Page 174 - Primary Five Science

Advantages of Crop Rotation

 It breaks the life cycle of pests. Similar plants tend to have the same

pathogens, therefore, crop rotation intercepts the pest life cycle

and their habitat.

 Legumes add nutrients to soil

 Parasitic weeds are controlled. Crop rotation is a traditional weed

control technique that involves maintaining field conditions such

that weeds are less likely to grow and/or increase in number.

 It maintains soil fertility. Prolonged planting of the same crop type

leads to depletion of specific nutrients in the soil.

 It controls soil erosion. When the soil is constantly covered by

plants, the top soil layer is not carried away by water during heavy

rainfall.

 It improves crop yields. Crop rotation increases the harvest ob-

tained from a single seasonal harvest generally increase the bounty

harvest.

 Improves soils structure. Crop rotation helps prevent soil compac-

tion thus improving the physical condition of the soil.