Bidale is a term of Basque origin, primarily used in agriculture and livestock farming. It refers to a traditional agricultural system in the Basque Country, which involves the rotation of different crops and livestock in a harmonious manner.
In a bidale system, the land is divided into two parts: arable land for cultivation and pasture land for grazing livestock. The purpose of this division is twofold - to ensure that the soil remains fertile and to manage the grazing capacity for livestock effectively.
The rotation of the crops is an integral part of bidale. The crops cultivated on the arable land are alternated every year, typically between cereals, vegetables, and legumes. This practice not only allows a diversified yield but also helps in breaking the cycle of pests and diseases, while replenishing the soil with nutrients naturally.
On the other hand, the grazed pasture land is used for livestock, such as sheep or cattle. The animals are moved from one area of the pasture to another periodically to optimize nutrition intake and allow the grassland to rest and regrow. This rotational grazing benefits both the animals, providing them with fresh and nutrient-rich forage, and the land, preventing overgrazing and maintaining ecological balance.
Bidale is not only a sustainable and efficient farming method but also represents the deep connection between rural communities and their agricultural heritage in the Basque Country.
