Choosing a suitable plot and crop rotation
What is crop rotation?
Crop rotation refers to the practice of growing different types
of crops (or none at all) in the same area over a sequence of seasons.
The farmers should not grow on the same plot crops from the same
plant family in consecutive years. For example: Tomatoes, Pepper
and Potatoes belong to the same plant family.
Types of crop rotation:
One field rotation – growing a single crop with 1-2 year rest.
Two fields rotation – alternating between two crops in two fields.
Three (and up) fields rotation – growing a different crop in each field every year, for three to four years before repeating.
Example (four fields rotation):
* Rotate the crops within fields, maintaining the total area of each crop.
* If crop areas are not equal, consult your local expert.
Groups of plants that we can rotate:
Example:
For Tomatoes and Hot Peppers - choose a plot that was
not used for tomatoes, peppers or potatoes
for at least two years.
Make sure that no broad leaf herbicides (such as 2,4-D)
were used on this plot for at least two years.
Why?
The land can become
“tired" and less fertile,
because the same type of crop planted repeatedly in the same area keeps draining the land of the same nutrient.
Certain pests can reach
levels that are hard to
control when they learn that the field always has the same type of crop.
Land can be more
susceptible to the forces of erosion if the same type of crop is planted repeatedly.
Why?
Herbicides, like 2,4-D,
have residual effect, which can last for 2 years.
The residual effect can damage your crop.
