Enclosure refers to the process of converting common lands into privately owned, fenced-in fields during the Second Agricultural Revolution. This was done to increase agricultural efficiency and productivity by consolidating fragmented plots.
Related terms
Crop rotation: Crop rotation is a farming practice that involves systematically changing the type of crops grown in specific fields each year. Farmers rotate between different crop species to maintain soil fertility and prevent diseases or pests from destroying crops.
Mechanization: Mechanization refers to the introduction and use of machinery in agricultural processes. During the Second Agricultural Revolution, mechanization played a crucial role in increasing productivity by replacing human labor with machines like tractors and harvesters.
Selective breeding: Selective breeding is a technique used by farmers to intentionally breed plants or animals with desired traits. By selectively mating individuals with desirable characteristics, farmers can enhance crop yields or develop new varieties that are more resistant to pests or adverse environmental conditions.