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Enclosure Act
The Enclosure Act was initially passed in the early 17th century, but lasted over 200 years. This act included the breaking up of the lord's lands, and dividing them into smaller lands. This was passed to increase agricultural efficiency. This would also support population growth, as farming produced more efficient yields. -
Dutch and Rotterdam swing plough
This plough was built off of a previous, simple designed, Roman, wheeled version of the plough. Eventually, In the mid 17th century, the Dutch changed the shaped, which allowed them to remove the wheels. In doing so, the efficiency of the plough and the speed in which it ploughed increased. This plough was also eventually able to become mass produced, which significantly increased its popularity and use around Europe during the Second Agricultural Revolution. -
Norfolk Four Course Crop Rotation
The Norfolk Four Course Crop Rotation started in Norfolk County, England during the mid 17th century. This technique would emphasize fodder crops, and remove the fallow year, which at that time, ,was common practice. Wheat was grown the first year, followed by turnips in the second, followed by barley in the third. Clover and ryegrass was also planted the third year, but was not harvested until the fourth. -
The Royal Society of London for Improving Natural Knowledge advocates the potato
When the potato was initially introduced to Europe from the New World, it was met with skepticism. However, through published documents in the late 17th century, the Royal Society of London placed a key role in advocating the potato as a valuable crop. This was furthered when Europe hit famines around the same time, which furthered the potatoes popularity and importance. -
Jethro Tull and the Seed Drill
Jethro Tull was a prolific agricultural technology inventor during the Second Agricultural Revolution. His most notable invention, the Seed Drill, was able to sow the seeds into neat rows without the help of humans. This would reduce the time taken to manually scatter the seeds. Tull's invention was initially met with critic, but was later accepted and adopted into British farms, where it would significantly increase the efficiency of the farm. -
Charles "Turnip" Townsed
Townsed is most famously known for introducing the four course crop Rotation system. This system would lead to higher crop yields and more efficient farming. He also emphasized the growing of turnips, which could be used in the winter months to feed livestock. Because of his emphasis on turnips, he was given the nickname "Turnip". -
Robert Bakewell, Thomas Coke, and the development of Selective Breeding
Bakewell is best known for pioneering the systematic breeding of livestock for specific traits, such as increasing the size and productivity of Leicester sheep and Longhorn cattle. His methods focused on improving meat quality and wool production, leading to more efficient and profitable farming. Coke helped promote and spread the practice of selective breeding across all of Britain. Coke was also able to demonstrate the breeding, and how efficient it was, which inspired others. -
Aurther Young
Young is known for his detailed writings on farming techniques and his efforts to improve agricultural practices in Britain. Young’s work allowed for new agricultural practices to be learned on the mass scale. Young's most famous work "Annals of Agriculture" covered a range of topics including selective breeding, crop rotation, and rural economics. -
Development of a National Market
Starting in the late 18th century, the development of a national market included the improvement of roads and local infrastructure, the creation of canals, and eventually railways. This would not only make transporting goods easier, but would also help connect markets, improving both the economy and the local markets. -
Land Conversion, Drainage, and Reclamation Programs
Although drainage and reclamation of land started in the 1600's in small situations, it did not reach its full potential until 1800. Large amounts of land were being drained and reclaimed. This was possible due to innovative draining technology. The drained land could then be used for farming.