Organic Gardening…Crop Rotation
Organic Gardening…Crop Rotation
Crop rotation is an extremely important aspect of any organic gardening plan. Using a rotation of crops means that the same crop is not grown on a plot of land for two years running. Crops are divided into groups of related plants or crops requiring the same conditions and are rotated around pre determined plots within the growing area, so providing the opportunity to apply manures, lime and pest control measures according to the crops requirements. For example by keeping brassicas and potatoes on separate plots allows lime to be applied to brassicas to discourage club root while avoiding lime on potatoes which may encourage scab.
The movement of crops around the growing area limits the spread of some soil borne diseases although this is less effective on smaller plots.
The rotation can be changed according to need. A traditional rotation would be 4 or 5 years say: Alliums followed by Brassica, followed by Roots followed by Legumes. If Green Manures are used extra years will be added to the rotation.
The rotation will depend on what quantities of each crop are to be grown and whether a green manure crop is to be grown or if fertility is to be added using FYM or compost.
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Tags: Compost, Crop rotation, Organic horticulture, Pest control
