Which of the following explains how the Norfolk four-course
field rotation led to better farm management and increased
production? (1 point)
It allowed the use of the threshing machine so less labor
was needed.
It used more of the land and provided crops for livestock
to eat year round.
It used different fields for livestock to be bred.
It only used one-third of the land thereby saving time and
labor.
It used more of the land and provided crops for livestock to eat year round.
The correct answer is: It used more of the land and provided crops for livestock to eat year round.
Explanation: The Norfolk four-course field rotation system was an agricultural practice that involved dividing the farmland into four sections and rotating the crops planted in each section each year. This system led to better farm management and increased production because it allowed for the efficient use of the land and provided crops for livestock to eat year-round. By rotating the crops, the soil in each section was given time to replenish its nutrients, reducing the risk of crop diseases and increasing yields. Additionally, having crops available for livestock year-round ensured a steady supply of food for the animals, promoting their health and productivity.
The correct answer is:
- It used more of the land and provided crops for livestock to eat year round.
To understand why this answer is correct, we need to understand how the Norfolk four-course field rotation works and how it improves farm management and production.
The Norfolk four-course field rotation was a system of crop rotation that was widely used by farmers in Norfolk, England, during the 18th century. The system involved dividing the farmland into four fields and rotating the crops planted in each field every year.
Here's how the rotation typically worked:
1. First year: The field would be planted with a cereal crop like wheat or barley, which required a lot of nutrients from the soil.
2. Second year: The field would be planted with a legume crop like clover or beans, which helped replenish nitrogen levels in the soil.
3. Third year: The field would be planted with a root crop like turnips or potatoes, which helped break up the soil and improved its structure.
4. Fourth year: The field would be left fallow, meaning no crops were grown. This allowed the soil to rest and recover its fertility.
Now, let's explain why the correct answer is:
- It used more of the land and provided crops for livestock to eat year round.
The Norfolk four-course field rotation allowed farmers to use more of their land effectively. By dividing the land into four fields and rotating crops annually, it ensured that each field was used for a different crop every year. This helped to maximize the productivity of the land and prevented the depletion of nutrients.
Additionally, the inclusion of legume crops in the rotation provided an important benefit for livestock. Legumes, such as clover, are nitrogen-fixing plants that can increase the nitrogen content of the soil. Livestock, such as cattle or sheep, could then graze on these legume crops, providing them with nutritious feed throughout the year. This not only improved the overall management of the farm but also increased the productivity of the livestock.
In conclusion, the Norfolk four-course field rotation led to better farm management and increased production because it allowed farmers to use more of their land effectively and provided crops for livestock to eat year round.