Crop rotation in the Mediterranean: legumes and cereals

NATAE Practice abstract n. 2: Diversity. Working Package 7. A NATAE practice abstract is a summary that describes an agroecological practice that can be used as a valuable resource by farmers, researchers, policy makers, and other stakeholders interested in adopting or promoting agricultural practices that contribute to sustainability, productivity, and competitiveness in the agricultural sector. This document presents crop rotation as a key agroecological practice in Mediterranean cereal systems, with a focus on legume–cereal rotations. It explains how rotations improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, enhance soil structure, reduce erosion, and limit pests and diseases. Legumes play a central role by reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers and optimising water use. The document also highlights common Mediterranean legumes, examples of traditional and diversified rotations in North Africa, and the technical and market challenges associated with more complex agroecological rotations.