CROP ROTATION AS A MEANS OF IMPROVING SOIL

FERTILITY

BY

GROUP 3

S/N NAMES MATRIC NO.

1 TAIWO OLALEKAN 20190501023

2 ADESONA MICHAEL 20190501025

3 WILLIAMS ENIOLA 20190501027

4 OLADIPUPO BIDEMI 20190501028

5 AINA DAMILOLA 20190501030

6 ALAO BLESSING 20190501032

7 OKEESAN HABEEBLLAI 20190501033

8 ONAOLAPO ISAAC 20190501034

9 OLAYODE FATIMOH 20190501035

A SEMINAR PAPER

PRESENTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE

EDUCATION, COLLEGE OF VOCATIONAL AND TECHNOLOGY

EDUCATION, TAI SOLARIN UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, IJAGUN, OGUN

STATE.

NOVEMBER, 2023

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Introduction

Food production in developing countries is moving at a far much slower pace than

population growth, leading to continued declines in its already low food production per

capita. Nigerian agriculture is still heavily dependent on the natural soil fertility, terrain,

climate, and water availability. In this region soil nutrient balance aggravated through time

to time and it leads low crop yield. Nutrient depletion rates are aggravated in Nigeria by

high erosion, biomass and animal manure removal from farm plots, limited application of

mineral and organic fertilizers, land degradation, over grazing and monocropping for the

major crops in the area (Beek, et al., 2016). In Nigeria, chemical fertilizers (diammonium

phosphate (DAP) and urea) which are most common applied for the last five decades to

obtain optimum crop yields. It is apparent that, inorganic fertilizers have a high

concentration of nutrients that are rapidly available for plant uptake. Relatively small

quantities of inorganic fertilizers are required, and transport and application costs are low.

Through time to time, a wide range of inorganic fertilizers are required to maintain soil

fertility and crop yield. Farmers are aware that without inorganic fertilizers the

productivity of their crops will drop, and soil nutrient levels will decline rapidly Waswa et

al., (2007). In contrast, sufficient mineral fertilizers are not available at the right times

during cropping season, and this is attributed to high transaction costs Nyamangara et al.,

(2009). Inorganic fertilizers also contribute to eutrophication (fertilization of surface

waters), which results in explosive growth of algae resulting in disruptive changes to

biological equilibrium (Rai et al., 2014). Research finding showed that a positive

correlation between the application of manure and inorganic N-fertilizer on soil organic

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carbon (SOC), bulk density, macro-aggregate stability, and aggregate protected carbon

Dunjana, et al., (2012).

Crop Rotation

A different way of improving soil fertility is crop rotation. It is the practice of growing a

sequence of different crops on the same piece of land. Long-term studies indicate that crop

rotation, in conjunction with other fertility management practices, is fundamental to long-

term agricultural productivity and sustainability (Terefie, 2022). It plays great role for

improving soil physical, chemical and biological characteristics Edesi, et al., (2012). In

any case, the effect of rotation on soil fertility is not permanent and mainly depends on

managing system, local soil and weather conditions (Głąb, et al., 2013).

Most of the crop rotation a shallow-rooted crop like wheat, barley and legumes that

are light feeders may be followed by a deeper-rooted crop like maize, potatoes, vegetables,

and soybeans to recover nutrients that were unused by the shallow feeders and may have

leached by irrigation or rainfall to lower depths in the soil profile. Conversely, a deep-

rooted heavy feeder may be followed by a shallow-rooted light feeder to scavenge

nutrients that may remain after heavy applications of nutrients (Ilumäe, et al., 2009; Tein,

et al., 2014).

Effect of Crop rotation on Soil Chemical Properties

Crop rotation can improve some of Soil chemical properties like soil PH, total

nitrogen, Available Phosphorus, organic carbon, potassium, and Cation exchange capacity.

a. Soil PH: Imtiaz (2013) and Brodruzzaman (2010), showed that cereal-legumes

crop rotation cycles, soil PH changed in plots applied with manure but did not

change in inorganic fertilizers .It is the principal factor of plant nutrient up take that

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 are easily available at higher rates in weak acid Rahman & Ranamukhaarachchi

(2003) and promotes fungal activity soil PH less than 5.5 also at higher levels

makes bacteria more abundant Troll denier (1971). Bacterial growth rates are

generally more sensitive to low PH than fungal growth rates Walse et al. (1998).

