What agricultural practice involves growing a different crop in a field each year to maintain soil fertility?

The practice of growing a different crop in a field each year to maintain soil fertility is known as crop rotation. This agricultural method helps to improve soil health and prevent the depletion of specific nutrients that occur when a single crop is grown repeatedly in the same location. By alternating crops, farmers can disrupt pest and weed cycles and boost soil nutrient levels, as different plants have varying nutrient requirements and contribute different organic matter to the soil when they decompose.

In contrast, monoculture involves growing the same crop in the same place over multiple seasons, which can lead to soil nutrient depletion and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases. Intensive farming focuses on maximizing yield from a given area of land, often through the use of high levels of input and may not prioritize soil health in the long run. Crop diversification, while beneficial for reducing risk and increasing agricultural resilience, does not specifically refer to the rotational aspect of changing crops yearly, but rather encourages the growth of multiple different crops simultaneously. Thus, crop rotation is the most effective practice for maintaining soil fertility over time.