The Evolution of Crop Rotation

  • 1552

    The Invention of Crop Rotation

    The Invention of Crop Rotation
    Farmers in the region of Waasland (in present-day northern Belgium) pioneered a four-field rotation in the early 16th century.
  • Period: to

    The Popularity Gain of Crop Rotation

    The British agriculturist Charles Townsend (1674-1738) popularized this system in the 18th century.
  • The invention of the 3-section Crop Rotation

    The invention of the 3-section Crop Rotation
    The Romans created a new system of crop rotation known as, "food, feed, fallow".
  • Planned Rotation

    There is no limit to the number of crops that can be used in rotation, or the amount of rotation takes to complete. Crop rotation became more organized and planned in the 1950's due to focusing on profit and length of the season.
  • The Adding of Oats to Crop Rotation

    Oats were sprinkled around the crops to help them grow and attract pollens.