How does crop rotation benefit soil?
In crop rotation, a farmer plants different crops each year. Different types of plants absorb different amounts if nutrients from the soil. Some crops, such as corn and cotton, absorb large amounts of nutrients. The year after planting these crops, the farmer plants crops that use fewer soil nutrients, such as oats, barley, or rye. The year after that farmer sows legumes such as alfalfa or beans to restore the nutrient supply.
