Cultivation & Preservation All rights reserved to docjournals.com

Beyond the Monoculture: Reintroducing Crop Rotation with Heirloom Varieties for Soil Health

This article explores the critical need to move beyond monoculture farming, highlighting its detrimental effects on soil health and biodiversity. It delves into the historical context and ecological benefits of traditional crop rotation, demonstrating how integrating genetically diverse heirloom plant varieties can significantly enhance soil fertility, natural pest resistance, and overall ecosystem resilience. Practical advice for designing and implementing effective crop rotation plans is provided for both home gardeners and small farms, emphasizing the importance of plant families, multi-year cycles, and the role of cover crops to foster sustainable and regenerative food systems.