Which development contributed to increased food production during the Industrial Revolution?

The seed drill played a significant role in increasing food production during the Industrial Revolution by improving the efficiency and effectiveness of planting seeds. Invented by Jethro Tull in the early 18th century, the seed drill allowed for seeds to be sown at the correct depth and in neat rows, which not only provided a more organized planting method but also significantly increased the germination rates. Unlike traditional broadcasting methods, which scattered seeds haphazardly across the ground, the seed drill ensured that seeds were planted at the optimal spacing and depth, maximizing the potential yield from each planting.

This innovation was particularly important during a time when agricultural advancements were crucial for supporting a growing urban population that was migrating to cities for industrial work. The increased efficiency in planting and the resulting higher yields contributed to better food supplies, reduced famines, and ultimately supported the broader economic changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution.

While fertilization techniques, crop rotation, and the enclosure movement also played important roles in agricultural improvements, the direct impact of the seed drill on seed efficiency and productivity stands out as a key development in the landscape of agricultural practices at that time.