Crop Rotation Rate Remains Very Low in Tunisia

Tunisian agriculture faces a major challenge: the crop rotation rate remains very low, barely exceeding 10%. Chokri Djebbi, president of the Regional Agricultural Union in Béja, highlighted on Diwan FM that this practice, crucial for soil preservation and disease reduction, is widely underestimated. In Europe, strict rules require a rotation rate of 35%, underscoring the urgency of a more strategic approach. Crop rotation involves alternating crops on the same plot. This helps preserve the mineral elements of the soil, prevents nutrient depletion, and promotes soil regeneration. The integration of legumes such as peas or clover allows nitrogen to be fixed in the soil, benefiting subsequent crops. Additionally, the diversity of roots aerates and structures the soil, limiting erosion and promoting crop growth. This practice also offers economic and ecological benefits. By reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, farmers can lower production costs. Moreover, crop rotation limits the proliferation of pests and diseases by disrupting their life cycle. Chokri Djebbi emphasized the need to transform this technical practice into a national strategy to ensure the sustainability of Tunisian agriculture.