FAQs About Crop Rotation

If you are new to land management, there is a lot to think about when making your plan for success. The opportunity to have your own wilderness getaway is wonderful but proper land management does also require some legwork.

Many people who buy land from us are interested in growing crops but are not sure where to start. Whether you are planting crops simply to attract wildlife or have dreams of running a profitable farm, it is important to understand the nuances specific to your soil and crops to get the most out of your yield each year. That’s why we’ve put together some common questions about crop rotation we see, so you can keep your soil and harvest free of pests and diseases.

Why Rotate Crops?

While crop rotation is an age-old science, many people don’t know the “why” behind rotating crops. Plants are a part of the ecosystem, and with that, have species-specific pests and soil diseases that can affect them. Rotating a variety of crops through one field hinders these pests and diseases from becoming established in the soil. This leads to healthier soil and more productive crops.

What Do I Rotate?

Because crop rotation is about preventing the plant-specific diseases and pests from affecting crops, it is important to vary the plant family you are rotating through instead of just the plants themselves. For example, some herbs may be in vegetable plant families, and some flowers can be grouped in with grasses. A bit of experimentation may be in order. Study up on the familial roots of each plant to make more informed decisions.

What About Adjacent Crops?

Because some dangers to plants can travel, planting family members near each other in the same season can also be dangerous. Additionally, knowing what diseases affect multiple families is helpful, so you do not accidentally plant those crops following one another. Check out the fact sheet of plant diseases by crop to understand diseases that can affect crops in different families.

Are you ready to have your own land and give crop rotation a go? Call us today, and we can find your perfect parcel!