This describes the poor management practice of extracting maximum short-term yield from a paddock or field without allowing time for recovery. It usually involves running too many head of livestock on sparse pasture or planting heavy-feeding crops back-to-back without replacing nutrients. The result is compacted, depleted soil that takes years of careful management to restore.
The previous owner completely flogged that top pasture, so we're just going to plant a cover crop and leave it alone this year.
A farmer who flogs their ground is generally looked down upon by neighbors for trading long-term soil health for a quick payout.
Related terms
Fallow
Cultivated land that is deliberately left unplanted for one or more growing seasons to recover its fertility.
Soil fertility
The capacity of soil to provide essential nutrients and a suitable environment for plant growth.
Intensive farming
An agricultural system designed to maximize crop or livestock yields using high levels of inputs.