crop rotation

the growing of CROPS (3) in a regular sequence over a number of seasons so as not to exhaust the soil. A simple example of a rotation is root crop, oats, leguminous plants and wheat. Some or all of the leguminious crop is often ploughed back into the soil as it is of particular importance in returning nitrogen to the soil from the atmosphere through the nitrogen-fixing bacteria (see NITROGEN FIXATION in the root nodules.

Collins Dictionary of Biology, 3rd ed. © W. G. Hale, V. A. Saunders, J. P. Margham 2005

References in periodicals archive

The conventional argument is laid out; the rotation of crops that required leaving part of the land fallow to replenish its nutrients was eventually replaced by rotating--in clover or turnips providing an increase in the nitrogen level to the soil and increased fodder for livestock, which in turn increased the manure for fields.

Agricultural Revolution in England: The Transformation of the Agrarian Economy, 1500-1850

Rotation of crops has received full attention during the past number of years.

CROPS ROTATION - A TOOL FOR MAINTAINING SOIL FERTILITY

While not everyone can stick to the strict rotation of crops, on balance some rotation is recommended for cultivating healthy plants and making the most effective and economical use of fertilisers.

Keeping your vegetables in strict rotation; GARDEN RULES

Traditionally, a three year rotation of crops, sometimes with a spare plot that was left fallow was used.

Broad beans and how plants breathe

The rotation of crops is a must, moving vegetables from section to section each year so that specific crop diseases do not build in any one area and so that nutrients suited to particular plants do not become exhausted.

THE PRICE IS RIGHT; Nothing beats the taste of vegetables straight from the garden - but if want good vegetables next year, you've got to get going now

Rotation of Crops: Perhaps one of the best means of successfully combating weeds is by rotating the crops grown upon the infested fields.

The problem of weeds

While not everyone can stick to the strict rotation of crops, on balance some rotation is recommended not only to raise healthy plants, but to make the most effective and economical use of manure and fertilisers.

Crop rotation