Abstract

Crop rotation, one of the oldest agronomic practices known to humanity, continues to be debated in the context of modern intensive farming systems. As agriculture has shifted toward monoculture-dominated landscapes driven by economic and logistical pressures, the incidence of soil-borne and foliar diseases has escalated dramatically. This review critically examines the relevance of crop rotation as a disease management strategy in contemporary intensive agriculture. Drawing on a wide body of recent literature, it evaluates the mechanisms through which rotation disrupts pathogen life cycles, modulates soil microbial communities, and reduces inoculum density. The paper also explores limitations imposed by modern farming economics, land fragmentation, and market demands, as well as emerging integration strategies that combine rotation with biological, chemical, and genetic approaches. The synthesis of evidence strongly supports the continued relevance of crop rotation not merely as a disease management tool, but as a cornerstone of sustainable, integrated crop management. Future directions for research and policy are proposed.