potstille

Potstille is a term with roots in historical agricultural practices, particularly in Scandinavia. It refers to a system of crop rotation or land management where a specific area of land, often a small patch or field, was designated for intensive cultivation of a single crop, typically vegetables or grains. This was often done in conjunction with other land use practices, such as allowing livestock to graze on surrounding areas. The term can also describe the crop grown in such a designated plot.

The potstille method allowed for a concentrated effort to maximize yield from a particular area, often for immediate consumption or as a specialized crop. This approach contrasted with more extensive farming methods that might involve larger fields with less intensive management. In some historical contexts, potstille plots were also associated with communal land use, where villagers might share access to these productive areas. The specific crops cultivated in a potstille could vary depending on local climate, soil conditions, and the needs of the community. Understanding potstille provides insight into the diverse strategies employed by past societies to sustain themselves through agriculture.