Diversifying crop rotation improves soil, reduces fertilizer costs

Credit: Ruth Beck

The rich green color of these pea pods shows that the live bacteria in the inoculant have colonized the roots. A U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service -funded study showed that winter wheat yield was higher following peas than oats and that corn planted after peas produced higher yields than corn following soybeans.

« Diversifying crop rotation improves soil, reduces fertilizer costs

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This close-up shows the nodules that develop on the pea roots. This pea root provides a home for soil bacteria, known as rhizobia, and, in return, the rhizobia take nitrogen out of the air and transforms it into nitrogen that can help the pea grow. This symbiotic relationship produces a healthier, deep green pea—and helps enrich the soil.

« Diversifying crop rotation improves soil, reduces fertilizer costs

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