Erosion TTool/Concerted Crop Rotation

Technical articles - Erosion TTool - Érosion des sols

Field Crops Field Crops Erosion TTool

Illustration of the practice of coordinated crop rotation within the serious game Erosion TTOOL. Credit: Delphine Hombrouckx

Coordinated crop rotation consists of alternating spring crops such as maize and winter crops (such as wheat) within the watershed. Winter crops are placed so as to intercept runoff coming from upstream areas where the soil is bare in spring, in order to slow down surface water flow during heavy rainfall events.

Description

Advantages

• Limits water runoff.
• Reduces water pollution.
• Allows to rethink the system.

Disadvantages

• Can be very time-consuming.
• Requires expertise.
• Requires agreement between neighbors.

Advice

• It is preferable to organize a consultation workshop and seek advice from the agricultural support organization.
• Spring crops under no-till management are encouraged.