Which Legume Crop Rotation Pattern Better Promotes Soil Health?

Jun 25, 2025

Soil is the core resource of agricultural production. It not only provides crops with nutrients and water for growth but also supports multiple ecological functions such as microbial activity and nutrient cycling.

This comprehensive capability is termed “soil multifunctionality”. In recent years, soil degradation issues have become increasingly prominent, including erosion, nutrient loss, and declining organic matter.

How to enhance soil health through scientific agricultural management measures has become a global priority. As a key practice in sustainable agriculture, crop rotation can improve soil quality by altering soil environments and microbial communities, particularly through rotations between leguminous and gramineous crops—legumes reduce fertilizer dependence via nitrogen fixation by rhizobia.

Click here to see more...

Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.