Hartwood Farm

FEBRUARY 14, 2022

I wanted to name this “Ignoring the (Crop Rotation) Experts,” but that title is way too loaded these days! However, in terms of crop rotation, I increasingly find the rigidity of ideas on how to do it chafing. Crop rotation is one of the funny areas in gardening full of super rigid ideas and proscriptions.

Crop Rotation 52

Crop Rotation Crop Farming Farming 52

Cropaia

DECEMBER 19, 2023

Regenerative farmers adopt a range of practices, such as cover cropping, crop rotation, reduced tillage, and diverse planting, to regenerate the soil and promote natural systems within their farms. Excessive or deep plowing disrupts the soil structure, releases stored carbon, and can lead to erosion.

Agriculture 104

Agriculture Agriculture Farming Farming 104

DTN

JULY 24, 2023

Two neighbors, Farmer A and Farmer B: both farm 1,000 acres and use the same crop rotation schedule. Farmer A tills 30% of their fields, uses cover crops on 20%, and applies anhydrous ammonia. Farmer B tills 50% of their fields, uses cover crops on 40%, and uses stable nitrogen sources. Consider this scenario.

Farming 98

Farming Farming Crop Rotation Grain 98

Cropaia

SEPTEMBER 3, 2023

Traditional plowing or tilling can disrupt the soil structure, making it more susceptible to erosion. In some cases, cover crops may inadvertently create niches that favor the growth of specific weed species. Over time, they improve soil structure, reduce erosion, and increase soil moisture retention.

Soil Compaction 52

Soil Compaction Crop Rotation Farming Farming 52

ATTRA

FEBRUARY 20, 2024

year after year, usually with a non-cover fallow, intensive moldboard plowing, and the additions of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer. Other Resources Cover Crops for Sustainable Crop Rotations. We’ve been growing monocultures (one plant species, i.e., corn, soybeans, rice, etc.) By Andy Clark. SARE Outreach, 2015.

Crop 52

Crop Farming Farming Crop Rotation 52