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Acta Prataculturae Sinica ›› 2011, Vol. 20 ›› Issue (3): 245-255.

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History, theory and practice of pasture-crop rotation in China: A review

XING Fu1, ZHOU Jing-ying2, JIN Yong-jun1, SUN Lu1, ZHANG Jian-feng2, YUE Wei2, BAO Zhuang2, NI Nan2, QIAN Ying2   

  1. 1.Institute of Grassland Science, Northeast Normal University, Key Laboratory of Vegetation Ecology, Ministry of Education, Changchun 130024,China;
    2.Inner Mongolia Tumuji National Nature Reserve, Yindeer 137600,China
  • Received:2010-04-14 Online:2011-03-25 Published:2011-06-20

Abstract: The vigorous implementation of pasture-crop rotation is of great significance to the current agricultural structure adjustment and agricultural sustainable development in China. This paper summarizes the developmental history of Chinese agriculture, from continuous cropping systems to pasture-crop rotation, and recapitulates the ecological and economic benefits of pasture-crop rotation such as increasing output, reducing weeds, pests and diseases, improving soil fertility, maintaining water and soil. Seven existing major pasture-crop rotation models in China such as the “ryegrass→rice” rotation in south Asian tropics of China are summarized. The energy-driven pasture-crop rotation becomes necessary, according to the theory of agro-grassland system, for combining national food security, agricultural structure restructuring, water-soil conservation, and the demand for wealth. The feasibility of implementing pasture-crop rotation for policy assurance, theoretical guidance and technical support are also discussed. The focus should be put on strengthening the pasture-crop rotation models and demonstration research with regional representation, and with breeding crops and pastures to meet the needs of future pasture-crop rotation. The gains and losses from the two “herbage seed upsurge” should be compared.

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