femfältssystem

The femfältssystem, or five-field system, was an agricultural technique practiced in parts of Europe, particularly during the medieval period. It was an advancement over the earlier three-field system and aimed to increase crop yields and soil fertility. The system typically involved dividing the arable land of a village into five sections.

Each section would be cultivated in a specific rotation. A common rotation might involve dedicating one field to wheat, another to rye, a third to barley, a fourth to legumes like peas or beans, and the fifth field would be left fallow, or uncultivated, to rest and regenerate. The inclusion of legumes was significant as they helped to replenish nitrogen in the soil, a vital nutrient for plant growth.

The femfältssystem allowed for a more diverse range of crops to be grown, reducing the risk of total crop failure and providing a more varied diet for the population. It also meant that a larger proportion of the land was under cultivation in any given year compared to the two-field system, and a more optimized use of land compared to the three-field system. This increased productivity contributed to population growth and supported larger communities. The exact implementation and specific crops used varied depending on local conditions and agricultural traditions.