year.
- stagnation: A lack of change or movement, the opposite of a healthy rotation.
Commonly confused with
- succession: Succession is the natural change of species over time; rotation is a planned human intervention.
Word family
- rotate (verb): to move in a circle or change in sequence
- rotational (adjective): relating to rotation
Collocations
- crop rotation
- seasonal rotation
- field rotation
Example sentences
- "A simple rotation of corn and soybeans can significantly reduce the need for nitrogen fertilizer." Agricultural science
- "The medieval three-field system was an early form of crop rotation." Historical farming
Memory hook
Think of a wheel 'rotating' through the seasons, bringing a new crop with every turn. The wheel of crops.
When not to use
While it can mean 'turning' in physics, in this context it always refers to the sequence of crops over time.
Fun facts
- George Washington Carver was a famous proponent of crop rotation, encouraging Southern farmers to plant peanuts to restore soil depleted by cotton.
Related words
Explore more words
crop rotation, monoculture, cyclical, sustainable, fallow, cover crop
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