The midrash Metzorah (15:6) says אָמַר רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן לָמָּה נִסְמְכָה פָּרָשַׁת חַלָּה לְפָרָשַׁת עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה, לוֹמַר לָךְ, שֶׁכָּל הַמְקַיֵם מִצְוַת חַלָּה כְּאִלּוּ בִּטֵּל עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה, וְכָל הַמְבַטֵּל מִצְוַת חַלָּה כְּאִלּוּ קִיֵּם עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה. What is the connection between challah and avodah zarah?
The essence of avodah zarah is to think that there is some power to a being other than Hashem. The mitzvah of challah is to recognize that even what appears to be the handiwork of mankind is really in G-d's control. One who gives challah is מבטל ע"ז, he nullifies that feeling that there is some other capability separate from Hashem. One who doesn't give challah is מקיים ע"ז, he acknowledges the feeling that there is some feeling other than Hashem.
That is why the obligation of challah started immediately upon entering Eretz Yisroel because the foundation of living in Eretz Yisroel must be preceded with the message of challah; it isn't our working of the land that builds it up, it is G-d's gift to us.
(Based on Likutay Sichos volume 18, intro. to Chidushay Basra on Challah and see Sfas Emes 5661.)
Gevaldik
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