Travel awards now open
The travel awards offered by ASA, CSSA, and SSSA provide financial support for students and professionals to share their research, expand their networks, and grow their careers at leading scientific meetings and programs, including CANVAS. Apply now.
Diversified and environment-based crop rotation
A sustainable approach to enhance soil health and crop productivity
A diversified and environment-based crop rotation is gaining popularity as one of the best strategies in sustainable agriculture. This offers a realistic pathway to balance crop–environment interactions while improving crop productivity. Based on input requirements and microclimatic conditions such as localized topography, soil type, vegetation, and environment, diversified rotations can contribute to broader environmental benefits apart from stabilizing crop yield for a growing global population.
In this article, we will explore why we need to investigate an environment-based diversified crop rotation, the impact on soil health with a specific focus on the plant–nutrient relationship, crop yield under diversified cropping systems, and finally, the challenges associated with developing microclimate-based diversified cropping patterns and the future of such system.
Featured articles
Measuring success: Leading with inclusion
A report of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
A working group of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee was charged with assessing progress to date on the initiatives within the DEI Recommendations Report that was approved by the Society boards in 2022. The progress report emphasizes a shift toward “leading with inclusion” by prioritizing member experiences alongside measurable outcomes. It highlights demographic improvements, program achievements, and survey insights since 2021 while outlining next steps to strengthen data collection, leadership diversity, and DEI strategies through 2028.
Recent articles
Weekly Policy News Updates from Washington, DC
Nearly every week, we're updating you on the latest policy developments from Washington, DC and how it affects you.
Recent articles
Soil riddles: June 2026
Think you know soils? Test your knowledge in our “Soil Riddles” series.
If you are the first to guess the soil series name and its exact geographical location correctly, we’ll publish your name along with the answer in an upcoming issue.
Time in the field: The joy of a soil pit
Soil scientists: Why did you enter this profession? "Most of us probably didn't enter soil science for the tenure case or the funding cycle," writes SSSA President Aaron Daigh. "We came for the landscape. ... What we share is the moment … the moment a profile stopped being dirt and started being a story."
Down to Earth
Our Down to Earth section publishes food, farming, and environmental concepts and research in language that is easy to understand by all, including those without formal scientific training. Visit us each week as we continue to add more sections and content.
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