The First Agricultural Revolution

Historians have often labeled the first Agricultural Revolution (which took place around
10,000 BC) as the period of transition from a hunting- and gathering society to one based on
stationary farming.
During the 18th century, another Agricultural Revolution took place when European
agriculture shifted from the techniques of the past. New patterns of crop rotation and
livestock utilization paved the way for better crop yields, a greater diversity of wheat and
vegetables and the ability to support more livestock.
These changes impacted society as the population became better nourished and healthier.
The Enclosure Acts, passed in Great Britain, allowed wealthy lords to purchase public fields
and push out small-scale farmers, causing a migration of men looking for wage labor in
cities. These workers would provide the labor for new industries during the Industrial
Revolution.

The Agricultural Revolution began in Great Britain around the turn of the 18th century.
Several major events include:
- the perfection of the horse-drawn seed press, which would make farming less labor
intensive and more productive.
- the large-scale growth of new crops, such as potato and maize, by 1750.
- the passing of the Enclosure Laws, limiting the common land available to small
farmers in 1760.
In many ways, British agriculture advances more rapidly than any other European nation.
The increased agricultural production of the 18th century can be traced to four interrelated
factors:
1. the increased availability of farmland
2. a favorable climate
3. more livestock
4. improved crop yield

The available farmland increased due to changes in landholding patterns spurred on by new
methods of cultivation. Previously, the open-field system was prominent. This system was
problematic because it allowed part of the land to remain unplanted at all times in order to
avoid depleting the soil. Since growing crops removes nutrients from the soil, a field must be
replenished in order to continue to yield food. One solution to this situation was to continue
to move crops to different land. This was not feasible in Great Britain because the country
lacked a large percentage of available land. Instead, farmers began to utilize barren soil by
planting different crops, such as clover or turnips. These plants have roots rich in nitrogen, a
necessity for replenishing soil. The cultivation of turnips was important because they could
be left in the ground through the winter.
This ultimately led to increase in livestock because these plants were also utilized for
grazing. The boost in livestock fundamentally changed the diet of much of Europe. Not only
were European consuming more meat, but the livestock was producing much needed
fertilizer for crops. The addition of fertilizer allowed an improved production rate per acre.