CONSERVATION CROP ROTATION
PRACTICE DEFINITION
This practice applies to growing various crops in the same field in a planned sequence. This
sequence may involve growing high residue producing corns, such as corn grain or wheat in rotation
with low residue producing crops such as soybeans or crops where crop residues are harvested such
as silage corn. The rotation may also involve growing forage crops in rotation with various field
crops.
PRACTICE INFORMATION
The effectiveness of cropping systems varies with the soil type, crops produced, farming operations,
and management of the crop residue. The most effective crops for soil improvement are fibrous
rooted high residue crops such as grass and small grain. Perennial forage crops are very effective in
increasing soil organic matter and decreasing soil erosion. In addition, crop rotations help break
insect, disease and weed cycles. Rotations add diversity to farm operations and often reduce
economic and environmental risks. Crop rotations are a low cost practice that often are related to
other conservation practices such as no-till planting, strip cropping, contour farming, and crop residue
management. Practices such as diversions, terraces, and grassed waterways are frequently used with
conservation crop rotations.
From time to time due to weather and other conditions, a conservation crop rotation will need to be
modified in a given year. A good rule of thumb would be that you could always replace a tilled/low
residue crop with a no-till crop of equal or higher residue. Years of hay may be extended, but years
of a crop such as silage corn may not be increased without consultation with your local NRCS office.
For producers in a continuous no-till system, generally crops may be substituted for one another,
especially if fall grains or cover crops are used whenever crop residues are removed. If you have
questions on your crop rotation as you are implementing it feel free to contact your local NRCS
office.
Generall