Monastic agriculture

Monastic agriculture refers to farming practices developed and employed by monasteries, particularly during the Middle Ages. Monks cultivated land to support their communities, producing food, herbs, and other crops essential for sustenance and medicinal purposes. This approach often prioritized sustainable methods, crop rotation, and the use of manuals or texts on agriculture to maximize yields. Monastic farms not only provided for the monks but also contributed to local economies and served as centers for agricultural innovation. Their practices laid the groundwork for modern farming techniques and the preservation of agricultural knowledge.