Chapter 02 · Nature, land & waterCoffee, Cocoa & Agricultural Commodities

Crop rotation

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Definition

Crop rotation is the agronomic practice of growing different crop types in sequence on the same field, rather than continuous monoculture. Rotations interrupt pest and disease life cycles, alternate nutrient demands, allow nitrogen-fixing legumes to replenish soil fertility, and support weed control. Species diversification — with at least three crops in a rotation or association — is one of the three formal principles of FAO Conservation Agriculture.

References

FAOConservation Agriculture (species diversification principle)

diversification principle and thresholds

Overview

What it means

Managing time diversity on a field the way diversification manages risk in a portfolio: different crops play complementary biological roles.

How it is used

Rotations are embedded in organic standards, conservation agriculture and farm sustainability programmes, and are a lever for reducing synthetic fertiliser and pesticide dependence.

Why it matters

Rotation is among the oldest and most evidence-backed practices for sustaining yields while protecting soil and reducing chemical inputs.