A brief overview of crop rotations today and how they may be used to improve soil health and crop yields

Dennis Roe

Crop Rotations

Interest in crop rotations has increased due to their role in:

• Diversifying farm income

• Improving soil health

• Improving yields

• Reducing insect and disease risks

A new interest in crop rotations

Crop rotations must be approached as a system

Because all aspects of the farm must be considered simultaneously in selecting a crop rotation sequence, a systems approach to designing a rotation pattern should be employed.

Individual producers select the most appropriate rotation system

The rotation system allows for a great deal of customization for the individual producer. Each producer can select the rotation best suited to his or her needs

Water-an important factor in selecting a crop rotation

Crops in a rotation are chosen to correctly utilize water. In notill systems, crops which otherwise would not grow in that rainfall zone may be utilized because of the greater availability of water under a no-till plan.

Crop Diversity

Utilizing a diverse range of crops in the rotation will allow for maximum profitability and production.

Types of Crops

Crops are divided into 4 categories

• Cool season grasses• Warm season grasses• Cool season broadleaf• Warm season

broadleaf

Rotations can allow:

• Increased water storage

• Weed control• Nutrient management

through the use of legumes

• Minimized erosion

A crop rotation example: The Zenner Farm

Russ Zenner-Latah & Nez Pierce Counties

• 22 inch rainfall zone• Crops include winter

wheat, spring wheat, spring barley, garbanzos, lentils, peas, oilseed and grass seed.

• Moving toward a direct-seeding system

Other crop rotations on the Palouse

The Northwest Crops Project

• The Northwest Crops project is a study in its third year which is examining crop rotation alternatives in the Palouse region.

• Growers around the Palouse are participating by growing test plots under different rotation systems in a long-term comparison

Using crop rotation to increase yields

• “My goal is to have every crop I raise add to the yield potential of the following crop..”

• He manages a complex rotation system

Questions?