Convertible husbandry

– Description:
– Convertible husbandry involved keeping arable land fallow for long periods as pasture for livestock.
– The system utilized animal manure as fertilizer to increase crop yields during tillage.
– Farmers sowed specific grass seeds to manage pasture quality.
– Fertilizer was used in greater quantities due to the increase in animal husbandry.
– The process aimed to benefit both livestock and crop production.

– Historical context:
– Before the 16th and 17th centuries, British farmlands used simple alternations of tilling and fallowing.
– The rising population in the Midlands led to an increase in livestock numbers.
– Convertible husbandry was influenced by changing skill levels of workers.
– The British Agricultural Revolution introduced essential innovations in agriculture.
– The introduction of fodder legumes and turnips played significant roles in agricultural productivity.

– Praise:
– Convertible husbandry is praised for maintaining high fertility on arable and pasture lands.
– The rotation between pasture and arable land helped break the cycle of diminished returns.
– It allowed more sheep and cattle to be kept, contributing to soil fertility.
– The system retained excellent soil texture and composition.
– It produced the same amount of grain on reduced land area.

– See also:
– Intensive farming.

– References:
– Convertible husbandry. Oxford Reference, Oxford University Press, 2019.
– Alternate Husbandry and Permanent Pasture in the Midlands, 1650 – 1800, The Agricultural History Review, Vol. 28, No. 2, British Agricultural Society; 1980.
– The Agricultural Revolution by Eric Kerridge, Taylor and Francis US; 1967.
– Ley farming advantages and disadvantages, Ask Legit, Legit (Nigeria), Mary Ikande, 2018.
– Convertible Husbandry vs. Regular Common Fields: A Model on the Relative Efficiency of Medieval Field Systems by Harry Kitsikopoulos, The Journal of Economic History, 64 (2): 462–463, June 2004.