Abstract
In this paper I examine the transition phenomena occurred in the rice-based rotation systems and
material circulation in northern Italy where the so-called capitalistic agriculture had developed since the late
18th century.
In the first place, I overview the Italian modern and contemporary agricultural history and the features
of rice cultivation in Italy.
In the second place, I compare the rice-based rotation systems in several periods. The introduction of
pasture into the rotation system increased the frequency of rotation from 6 years in the early 19th century to 9
years by the 1870s, resulting in a good material circulation.
Eventually I analyze the report presented by the agronomist Novello Novelli at the international rice
conference held in Pavia 1906, where he highlighted the economic importance of pasture and stockbreeding
in the rotation. Notwithstanding this, farmers were prone to carve portions of the rice fields to their advantage,
depending on the availability of chemical fertilizers. This caused the decline of stockbreeding and the
interception of material circulation in the following years.
