THE IMPACT OF LEGUME AND CEREAL CROP ROTATION ON SOIL ORGANIC CARBON AND NITROGEN LEVELS

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of legume and cereal crop rotation on soil organic carbon (SOC) and nitrogen (N) levels across varied agroecological zones. Employing a randomized block design with standardized management practices, the research compares multiple crop rotation systems—including legume-cereal, legume-legume, cereal-cereal, and cereal monocultures—analyzing their effects at two soil depths (0–15 cm and 15–30 cm) during three seasonal stages. The results reveal that legume-based rotations significantly enhance both SOC and nitrogen concentrations, with the most pronounced effects observed in the upper soil layer (0–15 cm). Mid-season stages recorded the highest nutrient levels, highlighting the temporal dynamics of nutrient cycling. Regionally, temperate zones exhibited the greatest improvements in soil fertility, likely driven by favorable climatic and microbial conditions. A positive correlation between increased SOC and nitrogen content and higher crop yields further substantiates the agronomic benefits of rotational systems. GIS mapping confirmed spatial variability in nutrient enrichment, offering insights into site-specific management strategies. Collectively, the findings emphasize that integrating legumes into crop rotations not only improves soil health and fertility but also enhances yield performance, contributing to sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural systems. This study underscores the importance of crop diversification as a strategic intervention for regenerating degraded soils and reducing dependency on synthetic fertilizers.