Crop rotation
1. Presentation
Characterization of the technique
Description of the technique:
Definition: Simultaneous presence of several species or varieties on the same plot, where at least one of the crops is valued, and where the association brings a benefit to at least one of the crops.
This definition includes service plants.
Details on the technique:
This technique has many variants depending on the objectives and types of crops concerned (annual, perennial, perennials, open field or under shelter, etc.).
Implementation period During the intercrop
On established crop
At establishment
Crop association is generally considered before establishment. However, it can be implemented after establishment, particularly in the case of perennial or multi-year crops.
Spatial scale of implementation Plot
Application of the technique to...
Regulation
NEGATIVE influence
Regulatory barriers are not direct, but related to the presence of several crops on the plot, a case not considered in a number of regulations (CAP declarations, AOP specifications...). Furthermore, this can complicate management (use of phytosanitary products approved for all crops, for example).
2. Services provided by the technique
Nutrient supply
Some plants allow nutrients to be brought into the system (e.g., legumes).
Some crops can also serve as green manure.
Moreover, the coexistence of several species can allow a more complete exploration of soil horizons, thus better resource exploitation.
Confidence index:
COMPLEMENTARY TECHNIQUE(S)
INCOMPATIBLE TECHNIQUE(S)
Regulation and management of weeds
Crop associations allow soil cover by selected species that limit the presence of weeds, through various mechanisms: competition for water, light, space, allelopathy...
Confidence index:
COMPLEMENTARY TECHNIQUE(S)
INCOMPATIBLE TECHNIQUE(S)
Management of natural enemies of pests
Crop association can promote the presence of natural enemies of pests through various mechanisms:
- Relay plant: An associated crop can provide a food resource to a natural enemy even in the absence of the concerned pest.
- Cycle closure: The presence of a second crop can allow a natural enemy to complete its cycle on the plot, for example by hosting alternative hosts.
- Food for non-natural enemy stages: Non-natural enemy stages (e.g., adult parasitoids) need food that may not be provided by the main crop (e.g., nectar). Crop association can provide this food to natural enemies.
- Shelter: Some natural enemies require shelter that at least one crop in the association can provide, even if that crop does not benefit from their presence.
Confidence index:
COMPLEMENTARY TECHNIQUE(S)
INCOMPATIBLE TECHNIQUE(S)
Management of pollinator natural enemies
Crop association can extend the overall flowering duration of the plot, increasing its attractiveness to pollinators.
Confidence index:
COMPLEMENTARY TECHNIQUE(S)
INCOMPATIBLE TECHNIQUE(S)
Local climate regulation
Crop association presenting different sizes and morphologies (e.g., herbaceous and shrubby...) can influence the microclimate of the plot (ventilation, humidity, sunlight...).
Confidence index:
COMPLEMENTARY TECHNIQUE(S)
INCOMPATIBLE TECHNIQUE(S)
Pest management
Many mechanisms allow limiting pest pressure by associating crops:
- Plot ventilation
- Barrier effect
- Dilution
- Repulsion
- Disorientation
- Trap plants
- Indicator plants of the presence of pests
Confidence index:
COMPLEMENTARY TECHNIQUE(S)
INCOMPATIBLE TECHNIQUE(S)
Physical stability and soil structuring
The presence of several crops can allow different root types (taproots, spreading roots...) leading to improved soil structure.
Soil cover between rows of a crop by associated crops helps limit erosion and stabilize the soil.
Confidence index:
COMPLEMENTARY TECHNIQUE(S)
INCOMPATIBLE TECHNIQUE(S)
Storage and water management
Crop association can allow better water management at the plot scale, through various mechanisms:
- Water infiltration
- Limitation of evaporation
- More complete exploration of soil compartments
Moreover, optimized soil cover by crop association limits runoff and thus pollution of surface waters by phytosanitary products or fertilizers used on the plot.
Confidence index:
COMPLEMENTARY TECHNIQUE(S)
INCOMPATIBLE TECHNIQUE(S)
3. Effects on the sustainability of the cropping system
"Environmental" criteria
Effect on air quality: Increasing
The effect can be direct (barrier effect on drift). Generally, however, it is rather indirect, by limiting the use of phytosanitary products.
"Agronomic" criteria
Productivity: Variable
Systems associating several crops are generally more productive than monospecific systems. However, the individual productivity of each crop may decrease due to competition between crops. The balance must therefore be found case by case between the proportions of each crop, the objective of the association, and the possible valorization of each crop.
Production quality: Variable
Soil fertility: Variable
Soil fertility is generally increased by crop association, through more complete exploration of soil horizons. Some crops can also improve soil fertility (green manure, legumes).
Water stress: Variable
Functional biodiversity: Increasing
"Economic" criteria
"Social" criteria
4. Favored or disadvantaged organisms
Favored pests
| Organism | Impact of the technique | Type | Details |
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Disadvantaged pests
| Organism | Impact of the technique | Type | Details |
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Favored natural enemies
| Organism | Impact of the technique | Type | Details |
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Disadvantaged natural enemies
| Organism | Impact of the technique | Type | Details |
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Favored climatic and physiological accidents
| Organism | Impact of the technique | Details |
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Disadvantaged climatic and physiological accidents
| Organism | Impact of the technique | Details |
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5. For further information
6. Keywords
Pest control method: Landscape management
Mode of action:
Type of strategy regarding pesticide use: Redesign
Appendices
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