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75
Invention of the Horse Collar
The horse collar was invented in 75 in China, and as a result, the food production in Asia increased. Oxen were used as plowing animals before the horse collar was invented, and did not have as much speed or stamina as horses. Since there is more food supply, lifespans would increase as well, and the overall population in Asia would increase. Without the horse collar, oxen would have continued being used for plowing, and food production would be much slower. -
401
Invention of the Water Mill
The water mill was invented in 401 in Western Europe and reduced the amount of manual labour to turn grind grains into flour. During this time period, many were dying from diseases and there was less slave labour; so less people were available to do work. Since less people are needed to produce the same amount of food, life spans increase, as well as the overall population. The water mill technology was later applied for industrial uses (sawing marble). -
601
Introduction of Three-Crop Rotation
Three-crop rotation originated in Europe and began in 601. A farmer would divide their land into three parts to plant in for different times of the year (⅓ spring planting, ⅓ fall planting, ⅓ empty). Without this method, food production would be slowed greatly. Using this method increased food production, increasing lifespans, and the overall population. The farmers also used the grain to feed their horses, allowing fields to be plowed and thus decreasing the amount of manual labour. -
1368
Aquaculture in the Ming Dynasty
In 1368, during the Ming Dynasty in China, the entire aquaculture process is recorded, and in 1638, the Complete Book of Agriculture is published. This publication, would have increased food supply greatly. The book outlines structure of ponds, fish density, disease control,etc. With this knowledge, farmers are able to increase the quality and quantity of their fish. More food supply means a longer lifespan and increase in population for China. -
Invention of Canning
In 1810, Nicolas Appert, a French chef, invented canning. The canning process allowed fruits and vegetables to be eaten at any time. The food is preserved, retaining its nutritional value. Before canning, people only ate the fruits and vegetables that were freshly grown during that season. This limited their nutrient intake throughout the months in the winter months. Because of canning, they are well nourished for the entire year. -
New Farm Equipment
In 1814, Cyrus McCormick, an American inventor, patented a mechanical reaper that increased farm outputs and decreased the time it took to make those outputs. The reaper was pulled by a horse while cutting and harvesting grain mechanically. As a result of this technology, less workers were needed on farms, leading to a decrease of jobs. This technology drastically increased the food supply, and in turn the population. This invention influenced more important inventions such as the first combine. -
Advent of Frozen Foods
In 1923, Clarence Birdseye invented flash-freezing to store food long-term. Flash-freezing preserves the nutrition that is found in food. Frozen food has the same amount of nutritional value as the fresh version. Flash-freezing food prevents the wasting of food, allowing to be stored for long amounts of time or exporting it across countries. -
The Dust Bowl
In 1931, the “Dust Bowl” was formed in the Great Plains the land was damaged from drought and unsustainable farming which caused erosion and 75% loss of topsoil. Many families left their farms in the area. To help, the Soil Erosion Service was established in 1933, and taught farmers soil conversion and anti-erosion techniques. This prevented the land from being damaged and never used again. There is already little available land on the earth for agriculture, it is important to not waste any. -
The Green Revolution
In 1970, Norman Borlaug received a Nobel Prize for contributing to high-yield crops. High-yield crops have been bred, fertilized, or genetically modified to produce in higher amounts. The invention of high-yield crops decreased the amount of agricultural land being wasted. More plants grew with desirable traits, which dramatically increased food supply. The quality and quantity of crops in developing countries has also increased; raising the lifespan and overall population in those areas. -
Iodine Deficiency Program
2 billion people in the world are iodine deficient and this can cause intellectual and developmental disabilities. In 2000, the World Summit for Children called for the elimination of iodine deficiency. Adding even a little bit of iodine to table salt can greatly decrease the risk of these disabilities. From 1990-2006 the amount of people consuming iodized salt increased by 41%. Less disabilities are being caused by iodine deficiency, which leads to a longer life span, population has increased.
