Which practice helps prevent soil depletion?

Crop rotation plays a crucial role in preventing soil depletion because it involves alternating different crops in the same field over various seasons. This practice enhances soil nutrient diversity by allowing different plants to utilize varying amounts of nutrients from the soil, thus reducing the likelihood of exhausting specific nutrient reserves. Additionally, rotating crops can help break pest and disease cycles, leading to healthier soil and improved crop yields.

In contrast, continuous cropping tends to deplete the soil of specific nutrients as the same plants absorb similar minerals repeatedly without giving the soil a chance to replenish those nutrients. Fertilizer application can temporarily address nutrient depletion but does not contribute to the long-term health and sustainability of the soil ecosystem, as it may lead to nutrient runoff and affect soil structure. Pesticide use, while effective against pests, does not directly enhance soil health or prevent depletion, and in some cases, it can even harm beneficial soil organisms.