ATTRA Publications on Sustainable Agriculture Tipsheet: Crop Rotation in Organic Farming Systems
Crop rotation, planting a different crop on a particular piece of land each growing season, is required in organic crop production because it is such a useful tool in preventing soil diseases, insect pests, weed problems, and for building healthy soils. Plants exude a spectrum of photosynthates into the soil that are unique to each plant species, and these root exudates influence the soil microbial biodiversity, which, in turn, supports soil function and plant health. Crop rotations must fit with the farm’s production system, equipment, labor, and market demand for the farm’s crops. With so many variables to consider, developing a good plan is as much an art as it is a science. It is important to develop a plan for bed preparation that includes row-spacing considerations for future rotations, because this will increase crop rotation options and reduce labor.