This agricultural method involves dividing arable land into three parts: one sown with a spring crop, such as oats or barley; one sown with a winter crop, such as wheat or rye; and one left fallow. The fields are rotated each year, so that the section left fallow one year is planted the next. A specific arrangement ensures each field experiences each phase of the rotation over a set period, commonly three years.
The advantage of this system lies in its ability to improve soil fertility and reduce the risk of crop failure. Leaving a field fallow allows it to recover nutrients and moisture, while the rotation of crops helps to break pest and disease cycles. Historically, the adoption of this technique led to increased agricultural productivity, supporting larger populations and contributing to economic growth. It facilitated a more sustainable use of land resources compared to previous farming methods.
