succession of crops: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2/C1Formal / Technical / Academic
Quick answer
What does “succession of crops” mean?
The practice of growing different types of crops on the same area of land in sequential seasons or years, to maintain soil fertility and reduce pest/disease buildup.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The practice of growing different types of crops on the same area of land in sequential seasons or years, to maintain soil fertility and reduce pest/disease buildup.
A planned sequence in which crops are cultivated on the same ground, often forming part of a sustainable agricultural system. It can also metaphorically refer to any consecutive series of events or items that follow one another in a planned order.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning. The term is equally used in technical agricultural contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes sustainability, scientific farming, and soil management equally in both regions.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British English in general publications, due to a historical focus on agricultural land management, but equally common in professional/technical contexts in the US.
Grammar
How to Use “succession of crops” in a Sentence
[Farmers] + [verb: plan/use/practice] + a succession of crops + [on/in] + [field/land].A + [adjective: careful/sustainable] + succession of crops + [verb: improves/prevents] + [soil health/pest buildup].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “succession of crops” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Farmers must succession-crop their fields to meet the new sustainability standards.
- We are succession-planting the greenhouse to maximise its use.
American English
- To improve soil, they succession-plant cover crops after the main harvest.
- The manual explains how to succession-crop in a small garden.
adverb
British English
- The land was used successionally over the decades.
- (Rare usage)
American English
- The crops were planted successionally throughout the spring.
- (Rare usage)
adjective
British English
- The succession-cropping strategy has improved yields.
- They followed a succession-planting schedule.
American English
- Their succession-crop plan was highly efficient.
- We use a succession-planting chart for the vegetable garden.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in agribusiness reports and sustainability proposals: 'The new farm management plan includes a detailed succession of crops to optimize yield.'
Academic
Common in agricultural science, ecology, and geography papers: 'The study analysed the impact of a four-year succession of crops on microbial biomass.'
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Might be used by gardeners or smallholders: 'I'm trying a better succession of crops in my vegetable patch this year.'
Technical
Core term in agronomy, horticulture, and organic farming manuals: 'Legumes are often integrated into the succession of crops to fix nitrogen.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “succession of crops”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “succession of crops”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “succession of crops”
- Incorrect: 'succession for crops'. Correct: 'succession of crops'.
- Incorrect: using it to mean simply 'many crops growing at once' (that is 'intercropping' or 'polyculture').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are often used interchangeably. Technically, 'succession' emphasizes the specific order or sequence in time, while 'rotation' emphasizes the cyclical, repeating nature of the pattern. In practice, the distinction is minimal.
Yes, metaphorically. For example, 'a succession of projects' implies a planned series of projects following one another. However, its primary and most common use is agricultural.
The opposite is 'monoculture' or 'continuous cropping', where the same crop is grown on the same land year after year, which often leads to soil degradation and increased pest problems.
Absolutely. Gardeners often use succession planting, for example, sowing quick-growing radishes followed by slower-growing tomatoes in the same bed within one growing season, which is a form of succession.
The practice of growing different types of crops on the same area of land in sequential seasons or years, to maintain soil fertility and reduce pest/disease buildup.
Succession of crops is usually formal / technical / academic in register.
Succession of crops: in British English it is pronounced /səkˈsɛʃən əv ˈkrɒps/, and in American English it is pronounced /səkˈsɛʃən əv ˈkrɑːps/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not a typical idiom source. Phrase used literally.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SUCCESSION (a sequence) of kings, but instead of kings, it's CROPS (wheat, then beans, then turnips) ruling the field one after the other.
Conceptual Metaphor
FARMING IS A TIMELINE / AGRICULTURE IS A SCHEDULE. The field is a calendar where different crops are scheduled appointments.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary goal of a 'succession of crops'?