The word "Fallowness" is spelled with two Ls, despite the fact that it is pronounced with only one. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /ˈfæləʊnəs/. The double L in "fallowness" is a result of the word's Old English origin, where it was spelled "feallan" which means "to fall". Over time, the spelling of the word has changed but the pronunciation has remained the same. So, even though it may seem odd, the double L in "fallowness" is actually the traditional spelling.
Fallowness is a term commonly used in agriculture to refer to the state of land or soil that is left uncultivated or unseeded for a period of time. It is characterized by the absence of active agricultural practices such as planting, growing, or harvesting crops. In this state, the land is intentionally allowed to rest and replenish its nutrient levels, natural fertility, and overall productivity.
The concept of fallowness is based on the understanding that continuous cultivation of the land without breaks or periods of rest can deplete its fertility and lead to decreased crop yields over time. By allowing the land to lay fallow, farmers and landowners promote the renewal of soil nutrients, control the growth of weeds, and reduce pest populations. This period of rest often involves natural processes such as the decomposition of organic matter, weathering, and microbial activity that work to enrich and rejuvenate the soil.
Moreover, fallowness can also refer to a general sense of inactivity, dormancy, or unproductiveness in a non-agricultural context. It can describe a lack of motivation or inspiration, and a state of idleness or stagnation. In this sense, fallowness implies a need for renewal or a period of rest in order to regain energy or generate new ideas and productivity. As with fallowness in agriculture, this state of inactivity can be considered as an intentional pause that allows for personal growth, creativity, and rejuvenation.
Exemption from bearing fruit; to lie fallow, to lie uncropped; to rest; to remain unexercised.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "fallowness" is derived from the base word "fallow", which traces its origins back to the Old English word "fealgian" or "fealh" meaning "to fallow" or "to plow". In Middle English, the term was "fallowe". The concept of "fallow" originally referred to the practice of leaving a field unplowed and unseeded for a period of time to restore its fertility. Over time, "fallowness" evolved from its agricultural sense to encompass a broader meaning of inactivity, dormancy, or a lack of development or productivity in various contexts.