What is a benefit of crop rotation?

One of the primary benefits of crop rotation is that it increases soil fertility. This is achieved because different crops have varying nutrient requirements, and by rotating them, specific nutrients are replenished in the soil. For example, legumes such as soybeans and peas can fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil, enriching it after the legumes are harvested. In contrast, other crops may deplete specific nutrients during their growth cycle. By alternating the types of crops planted, farmers can enhance the overall nutrient balance and structure of the soil, leading to healthier crops and improved yields over time.

The other options, while they might provide some advantages under certain conditions, do not capture the direct and significant impact that crop rotation has on soil health and fertility. For example, reducing labor costs can occur in some scenarios, but it is not a guaranteed outcome of crop rotation. Similarly, pest management may be standardized through other means, and maximizing water use is more directly related to other irrigation practices rather than the fundamental concept of crop rotation.