Microbial biomass and lignin decomposition appears to be not significantly

affected by soil acidity at PH range of 4.5-6.5 (Terefie, 2022). However, in acidic

PH less than 4.5, microbial activity as well as nutrient turnover is greatly reduced

(Terefie, 2022).

b. Total Nitrogen: Nitrogen stands as a vital nutrient essential for plant growth,

chlorophyll synthesis, and protein formation. In the realm of soil, nitrogen assumes

two major forms: organic and inorganic, with over 90% existing in organic

compounds such as amino acids and amino sugars (Terefie, 2022). The inorganic

nitrogen in soil encompasses NH3-N, NH4-N, NO3-N, and NO2-N, exhibiting

variable concentrations influenced by factors like nitrogen fertilizer applications.

Notably, the primary constituents of plant-available nitrogen are NH4+ or NO3-.

The correlation between soil nitrogen concentrations and organic matter content

underscores the predominantly organic nature of soil nitrogen (Camberato, 2001).

In the context of organic crop rotations, legumes take center stage due to their

unique ability to contribute nitrogen to the system. Legumes like alfalfa, faba bean,

and soybean, as well as green manures like vetch or clover, house specialized

bacteria (Rhizobium spp.) that convert atmospheric nitrogen (N2 gas) into a plant-

accessible form. This symbiotic association varies based on factors including plant

species, soil type, climate, crop management, and growth duration. Research

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 suggests that 40 to 75% of nitrogen from legume cover crops becomes available for

subsequent crops, with cereals utilizing approximately 15 to 20% of legume-

contributed nitrogen (Li et al., 2016; Mohammadi et al., 2012). Understanding

these intricacies is fundamental for optimizing nitrogen contributions in sustainable

agricultural practices.

c. Available Phosphorus (P): Phosphorus, an indispensable macronutrient crucial for

plant growth, is present in both organic and inorganic forms in the soil (Terefie,

2022). Its role is vital in facilitating the conversion of solar energy into the

chemical energy necessary for synthesizing essential compounds like sugars,

starches, and proteins. Despite its importance, phosphorus is often the most

deficient macronutrient in agricultural soils due to its low availability and

inefficient recovery from applied fertilizers (Grant et al., 2002). Cropping

intensification and diversification can significantly influence phosphorus dynamics

in soil systems. Research evaluating the impact of cropping systems and fertilizer

management on phosphorus in long-term rotations revealed that continuous

cropping without fertilizer application led to a significant reduction in soil

phosphorous, while the addition of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizers

positively affected phosphorus availability (Imtiaz, 2013). Integrated use of manure

and mineral fertilizers in field experiments resulted in substantial increases in

available phosphorus (Bayu et al., 2006). Furthermore, a pot experiment comparing

organic manures with NPK fertilizer indicated that various organic manures

significantly enhanced soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus,

exchangeable potassium, and cation exchange capacity compared to NPK fertilizer

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 (Adeniyan et al., 2011; Cercioglu et al., 2012). Inorganic fertilizers, on the other

hand, exhibited low phosphorus availability due to its tendency to form insoluble

complexes with cations like aluminum, iron, calcium, and magnesium under

different soil conditions. The inefficient recovery of phosphorus from fertilizers is

attributed to its adsorption by the soil, rendering it unavailable for plants without

specific adaptations (Cordell et al., 2011). Understanding these dynamics is crucial

for optimizing phosphorus management in sustainable agriculture.

