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Four-course crop rotation, Acton Scott Historic Working Farm
Horses ploughing, Acton Scott Historic Working Farm (image)
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A different crop was grown each year over four years to keep fields as free as possible of weeds, and to keep the soil fertile.
In the first year grass was grown and harvested as hay. The animals eating the grass also fertilised the ground with their dung.
In the second year wheat was grown. This was taken to Marshbrook mill for grinding into flour. The wheat straw was used for thatching and as bedding for animals.
Wheat was followed by a root crop such as potatoes, mangolds or swedes. These can be fed to cattle but also “clean” the soil.
Lastly oats were grown to feed horses.