1. Crop Rotations
A brief overview of crop rotations today and how they may be used to improve soil health and crop yields
Dennis Roe

2. A new interest in crop rotations
Interest in crop rotations has increased due to their role in:
Diversifying farm income
Improving soil health
Improving yields
Reducing insect and disease risks

3. Crop rotations must be approached as a system
Because all aspects of the farm must be considered simultaneously in selecting a crop rotation sequence, a systems approach to designing a rotation pattern should be employed.

4. Individual producers select the most appropriate rotation system
The rotation system allows for a great deal of customization for the individual producer. Each producer can select the rotation best suited to his or her needs

5. Water-an important factor in selecting a crop rotation
Crops in a rotation are chosen to correctly utilize water. In notill systems, crops which otherwise would not grow in that rainfall zone may be utilized because of the greater availability of water under a no-till plan.

6. Crop Diversity
Utilizing a diverse range of crops in the rotation will allow for maximum profitability and production.

7. Types of Crops Crops are divided into 4 categories Cool season grasses
Warm season grasses
Cool season broadleaf
Warm season broadleaf

8. Rotations can allow: Increased water storage Weed control
Nutrient management through the use of legumes
Minimized erosion

9. A crop rotation example: The Zenner Farm

10. Russ Zenner-Latah & Nez Pierce Counties
22 inch rainfall zone
Crops include winter wheat, spring wheat, spring barley, garbanzos, lentils, peas, oilseed and grass seed.
Moving toward a direct-seeding system

11. Other crop rotations on the Palouse

12. The Northwest Crops Project
The Northwest Crops project is a study in its third year which is examining crop rotation alternatives in the Palouse region.
Growers around the Palouse are participating by growing test plots under different rotation systems in a long-term comparison

13. Using crop rotation to increase yields
“My goal is to have every crop I raise add to the yield potential of the following crop..”
He manages a complex rotation system

14. Questions?