Editing Crop rotation (section)

=== Incorporation of livestock ===

Introducing [[livestock]] makes the most efficient use of critical [[sod]] and [[cover crops]]; livestock (through [[manure]]) are able to distribute the nutrients in these crops throughout the soil rather than removing nutrients from the farm through the sale of hay.<ref name=coleman2012/>

Mixed farming or the practice of crop cultivation with the incorporation of livestock can help manage crops in a rotation and cycle nutrients. Crop residues provide animal feed, while the animals provide manure for replenishing crop nutrients and draft power. These processes promote internal nutrient cycling and minimize the need for synthetic fertilizers and large-scale machinery. As an additional benefit, the cattle, sheep and/or goat provide milk and can act as a cash crop in the times of economic hardship.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Powell |first1=J. M. |last2=William |first2=T. O. |title=An overview of mixed farming systems in sub-Saharan Africa |journal=Livestock and Sustainable Nutrient Cycling in Mixed Farming Systems of Sub-Saharan Africa: Proceedings of an International Conference, International Livestock Centre for Africa  |volume=2 |pages=21–36 |year=1993}}</ref>