to grow the same crop, or a member of the same
family, in the same growing bed 2 years in a row. In
areas where 2 or more crops can be grown in the same
growing bed during the year, we do not grow the same
crop, or a member of the same family, in that bed a
second time during the year. In addition, we try to
grow a quick-maturing 60+-day “catch crop” after the
main-season crop whenever possible. Fast-maturing
bean and amaranth varieties are examples of this. (A
list of plant families is given on this page.)
- In addition, for non-main-season crops planted in the
fall, there are 3 possible approaches: a 3-year rotation
and 2 types of 2-year rotations.
- There are some points to be noted in these 3
approaches. All begin with a planting for nitrogen
accumulation to build up the soil before grains are
grown to maturity. The second rotation system does
this with a legume only and, therefore, provides the
most nitrogen for the soil. The first rotation system has
a third part, which grows a legume to maturity in
order to provide a period of soil resting.^3
- You may want to experiment with different
combinations, depending on the quality of your soil
and the type of climate you have. The important thing
is to develop a combination that provides the nitrogen
you need and that grows sufficient mature biomass and
immature biomass to produce enough cured compost
to maintain sustainable soil fertility while you grow
food for yourself.
