When did crop rotation first start being practiced?

Crop rotation began to take shape around 6000 BC as early agricultural societies started to experiment with different farming techniques. This practice emerged as a method to enhance soil fertility, manage pests, and reduce disease cycles, which became particularly important as farming expanded and the same crops were grown repeatedly in the same land.

At that time, farmers noticed that planting different crops on a seasonal basis improved yields and soil health compared to rigid single-crop farming. These early agricultural innovators laid the groundwork for sustainable farming practices. The concept evolved significantly over centuries, eventually leading to more organized and scientific approaches to crop rotation that are still utilized in modern agriculture today. Therefore, recognizing 6000 BC as the period when crop rotation first gained traction aligns with the historical development of agriculture.