La jachère en Ecosse au XVIIe siècle : phase ultime de l'expansion d'une technique

Abstract

Summer- Fallow in 18th-Century Scotland: the Ultimate Phase in the Development of a Technique. A brief history of the origins of summer-fallow in Europe is followed by the analysis and comparison of terms used in various languages to designate this practice. Excerpts from an article published in the Farmer's Magazine in 1800 illustrate the technical problems posed by the introduction of summer-fallow in Scotland and relate the circumstances and results of one of the first experiences, citing the opinions of contemporary critics. Scottish farming prior to this innovation is described so that the reader can better comprehend the effects of summer-fallow and of wheat cultivation (with which it is associated) on the agricultural system. Although praised by agronomists and advocated by land owners, this practice was not always enthusiastically accepted by farmers, and it had barely reached the height of its development before beginning to disappear, challenged by other techniques associated with other crops. In conclusion, the author offers several examples of the introduction of summer-fallow in other countries (England, Finland, Denmark) and comments on the misunderstandings that hindered its acceptance in France.