Certified Crop Advisor Practice Exam

What is a primary advantage of crop rotation compared to monoculture?

1. Higher yields

2. Lower input costs

3. Risk spread across more commodity

4. Less labor required

The correct answer is: Risk spread across more commodity

Crop rotation offers a significant advantage by spreading risk across multiple commodities. When a farmer rotates crops, they can mitigate the impacts of pests, diseases, and changes in market demand that can adversely affect a single crop grown continuously in a monoculture system. This diversity helps ensure that if one crop fails or faces a downturn in market prices, the other crops planted in the rotation may still provide income and food security. Moreover, rotating crops can lead to improved soil health, which typically enhances overall productivity over the long term. Different crops contribute various nutrients to the soil and may even alter the soil structure or microbial communities beneficially. This contrasts with monoculture, where continuously planting the same crop can deplete specific nutrients and create a conducive environment for pests and diseases specific to that crop. This advantage is particularly vital in sustainable agriculture practices, where resilience against market fluctuations and environmental stresses is crucial for farmers’ livelihoods.