Alternate-field farming: Excavations at the Shiroi-Fukiya site (Komochi, Gunma Pref.) have revealed what is believed to be Japan’s oldest pasture land (dating back to the Kofun period) with evidence that the practice of alternating dry field farming with pasturage was already practiced in the 6th c. (previously estimated at 12-14th c. in Japan, 11c. in Europe). Horses were grazed on eulalia (susuki) grass and crops and pasturage were alternated every ten years or so.
(Nihon Keizai Shimbun 17 Aug 93)
Heritage of Japan 