Three-field crop rotation

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From the end of the Middle Ages until the 20th century, the three-year rotation or three-field rotation was practiced by farmers in Europe with a rotation of rye or winter wheat, followed by spring oats or barley, then letting the soil rest (leaving it fallow) during the third stage. The fact that suitable rotations made it possible to restore or to maintain a productive soil has long been recognized by planting spring crops for livestock in place of grains for human consumption.

This system was invented in Italy during Roman times and rediscovered in Europe in the 8th century. It gradually spread throughout Europe after that and was practised in most countries around 1100 AD. It caused an agricultural revolution. In comparision to the previously practised 2-field crop rotation yields raised by 20 %. It also allowed farmers to grow more oats, thus allowing them to keep horses. Horses are stronger than oxes and more suitable for pulling a plough, which in combination with the invention of heavier iron ploughs led to even higher crop yields. The growth of the cities from 1100 on in Europe and the rise of the Hanseatic League are a direct result of the three-field crop rotation.

See also: crop rotation