What are successive cereal crops?

"Successive cereal crops" isn't a standard term in agriculture. However, it likely refers to the practice of planting different cereal crops consecutively in the same field. Here's a breakdown of what this might mean:

* Crop Rotation: Successive cereal crops could be part of a broader crop rotation system. This involves planting different types of crops in a sequence over several years to help:

* Break disease cycles: Different crops are susceptible to different pests and diseases.

* Improve soil health: Different crops have different nutrient requirements and can improve soil structure.

* Control weeds: Some crops can suppress weed growth.

* Example: A farmer might plant wheat one year, then barley the next, then oats, and then return to wheat.

Why it might be done:

* Economic reasons: Different cereals might have different market prices, allowing farmers to maximize profits.

* Management reasons: Different cereals might have different maturity times, allowing for more efficient use of resources.

Important Considerations:

* Nutrient Depletion: Planting the same family of crops (cereals) back-to-back can deplete the soil of certain nutrients. This could require additional fertilization.

* Pest and Disease Issues: While crop rotation helps, there's still a risk of pests and diseases building up over time. Careful monitoring and management are essential.

In summary: While "successive cereal crops" might not be a standard term, it likely refers to a strategy involving planting different cereal crops in a sequence to achieve various agricultural benefits.