Growers across the UK now have access to a major new set of practical resources to support effective crop rotation planning in field vegetable systems, with the release of Rotations for Field Vegetables, a new Technical Guide from Agricology.
A comprehensive Technical Guide grounded in grower experience
The guide provides in-depth, experience-led guidance on designing and managing rotations for organic, agroecological and regenerative vegetable production. Written by Phil Sumption, with contributions from Matt Smee, Andy Dibben and David Newman, it draws on decades of on-farm experience to explore how rotations can be used to manage soil fertility, pests, diseases and weeds, while building long-term resilience in horticultural systems.
Accompanying video brings rotations to life on a working farm
Alongside the Technical Guide, Agricology has released a video featuring Andy Dibben, Head Grower at Abbey Home Farm in Gloucestershire. In the film, Andy shares practical insights from his own field-scale vegetable rotations, illustrating how rotational planning underpins decision-making around fertility-building, crop sequencing, green manures and market demand.
Online Rotations Hub unites learning resources, tools and inspiration
To complement the guide and video, Agricology has also launched a new online Rotations Hub on its website. Structured as a curated learning space, the Hub brings together bonus resources and some of the best existing learning materials on horticultural rotations and soil health from Agricology and trusted external sources. These include farmer case studies, videos, tools, webinars and research, enabling growers to explore the topic in greater depth and at their own pace.
Rotations are a foundational practice in sustainable horticulture, but their design and implementation can be complex, particularly in diverse and intensive vegetable systems. The new guide and Hub aim to support growers at different scales and stages - from those new to field vegetables, to experienced producers refining their systems in response to a growing awareness of soil health, increased climate pressures and changing markets.
Matt Smee, Head of Agricology, explains how the project was designed to meet a growing demand for practical, systems-based guidance for horticulture:
“Rotations are one of the most powerful tools growers have for integrating soil health, fertility, weed and pest management - but they’re not a fixed recipe. This guide, video and Hub are about sharing real-world experience and helping growers think through rotations in a way that works for their land, their markets and their farming values.”
The Rotations for Field Vegetables Technical Guide, accompanying video, and the new Rotations Hub are all freely available via the Agricology website.
