Fallowing

/ˈfæloʊɪŋ/ verb

Definition

The practice or process of leaving farmland unplanted for a season to let the soil regain nutrients and become more fertile.

Etymology

From Old English fealgian + -ing (present participle suffix). Describes the ongoing practice of the fallow system used in medieval and traditional agriculture.

Kelly Says

Before synthetic fertilizers existed, fallowing was the main way farmers kept soil healthy. Some farms still use this ancient technique today because it works so well—and it's better for the environment than chemical fertilizers.

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