Sunflower Monoculture and Crop Rotation

Abstract

Crop rotations of 4 to 6 years have been commonly recommended for sunflower. Some authorities suggest shorter rotations when disease-resistant hybrids are used. Many sunflower producers use a 3-year rotation, some use a 2-year rotation, and some are considering monoculture. Monoculture is the antithesis of crop rotation. It consists of growing the same species of crop for two or more years on the same field. Crop rotation is a recurring succession of crops on the same field. Rotations vary in length from 2 to 6 years or longer. The shortest rotation, 2 years, is called crop alternation. Crop rotation provides diversification of risk and labor for the individual farmer. Farmers often change rotations or crop sequence in the rotation to meet federal farm program requirements or in response to anticipated changes in prices of crops. The objective of a good crop rotation or sequence for sunflower is weed, insect, and disease control.