Crop Rotations in Organic Production Systems

In the case of modern, industrial agriculture, there was the belief that the need for crop rotation would evaporate as farmers controlled factors such as fertility, erosion, and weed management, thereby mitigating the necessity for crop rotation. Cover crops frequently are used to provide interim soil cover in the cropping sequence. The intent of the national organic program standards is to promote crop rotations that improve the soil, minimize weed and other pest problems, and provide for erosion control. Many farmers who rotate crops notice the improvement in tilth or friability of soil following alfalfa or other sod crops. Often the biggest challenges during transition are maintaining an adequate supply of nitrogen for optimum crop growth and keeping weeds under control while at the same time minimizing economic hardships associated with the transition. The transition period is typically 36 months from the last application of a prohibited substance.