d. Potassium: Potassium is a mineral nutrient plants require in the largest amounts

that involved in photosynthesis, sugar transport, water and nutrient movement,

protein synthesis and starch formation. It also helps to improve disease resistance,

tolerance to water stress, winter hardiness, tolerance to plant pests and uptake

efficiency of other nutrients. Experiments were observed in a study with different

cropping systems that the exchangeable K in soils increased after potato, maize and

groundnut crops whereas, it decreased after rice and jute cropping and a significant

decrease in K release due to continuous cropping systems (Terefie, 2022). Potato

requires high amount of K for tuber bulking BARC . Recycling of crop residues or

applications of high dose K fertilizer may provide a long-term sustainability to

cropping systems Singh et al. (2002). According to Zublena (1997) cited in Terefie,

(2022)., K removal by crops under good growing conditions is usually high and is

often three to four times that of P and is equal to that of N. Proper K management

requires a thorough understanding of soil K behavior and of the various K inputs

and outputs of cropping systems Hoa (2002).

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e. Soil Organic Carbon (SOC): Soil organic carbon, derived from soil organic

matter, stands as a crucial indicator of soil fertility. Soil organic matter, originating

from living organisms, undergoes decomposition and serves various functions,

acting as a reservoir of essential plant nutrients mainly derived from plant residues.

This accumulated organic matter not only improves soil structure, reduces bulk

density, and increases cation exchange capacity but also enhances water holding

capacity, minimizing erosion (Varvel et al., 2010). Additionally, it plays a pivotal

role in moisture retention and contributes to the overall physical, chemical, and

biological properties of the soil. Studies emphasize the sustainable improvement of

soil properties through strategies such as crop rotation and manure application,

which enhance soil organic matter (SOM) (Niwa et al., 2007). A 19-year long-term

experiment revealed that combining crop rotation with manure and inorganic

fertilizer significantly impacted soil organic carbon dynamics and soil physical

properties (Yang et al., 2011). Another eleven-year study underscored the

importance of incorporating organic manures with inorganic fertilizers to maintain

or increase soil organic matter concentrations. This study demonstrated that using

only chemical fertilizers negatively impacted soil organic matter availability.

Recognizing the significance of this interplay between organic and inorganic inputs

is vital for optimizing soil organic carbon and fostering sustainable soil fertility

management.

f. Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC): The Cation exchange capacity (CEC) is the

ability of soil to hold plant nutrients. Increasing the organic matter content of any

soil will help to increase the CEC since it also holds Cation like the clays. Dadhich

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 et al, (2011), report that the application of crop rotation and manure resulted in

significant increase in CEC and the increase was associated with rise in organic

matter content. Similarly, in a study conducted to compare the effect of crop

rotation with organic manures and chemical fertilizers on soil properties (Boateng

et al., 2009) reported that application of different crop rotation with organic

manures enhanced CEC better than the NPK fertilizers.

Effect of Crop rotation on Soil Physical Properties

Soil physical properties play a critical role in creating favorable conditions for crop

growth and soil quality. Liu & Greaver (2010), found that the effects of cropping systems

on soil physical properties are often related to changes in SOM. Some research findings

proved that the addition of soil organic matter in cropping systems increased organic

carbon, moisture retention capacity and infiltration rate of the surface soil, porosity while

decrease bulk density, that is important indicators of air and water movement in the soil

and restrictions to root growth, by incorporating a less dense material and improving

aggregate stability Lal (2004). Furthermore, researchers were reported that higher bulk

density values for continuous cereal cropping systems had higher bulk density compared

that cereal-legumes rotation systems Karlen, et al. (2021) reported that bulk density was

5% greater after 8 years under a corn-soybean rotation compared to continuous corn due to

a greater aggregate stability from the addition of soil organic matter under continuous corn.

However, several other studies report no effect on bulk density due to the cropping system

Huggins et al. (2007). In another way, application of organic fertilizer such as manure

under crop rotation has been shown by many studies to improve the soil physical

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properties by reducing the bulk density, increasing the water holding capacity and

improving the soil structure and infiltration rates and soil porosity, (Guo, et al., 2016).

