crop rotation
The practice of growing different types of crops in the same area in sequential seasons to improve soil health and control pests.
It prevents the soil from being depleted of specific nutrients and breaks the life cycles of pests that target specific plants.
Word relationships
- sequencing: Sequencing is a general term for order; crop rotation is the specific agricultural application.
- monocropping: Monocropping is growing the same crop year after year, which depletes the soil.
Commonly confused with
- fallow: Fallow means leaving the land empty; crop rotation keeps the land productive but changes the crop.
Collocations
- four-field crop rotation
- implement crop rotation
- benefits of crop rotation
Example sentences
- "Crop rotation is the practice of growing a series of dissimilar or unrelated types of crops in the same area in sequenced seasons." The basic definition of the practice.
Memory hook
Think of a 'rotation' in sports; players take turns so no one gets too tired. Crops take turns so the soil doesn't get 'tired'. Rotation = Taking turns in the soil.
When not to use
Don't confuse it with 'intercropping', which is growing different crops at the same time in the same place.
Fun facts
- George Washington Carver was a famous advocate for crop rotation, encouraging Southern farmers to plant peanuts to restore soil depleted by cotton.
Related words
Explore more words
rotation, monoculture, agronomy, slash-and-burn, agroforestry, crop
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