1-152-686 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Crop rotation: reaping with a Hainault Scythe, 1855. Crop rotation is the practice of growing different crops alternately on the same patch of ground over a cycle of several years in order to protect the health and fertility of the soil. In Norfolk a 4-course system of crop rotation was practised, with wheat planted the first year, followed by turnips, then barley, often underplanted with grass or grass and clover ley to be used for hay or grazing in the fourth year.