Crop rotation

Abstract

Introduction: By crop rotation is meant the systematic changing of crops in contrast with a haphazard method of changing them, or the continuous growing of one crop on the same land in other words a method is pursued whereby there is a regular succession of definite crops, one following another for a certain number of years, then through the same round again. Of course for any given year the different fields on the farm would be in various periods of rotation, or there might be a separate rotation for each field according to its special adaption. ORDINARY PRACTICE: The importance of occasionally changing crops has been recognized for a long time, and it has been practiced to a greater or a less degree, but in the vast majority of cases it was simply a change without any regard to the probable effect it would have on the soil or the results in the yields which could almost certainly be expected. The farmer will tell you that he has to change his crops in order to keep the soil from wearing out. In most cases he does not understand his own explanation, and further he only recognizes the one benefit to be derived, while if the plans are properly laid there should be great number of benefits, as I shall presently show. NECESSITY: The necessity of rotation should no longer be doubted. The fact that a field will produce three or four crops of one grain when grown successively does not prove that policy a good one to pursue. It is too short sighted. Look at the land in any of the older cultivated regions where a great deal of “one crop” production has been carried on and what are the facts? The land is worn out, and to keep up the yield in production either a radical change in methods must be inaugurated, or a large amount of commercial fertilizer must be applied. This fact is also being demonstrated in the rich prairie lands, where for instance, only wheat is grown without intermission.