Research is starting to show crop rotation in farms as another key for sustainability in the United States and worldwide. North China Plain demonstrated benefits combining cereal monoculture with cash crops and legumes. Increasing yield, reducing N2O emissions and improve the system’s greenhouse gas balance. Including legumes in crop rotations stimulates soil microbial activities, increases soil organic carbon stocks, and enhances soil health.
The Center for Regenerative Agriculture in United States confirms that different crops have different nutritional needs and tend to be vulnerable to different diseases and pests, rotating the crops grown in specific locations can reduce soil depletion and the need for as much pesticide and fertilizer use.
Sources: Nature.com & Center for Regenerative Agriculture - CA State University Chico