The crop rotation at Mære consists of 3-5 years of meadow and 1 year of barley. We also have ryegrass, potatoes, oats and green forages in the crop rotation on parts of the area. In the meadow year we often sow extra meadow seed to maintain good plant growth.
As agriculture has become more specialized in grain and livestock farming, fewer farms have the opportunity to follow a crop rotation plan. This is particularly problematic on grain farms, where many grow the same grain species on the entire area each year. There are many advantages to having a crop rotation on the farm.
Better soil structure
Crop rotation will provide a better soil structure. A combination of several different crops increases the content of organic matter in the soil. This increases the content of microorganisms and larger soil animals in the soil. They convert plant residues in the soil, release plant nutrients to the plants and form stable soil aggregates. This makes it easier for water to drain away during rainy periods and reduces the risk of soil erosion. At the same time, the soil is better able to supply the plants with water during dry periods.
Minor illness
A versatile crop rotation reduces the risk of weeds and plant diseases spreading in the soil. Many plant diseases attack specific crops and have difficulty surviving if crops from other plant families are grown in the same soil. Weeds that have good growing conditions in a grain field face stronger competition if meadow crops or green fodder crops are included in the crop rotation.
A versatile crop rotation provides good soil
As mentioned earlier, soil organisms, bacteria and fungi, can release a lot of plant nutrients from the organic material in the soil, and provide more nutrients in the soil. There is therefore a gradual build-up of a more fertile soil by having a versatile crop rotation on the farm. So-called depleting crops such as cereals are followed by nourishing crops such as meadows, and a nutrient-rich and stable soil is gradually built up that is also more robust against climate change.
