Crop Rotation and Diversification in China: Enhancing Sustainable Agriculture and Resilience

Yuzhu Zou, Zhenshan Liu, Yan Chen, Yin Wang and Shijing Feng ()
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Yuzhu Zou: College of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
Zhenshan Liu: Walnut Research Institute, Guizhou Academy of Forestry, Guiyang 550005, China
Yan Chen: College of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
Yin Wang: College of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
Shijing Feng: College of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China

Agriculture, 2024, vol. 14, issue 9, 1-14

Abstract: Crop rotation and diversification (CRD) are crucial strategies in sustainable agriculture, offering multiple benefits to both farmers and the environment. By alternating crops or introducing diverse plant species, CRD practices improve soil fertility, reduce pest populations, and enhance nutrient availability. For example, legume-based rotations increase soil nitrogen levels through biological nitrogen fixation, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. Moreover, these practices promote more efficient water and nutrient use, reducing the reliance on synthetic fertilizers and minimizing the risk of pests and diseases. This review synthesizes findings from recent research on the role of CRD in enhancing sustainable agriculture and resilience, highlighting the potential contributions of these practices towards climate change mitigation and adaptation. Specific crop rotation systems, such as the cereal–legume rotation in temperate regions and the intercropping of maize with beans in tropical environments, are reviewed to provide a comprehensive understanding of their applicability in different agroecological contexts. The review also addresses the challenges related to implementing CRD practices, such as market demand and knowledge transfer, and suggests potential solutions to encourage broader adoption. Lastly, the potential environmental benefits, including carbon sequestration and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, are discussed, highlighting the role of CRD in building resilient agricultural systems. Collectively, this review paper emphasizes the importance of CRD methods as sustainable agricultural practices and provides key insights for researchers and farmers to effectively integrate these practices into farming systems.

Keywords: agricultural practice; crop rotation; diversification; soil fertility; resilience (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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