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The Royal Society of London for Improving Natural Knowledge advocates the potato
The Royal Society is the oldest national scientific society. In the late 1700s, it played an active role in encouraging scientific exploration and knowledge under Joseph Banks. -
Norfolk Four Course Crop Rotation
This was was an improved design of crop rotation. The previous 3 field crop rotation left a field empty each year for a period of rest. This new system covered the previously empty field with clover or ryegrass which could be used to feed livestock, while also rejuvenating the soil. Even though this existed in the early 16th century, it wasn't popularized until the 18th century by Charles "Turnip" Townsend. -
Jethro Tull and the Seed Drill
Tull's Seed Drill was a mechanical seeder that sowed in straight lines with correct depth and spacing. It would then cover the seed so that it could grow. Before, people would sow seeds manually which led to much waste. -
Charles “Turnip” Townsend
Townsend is known for his strong interest in farming turnips and his adoption of Norfolk four course crop rotation which led to an increase in food production and less dependence on livestock for food. He used turnips as his cover crop. -
Dutch and Rotherham swing (wheel-less) plough
The Rotherham plough was a plow that was pulled by two horses and driven by one person. It was constructed of a wooden frame with the fittings and coulter made of iron and the mouldboard and share covered with an iron plate. It used no wheel. It was faster and more efficient than a traditional plow, which also meant it was cheaper. -
Aurther Young
Young was considered one of the leading agriculturists of his time. He advocated for inventions such as the seed drill, and practices such as improved crop rotation and the use of marl fertilizer. He wrote "The Annals of Agriculture" in 1784, which was the encyclopedia for improved farming practices. He spread new inventions and techniques related to agriculture. -
Robert Bakewell, Thomas Coke, and the development of Selective Breeding
Robert Bakewell and Thoman Coke introduced the concept of selective breeding. Selective breeding is a scientific practice that isolates and stabilizes certain deemed desirable traits in animals that increase the livestock yield or desirable traits of livestock. Mostly known for sheep and cattle breeding; improving meat production and carcass quality. -
Land Conversion, Drainage, and Reclamation Programs
With an increasing demand for land with a growing population, land reclamation means creating land either by removing water from muddy areas or raising the level of the land. It also involved the reclamation of waste land and the consolidation of strips into block fields. Advancing through 18th Century. -
Enclosure Act
There were many enclosure acts spanning the time of over a hundred years. The Enclosure Act of 1773 removed commoners' access to previously public land, much of which was used by small farmers. It also allowed for it to become private property if bought. -
Development of a National Market
European nations begin to have national markets in the 19th Century in light of the industrial revolution. The industrial revolution produced many goods and businesses could compete with one another with prices. This created economic growth.