Effect of Crop rotation on Soil Biological Properties

Soil microbial biomass, constituting a small yet significant portion of soil carbon

and nitrogen, plays a vital role in decomposing organic materials and contributes

significantly to soil fertility and nutrient cycling in agricultural ecosystems. Comprising 2–

5% of soil carbon and 1-5% of soil nitrogen, it serves a dual function by facilitating the

transformation of organic materials entering the soil and acting as a dynamic pool

containing substantial reserves of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur (Adeniyan et

al., 2011). Any fluctuations in microbial biomass influence the cycling and availability of

essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur to plants.

Research indicates that crop rotation systems foster greater microbial biomass in

soils compared to monoculture systems, attributed to increased carbon inputs and diversity

of plant residues (Terefie, 2022). However, the use of nitrogen-based fertilizers, especially

inorganic ones, has been associated with negative effects on soil microbial communities,

altering soil pH and potentially reducing nutrient availability (Geisseler et al., 2014; de

Vries et al., 2006). Contradictory findings suggest that soils fertilized with nitrogen may

have a higher microbial population based on long-term trials worldwide (Rai et al., 2014;

Geisseler et al., 2014). The microbial biomass C to microbial biomass N ratio serves as an

indicator of microbial population composition, with a higher ratio indicating a prevalence

of fungi and a lower ratio suggesting a predominance of bacteria (Terefie, 2022).

Understanding these dynamics is crucial for comprehending fundamental soil processes

and optimizing nutrient availability in agricultural systems.

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Impact of crop rotation on soil fertility

Extensive body of research accumulated over the years, the diverse advantages of crop

rotation come to light, offering a compelling case for its role in enhancing soil fertility.

This agricultural practice involves strategically alternating different crops in a specific

area, and its benefits are becoming increasingly evident (Terefie, 2022). Not only does this

cyclical rotation serve as a deterrent against soil-borne diseases and pests that often target

specific crops, but it also contributes to maintaining a well-balanced nutrient profile in the

soil.

From the perspective of agricultural science, the impact of crop rotation on soil

fertility unfolds as an engaging story of sustainability. Going beyond the immediate

advantages of controlling pests and diseases, the cyclical nature of crop rotation proves to

be instrumental in replenishing essential nutrients in the soil. This contrasts starkly with

monoculture, where the continuous cultivation of the same crop can lead to nutrient

depletion (Brodruzzaman, Meisner,Sadat & Hossain, 2010). In essence, crop rotation

emerges not just as a scientific concept but as a practical narrative that sustains the health

and fertility of our soils, showcasing its significance in the broader context of sustainable

agricultural practices.

Conclusion

The state of food production in developing countries, such as Nigeria, is confronted

with significant challenges, notably the sluggish pace of agricultural growth in comparison

to population expansion. This disparity has resulted in declining food production per

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capita, a concerning issue given the region's reliance on natural factors like soil fertility,

terrain, climate, and water availability for agricultural productivity.

The depletion of soil nutrients over time, attributed to high erosion rates, biomass

and animal manure removal, limited use of mineral and organic fertilizers, land

degradation, overgrazing, and monocropping, poses a grave threat to crop yield and long-

term agricultural sustainability. While inorganic fertilizers have been used for decades to

boost crop yields by providing readily available nutrients, the availability of these

fertilizers at the right time during the cropping season is a challenge due to high transaction

costs.

Moreover, the use of inorganic fertilizers contributes to eutrophication, impacting aquatic

ecosystems. It's evident that an integrated approach that combines manure and inorganic

fertilizers can have positive effects on soil properties. Crop rotation is a promising strategy

for enhancing soil fertility and overall agricultural sustainability. It involves the practice of

cultivating a sequence of different crops on the same land, which, when combined with

other fertility management practices, plays a fundamental role in sustaining long-term

agricultural productivity.

Recommendations

1. Farmers should be encouraged to switch between different crops on the same land

to keep the soil healthy and productive.

2. Farmers are encouraged to promote the use of legume crops as they enrich the soil

by pulling in nitrogen from the air.

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 3. Farmers should be encouraged not to plant an area with vegetables or cover

crops/green manures from the same plant family more than once every three to four

years

4. The deep-rooted crop should be followed by a shallow-rooted crop and vice versa.

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