Jethro Tull is regarded as one of the influential change agents who contributed to the development of the agricultural industry. He was born in 1674 in Berkshire (“Jethro Tull”). He received a good education as he studied at Oxford University. He wanted to become a politician, but weak health made him change these plans. He was a representative of the British gentry, so he had some land. When he married, he started farming just, which was common for his class.
Tull contributed significantly to the development of new methods and strategies, but he is widely famous for his invention. Brodie et al. note that there are certain doubts that he was the inventor of the seed drill (8). Nevertheless, the majority of researchers agree that Tull created a seed drill that was a revolutionary invention for that time. In the 17th century, seeds were simply thrown to the ground, which was associated with quite significant losses. Tull notices that this method was ineffective, and losses were not to be tolerated. He believed that the majority of seeds were lost as they could not root (“Jethro Tull”). First, he told his people to be more exact and throw seeds to the whole, but his commands were ignored.
Therefore, the inventor decided to create a machine that would put seeds into exact holes that were covered with land. The drill also had blades that pulled up roots making the soil better for crops. His seed drill was very effective as seeds were distributed evenly and did not overcrowd each other, which resulted in good harvests. In order to prove the effectiveness of his methods, he did not use manure for over a decade. His seed drill proved to be effective.
However, people did not want to use his invention at first. Farmers did not believe that they could achieve good results without manure as they saw fertilizing as the most important thing. Some people opposed it as they were afraid that the machine could take away their jobs. Irrespective of opposition and disbelief, Tull continued promoting his invention and his methods. The inventor published the book, “The New Horse Hoeing Husbandry,” where he revealed his innovative ideas. The interest in the scientific method and innovation in agriculture made people pay attention to Tull’s seed drill. It is noteworthy that similar drills were developed at that period, but Tull made his invention well-thought and effective. His major principles are still used in agriculture.
It is possible to note that the inventor undertook quite the correct steps to promote his machinery and methods. Using the approach, making other people use it was the first measure. The effectiveness of the strategy was proved, but rather a limited number of people knew about it. Writing a book was the next step that helped Tull make his invention famous. Importantly, his book was associated with certain controversy as some people did not believe in his method, but still, the drill and his strategies were discussed.
To sum up, Jethro Tull contributed considerably to the development of effective agricultural methods. His seed drill can be regarded as a prototype for modern drills. It is also noteworthy that Tull managed to promote is innovation successfully, even though it faced certain opposition. The inventor drew people’s attention to his ideas, which facilitated the change and evolution of agricultural tools and methods.
Works Cited
Brodie, Graham, et al. Microwave and Radio-Frequency Technologies in Agriculture: An Introduction for Agriculturalists and Engineers. Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG, 2016.
“Jethro Tull.” BBC, 2014. Web.