The significance of three field rotation During the Middle Ages Europe saw many innovations in farming that lead to growth in its population and wealth. One of the most significant advancements was the three field rotation system used in farming. Prior to discovering this new method of farming, farmers would plant crops on one half of its agricultural field living the other half uncultivated. In doing so they were able to harvest crops while uncultivated land would remain preserved. When a crop is continuously grown in an area of land, it robs the soil of nutrition needed to avoid crop failure or possible famine. This method was effective but made the harvest underwhelming. The three field rotation helped increase annual crop yields that benefitted the population, economy and the health of domesticated animals. Farmers discovered they no longer had to cut off half their land for soil preservation but only a third. On one third of the land farmer could grow crops that benefited the uncultivated soil and the food supply of the peasant population. Farmers would grow peas or legumes on a third of the land, by doing so they were able to grow protein rich crops that helped the peasant with a source of a high protein diet. Peas and legumes also provided nitrogen that helped fertilize the uncultivated soil. In the other cultivated third of the land farmers would grow crops such as oats, rye or wheat that they could feed to its livestock. Normally farmers relied on using Oxen to assist in prepping the land but realized horses could work longer and more effectively if bred the right way. Horses use to be feed hey and other foods that were not high in nutrition which lead to lesser healthy horses. The three field system allowed farmers to grow enough oats in one year to supply their horses for three years. Horses were then noticed to be more effective than ox and used more often. Loading...Besides its benefits in the diet of peasants and horses this system helped the local economy immensely. This system gave opportunities for more jobs and less work for farmers. The high demands of horses lead to more blacksmiths being needed. Towns thrived because of the extra crop it was able to trade. Farmers were able to work more efficiently because plowing more farmers could double their crops which lead to a surplus. This system was only effective in northern parts of Europe because spring planting required summer rains and not all regions had this advantage. With better diets for the peasant population and horses populations increases significantly. With healthier workers work became more efficient which lead to higher yields to be traded and money to be made. With more money being made and living conditions slightly improving villages grew into towns and towns grew into cities in some cases. This innovation changed the civilization for the better forever. Sources: Technology a World History: by Daniel R Headrick, pages 56-59 Britannica Academic Edition: three-field system. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/593743/three-field-system Farming in the Middle Ages: http://www.middle-ages.org.uk/farming-middle-ages.htm