The Agricultural Revolution in Britain, which took place from the late 17th century into the 19th century, brought significant changes in agricultural practices and food production methods. Two key changes were:
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Crop Rotation: One of the major innovations was the adoption of crop rotation systems, particularly the four-field crop rotation system popularized by farmers like Charles Townshend. This method involved rotating different types of crops in a given field throughout the seasons. For instance, farmers would alternate between root crops (like turnips) and grains, which helped maintain soil fertility and reduce fallow periods. This led to increased yields and better overall soil health.
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Selective Breeding: The practice of selective breeding of livestock became more prominent during the Agricultural Revolution. Farmers began to intentionally breed animals for desirable traits, such as size, growth rate, and milk production. Notable figures, such as Robert Bakewell, championed these practices, leading to improved stock—most notably with sheep and cattle—which resulted in better quality meat and more wool, thereby increasing productivity.
These changes were instrumental in increasing agricultural output, supporting population growth, and setting the stage for the Industrial Revolution.