Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Crop rotation is one of the oldest and most important
agricultural practices in existence and is still one of the most
effective for controlling pest populations, assisting soil
fertility, and controlling diseases.
The primary key to successful crop rotation lies in
understanding that crops belong to a number of different
botanical families and that members of each related family
have common requirements and pest problems that differ
from those of members of other botanical families. Cabbage
and brussels sprouts, for example, are members of the same
botanical family, so they can be expected to have similar soil
requirements and be susceptible to the same pest and disease
problems. Peas and beans are likewise part of the same
botanical family; corn belongs to yet another family unrelated
to the other two. A listing of the botanical names of most
cultivated plant families with edible members follows:
Amaryllidaceae—leek, common onion, multiplier onion,
bunching onion, shallot, garlic, chives
Brassicaceae—horseradish, mustards, turnip, rutabaga, kale,
radish, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, collards, cress
Chenopodiaceae—beet, mangel, Swiss chard, lamb's
quarters, quinoa, spinach
Compositae—endive, escarole, chicory, globe artichoke,
jerusalem artichoke, lettuce, sunflower
Cucurbitaceae—cucumber, gherkin, melons, gourds, squashes
Leguminosae—peanut, pea, bean, lentil, cowpea
