Crop Rotation By : Ron Heiniger, Crop Science Extension Specialist, NC State University and Molly Hamilton, Extension Assistant, NC State University The importance of crop rotation in an organic production systems cannot be overemphasized. Select a rotation sequence of production crops and cover crops based on the specific characteristics of the field. This is particularly important in the first few years of an organic production system because the transition period will set the conditions for success. Rotation sequences should be designed to: reduce weed pressure by minimizing the amount of weed seed produced and reducing perennial weeds; increase the amount of mineralizable nitrogen in the soil; reduce the incidence of insect and disease pests by eliminating hosts and interrupting pest life cycles. This usually requires combinations or rotations of crops that attract or harbor different insects and diseases, fix nitrogen, inhibit weed growth, and enhance the soil. The fo...
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