Ag in a Minute

Makenzie, a Minnesota 4-H Agriculture Ambassador, gives a quick look at crop rotation—a farming practice where different crops are planted on the same field over several years. Traced back to 6,000 BC in China, crop rotation has been used for thousands of years to improve soil health, increase yields, enhance soil nutrients, and reduce pests. Makenzie also explains how gardeners can apply crop rotation in small-scale gardens by switching plant families each year to see its effect. A simple yet effective way to maintain healthy crops and soil! 

What is Ag in a Minute?

Minnesota agriculture is diverse and ever-changing! Join the Minnesota 4-H Agriculture Ambassadors as they explore the many different aspects of agriculture and how it operates in your daily life. In just a minute, grow your agricultural knowledge in an engaging way.

Speaker 1:

Hello, my name is Makenzie and this is Agriculture in a Minute with Minnesota 4-H Agriculture Ambassador. Today we'll be talking about crop rotation, so let's get into it. So what even is crop rotation? It's a practice in which farmers plant different crops on the same field over the course of several years, creating a pattern in which specific crops are grown. Crop rotation can be traced all the way back to ancient times, as early as 6,000 BC in China.

Speaker 1:

It's a practice that has stuck around for thousands of years and has proved effective in farming, with most farmers and producers using it. Over and over again, it has proved very beneficial with increasing yields, improving nutrients in the soil, and overall soil health. It can also help with decreasing the amount of pests for certain crops. You too can use crop rotation. If you have a garden, can grow one plant family in one area of your garden one year and switch it to another family the next year and see how it affects your plants.

Speaker 1:

Now that you know what crop rotation is and how you can use it in your life, don't forget to share with your friends and learn and come back next time to learn more about your culture. This is Makenzie with Minnesota 4-H Agroup Culture Ambassadors. See you next time.