Developments In Agriculture WWI To The Present
A brief summary of 20th Century Developments in Agriculture
Agricultural methods underwent considerable changes following World War I due to technological developments, scientific study, and shifting societal needs. Several vital innovations developed, influencing the growth of agriculture throughout the 20th century and beyond.
Tractor and other farm machinery use rapidly increased after World War II. Farm mechanization boosted production and efficiency, which decreased the need for labor. Tractors have taken the place of the animal-drawn tools that were previously used for fieldwork, like plowing, planting, and harvesting. Especially in North America and Europe, farming techniques were changed by the affordable availability of tractors.
The Haber-Bosch technique, created before World War I but gained widespread use later, enabled the mass manufacture of synthetic fertilizers. The general availability of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers like urea and ammonia helped restore soil nutrients and increase crop yields. In the latter half of the 20th century, the Green Revolution was considerably aided by using synthetic fertilizers.
After World War II, chemical insecticides and herbicides were developed and used extensively. Herbicides like glyphosate (Roundup) and other synthetic substances like DDT and other chemicals enabled efficient weed and pest management, enhancing crop protection and yields. However, worries regarding their effects on the environment and people's health also surfaced over time. DDT was banned in 1972, and recently there have been many class action lawsuits over glyphosate and its connection to various forms of cancer.
The post-World War II era saw a rapid advancement in genetics and breeding methods, including hybridization and selective breeding. Researchers concentrated on creating new crop types with enhanced characteristics, such as increased yields, disease resistance, and adaptability to particular growing environments. Hybrid cultivars significantly enhanced output, especially in corn (maize).
Governments and agricultural groups set up extension services, most of them through colleges, to provide farmers with scientific information, best practices, and technological advancements. These programs attempted to raise agricultural output, instruct farmers in cutting-edge methods, and solve issues in rural areas. The agricultural extension played a vital role in the dissemination of information and in assisting farmers in implementing new strategies.
Precision farming has become more popular due to integrating computers, sensors, GPS, and other technologies into agriculture. Farmers could use data-driven methods to manage resources effectively, monitor crop health, and optimize inputs. Precision farming allowed applying herbicides, irrigation, and fertilizers precisely where needed, minimizing waste and environmental harm.
Genetic engineering and biotechnology have created new opportunities for agricultural innovation. Pest-resistant crops and herbicide-tolerant varieties are two examples of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) designed to increase productivity and decrease chemical inputs. GMOs have raised discussions about their safety, moral implications, and potential effects on biodiversity. However, the claims about increasing yields are lacking, and several countries have outright banned them.
Sustainable and organic agricultural methods have become more prevalent due to rising environmental consciousness. Natural inputs, crop rotation, biological pest management, and soil conservation methods were given priority in organic farming. Sustainable agriculture is intended to maintain productivity while reducing its adverse effects on the environment, conserving resources, and promoting biodiversity. Robert Rodale first used "regenerative farming" in 1989, launching an emerging farming movement that is still strong today. (Rodale.com)
These post-WWI technologies revolutionized agriculture by boosting productivity, lowering labor costs, and meeting the rising global population's demand for food. But they also brought issues like the necessity for responsible technological use, the concentration of agricultural power, and environmental sustainability. Modern farming practices are shaped by ongoing research and development to create more efficient, resilient, and sustainable systems.
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