Crop rotation is used by farmers to increase

Options

A. Nitrogenous content of soil
B. Organic content of soil
C. Community area
D. Soil fertility

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Crop Rotation**: Crop rotation is an agricultural practice where different types of crops are grown in the same area in sequential seasons. This method helps in maintaining soil fertility and controlling pests and diseases.

2. **Example of Crop Rotation**: Consider a farmer who grows wheat in a particular field. After harvesting the wheat, instead of planting wheat again, the farmer plants a different crop, such as soybeans.

3. **Nutrient Utilization**: Each crop has different nutrient requirements. Wheat, for example, utilizes various nutrients from the soil during its growth. After wheat is harvested, the soil may be depleted of certain nutrients.

4. **Planting Legumes**: The farmer then plants soybeans, which are legumes. Legumes have the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil, enriching it with nitrogen, which is an essential nutrient for plant growth.

5. **Subsequent Crop**: After harvesting the soybeans, the farmer may plant cotton. Cotton requires different nutrients than wheat and soybeans, allowing for a diverse nutrient uptake from the soil.

6. **Soil Replenishment**: By rotating crops, the farmer helps the soil to replenish its nutrients over time. Different crops utilize different nutrients, which prevents the depletion of any single nutrient and promotes overall soil health.

7. **Conclusion**: The main benefit of crop rotation is the increase in nitrogenous content in the soil, particularly due to the inclusion of legumes like soybeans in the rotation. This practice enhances soil fertility and sustainability in farming.

**Final Answer**: Crop rotation is used by farmers to increase the nitrogenous content of the soil.

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