Correctly calculating and taking advantage of the benefits of a good rotation can improve the bottom line by lowering the cost of production. Total nitrogen credit from red clover, soybeans and manure should all be factored into fertility requirements, reducing the required amount of applied nitrogen. Forages improve soil structure, provide increased erosion control and help achieve the optimum number of years between crops. The root structure of forages is finer so the roots break down more easily allowing air into the soil. When air and moisture move more freely through soil, crops can make the most of moisture and nutrients.
Forages provide good ground cover throughout the season, helping keep soil in place.
And because forages improve soil structure, rain soaks into the ground and doesn't run off. The addition of forages into a rotation also makes it possible to allow the recommended number of years between crops. For example, on any given field, corn and wheat should be grown one in every three years and oilseeds one in every four years for maximum disease and pest control. Conclusion Crop rotation is a best management practice. It makes economic and agronomic sense, and offers the opportunity to improve soil structure, break insect and disease cycles, control problem weeds and improve yields.