From Dearth to Plenty: The Modern Revolution in Food Production

by Kenneth Blaxter, Noel R. Robertson

Overview

During the fifty year period from 1936-1986 the modern agricultural revolution occurred, in which, for the first time, science was properly harnessed to the improvement in agricultural productivity. The authors quantify this improvement and identify the work of UK scientists that was seminal to the scientific and technological advances on which the revolution was founded. The topics covered include the advances in animal nutrition (in which the late Kenneth Blaxter was an acknowledged pioneer), animal and plant breeding, soil fertility, weed, pest and disease control, veterinary medicine, engineering (including innovations in tractor design by Harry Ferguson) and statistical measurement. This book describes how these innovations were integrated into the practical business of food production in the UK and discusses the importance of the government in setting the scene for scientific advances.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521403221
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	09/07/1995
Pages:	316
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.75(d)

Table of Contents

Preface; Acknowledgements; Part I. The Social, Economic and Political Context of Agricultural Change: 1. Revolutions of the past; 2. The modern revolution, its origins and accomplishments; Part II. The Science and Technology of the Modern Agricultural Revolution: 3. Problems of measurement; 4. Mechanisation; 5. Soils, fertilisers and water; 6. The control of weeds, pests and plant diseases; 7. Breeding more productive plants; 8. Integrations and innovations in crop husbandry; 9. Hunger in the midst of plenty; 10. Better and more productive animals; 11. Animal health and disease; 12. Integrations in animal husbandry; Part III. How did the Science-Based Revolution Happen, and What is the Way Forward as Support is Withdrawn?: 13. Science during the revolution; Glossary; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"This book will be invaluable for future understanding why British agriculture took the path it has this century." Garrison Wilkes, Quarterly Review of Biology

From the Publisher