Which of the following is an advantage of a crop rotation over a monoculture system?

In a crop rotation system, farmers alternate different crops in the same field seasonally or annually, which provides several significant advantages over a monoculture system where the same crop is grown repeatedly in the same area. One key benefit is the ability to spread risk across more than one commodity. By diversifying the types of crops grown, farmers can mitigate potential losses due to disease, pest outbreaks, or market fluctuations that may affect a single crop. For example, if one crop suffers from a price drop or is impacted by a specific pest, the other crops being grown can still yield profits, supporting overall farm income stability.

Additionally, crop rotation can enhance soil health, improve biodiversity, and provide better nutrient utilization, which contributes to sustainable farming practices. This contrasts with monoculture, which tends to lead to greater vulnerability to pests and diseases, and can deplete specific nutrients from the soil over time. The other options listed do not accurately represent the benefits of crop rotation when compared to monoculture. Higher input costs, less soil fertility, and increased pest issues are generally challenges associated with monoculture rather than advantages of crop rotation.