Diversifying crop rotation increases food production, reduces net greenhouse gas emissions and improves soil health

TLDR

Global food production must balance higher yields with environmental sustainability. The study conducted a six‑year field experiment in the North China Plain to test whether replacing wheat–maize monoculture with sweet potato and legume rotations improves productivity and sustainability. The diversified rotations raised yields by up to 38 %, cut N₂O emissions by 39 % and improved the greenhouse‑gas balance by 88 %, while boosting soil organic carbon by 8 % and soil health by 45 %, and could raise cereal output by 32 % and farmer income by 20 % at scale.

Abstract

Global food production faces challenges in balancing the need for increased yields with environmental sustainability. This study presents a six-year field experiment in the North China Plain, demonstrating the benefits of diversifying traditional cereal monoculture (wheat–maize) with cash crops (sweet potato) and legumes (peanut and soybean). The diversified rotations increase equivalent yield by up to 38%, reduce N2O emissions by 39%, and improve the system’s greenhouse gas balance by 88%. Furthermore, including legumes in crop rotations stimulates soil microbial activities, increases soil organic carbon stocks by 8%, and enhances soil health (indexed with the selected soil physiochemical and biological properties) by 45%. The large-scale adoption of diversified cropping systems in the North China Plain could increase cereal production by 32% when wheat–maize follows alternative crops in rotation and farmer income by 20% while benefiting the environment. This study provides an example of sustainable food production practices, emphasizing the significance of crop diversification for long-term agricultural resilience and soil health.