<P> The three - field system is a regime of crop rotation that was used in medieval and early - modern Europe . Crop rotation is the practice of growing a series of different types of crops in the same area in sequential seasons . Under this system , the arable land of an estate or village was divided into three large fields : one was planted in the autumn with winter wheat or rye ; the second field was planted with other crops such as peas , lentils , or beans ; and the third was left fallow , in order to allow the soil of that field to regain its nutrients . With each rotation , the field would be used differently , so that a field would be planted for two out of the three years used , whilst one year it `` rested '' . Previously a `` two field system '' had been in place , with half the land being left fallow . The three field system allowed farmers to plant more crops and therefore to increase production and legumes have the ability to fix nitrogen and so fertilize the soil . With more crops available to sell , this also helped the economy in general to thrive . </P>
<P> The three - field system is a regime of crop rotation that was used in medieval and early - modern Europe . Crop rotation is the practice of growing a series of different types of crops in the same area in sequential seasons . Under this system , the arable land of an estate or village was divided into three large fields : one was planted in the autumn with winter wheat or rye ; the second field was planted with other crops such as peas , lentils , or beans ; and the third was left fallow , in order to allow the soil of that field to regain its nutrients . With each rotation , the field would be used differently , so that a field would be planted for two out of the three years used , whilst one year it `` rested '' . Previously a `` two field system '' had been in place , with half the land being left fallow . The three field system allowed farmers to plant more crops and therefore to increase production and legumes have the ability to fix nitrogen and so fertilize the soil . With more crops available to sell , this also helped the economy in general to thrive . </P>
what was the purpose of the three-field system
what was the purpose of the three-field system
allowed farmers to plant more crops and therefore to increase production
allowed farmers to plant more crops and therefore to increase production