Crop Rotation Techniques PDF

Crop rotation is the name given to a way of growing crops that has existed for centuries in many parts of the world. It refers to the practice of planting a series of different crops, which are grown and harvested one after the other. A farmer might, for example, plant a field of carrots, and when t...

Crop rotation is the name given to a way of growing crops that has existed for centuries in many parts of the world. It refers to the practice of planting a series of different crops, which are grown and harvested one after the other. A farmer might, for example, plant a field of carrots, and when they have grown and been picked, plant the same field with a completely different crop, such as beans, or cabbages. Although it is often referred to in the context of farming, crop rotation also appeals to many home gardeners, as it can be successful in almost any size of garden. While farmers generally plant their crops in large fields, home gardeners, of course, do not have this option. Growing a selection of crops one after the other ensures that garden space can be used efficiently, which is an extremely important factor for most home gardeners. This particular technique also means that there is always something interesting growing throughout the year. It requires home gardeners to be continuously engaged in a cycle of tasks from planting and harvesting their crops, to preparing the soil for the next crop. Some home gardeners can be unwilling to take on what can be thought of as a complicated way to grow plants. However, if attempted, the increase in quality of the harvest often makes it worthwhile. The order in which species are planted one after the other is an important part of crop rotation. Careful planning and research are needed to make sure plants have the best possible chance of growing well. While doing this, gardeners will increase their knowledge of a wide variety of species. Getting this order right naturally takes time and experience. It can be frustrating when a crop does not do as well as it should, perhaps because of the way a previous crop has affected the soil. However, a vast number of planting timetables are readily available online. These will help gardeners choose appropriate plants, and many find that a planting plan can readily be organised years in advance, which helps them with the organisation of their gardens. A common task for all gardeners is removing small wild plants and grasses from around their vegetables. By choosing to grow specific plants in combination with other species in their crop rotation plan, gardeners can control the growth of unwanted wild plants. Of course, at different times of the year, plants often come under attack from pests like insects. Particular insects tend to attack a particular crop, which can then lead to serious diseases. If the same crop is continually grown in the same location, the number of eggs laid by those insects in the soil can multiply year after year. Growing different sorts of crops, therefore, limits the number of insects present. Also, in situations where one crop is grown year after year, gardeners may well have to use chemicals to protect their plants from attack, but fewer chemicals are needed in the case of gardens where different plants are grown following a planned crop rotation