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Crop rotations synergize yield, nutrition, and revenue: a meta-analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Shingirai Mudare

    (China Agricultural University)

  • Jingying Jing

    (China Agriculture University)

  • David Makowski

    (Université Paris-Saclay AgroParisTech INRAE)

  • Xueqing He

    (Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University)

  • Zhengyuan Liang

    (China Agricultural University
    Wageningen University and Research)

  • Zoe Sims

    (University of California)

  • Thomas Cherico Wanger

    (Westlake University
    Westlake University
    AgroScope
    Academy of Global Food Economics and Policy - China Agriculture University)

  • David Tilman

    (University of California
    University of Minnesota)

  • Fusuo Zhang

    (China Agricultural University)

  • Wen-Feng Cong

    (China Agricultural University)

Abstract

Increasing agricultural yields through crop diversification may help achieve food and nutrition security. However, the benefits of a transition from monoculture to crop rotation may be reduced if trade-offs exist between yields, dietary energy, nutrients, and revenue. Here, we synthesize 3663 paired field-trial yield observations (1980–2024) and show that globally, crop rotation increased subsequent crop yield, with legume pre-crops outperforming non-legume pre-crops (23% and 16% average increases, respectively). Considering the entire sequence (i.e., pre-crop plus main crop), rotations increased total yields, dietary energy, protein, iron, magnesium, zinc, and revenue by 14–27% relative to continuous monoculture. Notably, win-win relationships among yield, nutrition, and revenue were consistently higher (33–54%) than trade-offs. Different high-performing crop rotations have been identified for several major agricultural production regions worldwide. These findings establish crop rotations as a strategic pathway to enhance synergies among agricultural yields, nutrition, and revenue compared to monoculture, offering scalable solutions for sustainable intensification.

Suggested Citation

  • Shingirai Mudare & Jingying Jing & David Makowski & Xueqing He & Zhengyuan Liang & Zoe Sims & Thomas Cherico Wanger & David Tilman & Fusuo Zhang & Wen-Feng Cong, 2025. "Crop rotations synergize yield, nutrition, and revenue: a meta-analysis," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-64567-9
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-64567-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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