The practice of crop rotation has a long history and wasn't invented by a single person. However, we can point to some key figures and civilizations who significantly contributed to its development and understanding:
* Ancient Civilizations: Crop rotation was practiced by various ancient civilizations, including the Romans, Egyptians, and Chinese. They understood the benefits of alternating crops to maintain soil fertility and prevent pests.
* Medieval Europe: During the medieval period, crop rotation systems became more formalized and widespread, particularly the "three-field system" that involved rotating between a winter grain, a spring grain, and a fallow field. This system was instrumental in increasing agricultural productivity.
* 18th Century: Scientists like Jethro Tull in England made significant contributions to understanding the principles of crop rotation. Tull's work emphasized the importance of soil preparation and nutrient management, which further refined the practice.
Therefore, it's more accurate to say that crop rotation evolved over centuries, thanks to the collective efforts of farmers, scientists, and various civilizations.