Diversifying crop rotation increases food production, reduces net greenhouse gas emissions and improves soil health

Global food production faces challenges in balancing increased yields with environmental sustainability. This six-year field experiment in the North China Plain diversified traditional wheat–maize (WM) rotations with cash crops (sweet potato) and legumes (peanut, soybean). Diversification increased equivalent yield by up to 38%, reduced N₂O emissions by 39%, and improved the greenhouse gas (GHG) balance by 88%. Legume-inclusive rotations stimulated soil microbial activities, increased soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks by 8%, and enhanced soil health scores by 45%. Large-scale adoption could increase cereal production by 32% (when WM follows alternative crops) and farmer income by 20%, while benefiting the environment. The study highlights crop diversification as a pathway to sustainable, resilient food production and improved soil health.