The soil scientist determines that crop rotation increases soil organic matter by 0.3% per year, while continuous planting decreases it by 0.1% per year. If a field starts at 2.5% organic matter, what will the level be after 3 years using rotation, and how much more than continuous planting is the increase?

Sun, 03 May 2026 09:14:51 +0000

Title: How Crop Rotation Boosts Soil Organic Matter: A 3-Year Analysis Soil is the foundation of sustainable agriculture, and understanding how management practices affect soil organic matter (SOM) is crucial for long-term farm productivity. Recent research, led by dedicated soil scientists, reveals a significant difference between crop rotation and continuous planting in their impact on soil health. A soil scientist determines that when crop rotation is practiced, soil organic matter increases by 0.3% per year, while continuous planting—where the same crop grows repeatedly—reduces SOM by 0.1% annually. This contrast highlights the importance of diversifying crops to maintain and enhance soil fertility. ### Starting Point: 2.5% Organic Matter
Assuming a field begins with 2.5% soil organic matter, the long-term benefits of crop rotation become clear over time.