Our experiences in the field in 1997 are reinforcing my belief in the need for a sound crop rotation plan. Here's my top ten list for rotations in 1997. Rotations enhance no-till success. Stand problems and delayed emergence in 1997 no-till corn on corn were common. Corn stands were better following other crops.
Rotations reduce insects.
This year corn rootworm beetles are high on corn following corn and corn rootworm damage is common- even on some treated fields. Rotations increase drought tolerance. I've seen several examples where corn following corn was rolled due to drought while corn following sod in the adjacent field was not. Crop rotations increase crop diversity. Small grains did well this year and soybeans may benefit from late rains.