Agricultural practices in monasteries

Historically, monasteries often managed their own farms, practicing skilled agriculture to sustain their communities. They cultivated crops, raised livestock, and maintained orchards, utilizing organized methods like crop rotation and irrigation. These practices ensured a steady food supply, supported self-sufficiency, and sometimes contributed surplus produce to local markets. Monasterial agricultural systems also incorporated innovations such as drainage and fertilization techniques, reflecting a blend of practical knowledge and spiritual discipline aimed at harmony with nature. Overall, monasteries served as centers of agricultural productivity that balanced spiritual life with effective land management.