The practice of growing the same crop in alternate years to maintain soil fertility is known as crop rotation. This agricultural technique involves changing the type of crop grown in a particular field over different seasons or years. By alternating crops, particularly those with varied nutrient demands and types of root systems, soil structure and fertility can be improved. Some crops, like legumes, can even fix nitrogen in the soil, replenishing essential nutrients that may be depleted by others.
On the other hand, monoculture is the practice of cultivating a single crop species in a specific area, which can lead to nutrient depletion and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases. Hydroponics involves growing plants without soil, using nutrient-rich water solutions, and does not necessarily focus on soil fertility. Intercropping is the practice of growing two or more crops in close proximity to maximize use of resources, but it does not focus on rotating crops over seasons to maintain soil fertility like crop rotation does. Thus, crop rotation is specifically designed to enhance soil health and ensure sustainable agricultural practices.