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1525
Norfolk Four Course Crop Rotation
A system where four crops were grown in a rotation within the field. In the first round wheat was grown, then turnips, before barley with clover under sown, and finally, ryegrass. This system was created in the 16th century but popularized by Charles Townsend in the 18th century. -
The Royal Society of London for Improving Natural Knowledge advocates for the Potato
In the 16th century the Royal Society of London was founded and it began to advocate for the new crop brought over from America, the potato. The Society believed in the potential benefits of the potato and the Society's supported led to the growth of the potato's popularity. -
Jethro Tull Seed Drill
The Seed Drill planted seeds in neat rows as opposed to scattering them which improved farming. It also quickened the planting process by mechanizing it with the horse drawn seed drill. -
Land Conversion, Drainage, and Reclamation Programs
Land Conversion, Drainage, and Reclamation Programs worked to increase the amount of arable land in Europe in the 18th century. They converted many pastures into land that could be farmed. -
Dutch and Rotherham Swing Plough
The Dutch and Rotherham Swing Plough helped to better aerate the soil and kill weeds. It worked by cutting under the soil and then turning that soil over. -
Charles "Turnip" Townshend
Charles "Turnip" Townshend was a British official who popularized the Norfolk crop rotation system by advocating for the use of turnips in the rotation. -
Enclosure Acts
Beginning in 1760, over 7 million acres of land were “enclosed” over the course of a century. The Enclosure Acts eliminated communally owned land and instead established private ownership which helped to commercialize farming. -
Selective Breeding
Bakewell and Coke developed the tactic of breeding animals with favorable traits in order to create offspring with those same traits. This allowed animals to be used to produce products more effectively. -
Arther Young
Arthur Young was an agricultural writer who published numerous books advocating for the use of new inventions. He published his first book, A Course of Experimental Agriculture in 1770. -
National Market
Throughout the 18th century markets were developed for agricultural products due to the various new inventions. By the late 18th century and into the 19th century a national market had formed, driven by the large cities, lowering regulations on farmers.