What is the primary purpose of crop rotation?

The primary purpose of crop rotation is to prevent nutrient depletion and manage pests. This agricultural practice involves alternating the types of crops grown in a particular area over multiple seasons.

When crops are rotated, it helps in maintaining soil fertility by ensuring that different plants utilize various nutrients from the soil. Some plants may contribute to nutrient enrichment; for example, legumes can fix nitrogen into the soil, enhancing its overall quality for subsequent crops. By rotating crops, farmers can also disrupt the life cycles of pests and diseases that tend to thrive when the same crop is grown repeatedly in the same soil, thus reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides and promoting a healthier ecosystem.

While the other options mention factors that could benefit a farmer, they do not capture the fundamental agronomic advantages that crop rotation provides. For instance, while crop rotation can lead to better market prices and lower fertilizer costs indirectly, these are not the primary motivations behind this practice. The focus is on soil health and pest management, which are crucial for sustainable agriculture.