Which invention significantly improved agricultural practices during the Industrial Revolution?

The seed drill invented by Jethro Tull is a key innovation that greatly enhanced agricultural practices during the Industrial Revolution. It was designed to sow seeds in neat rows at the correct depth and spacing, which significantly improved the efficiency of planting. Before the invention of the seed drill, seeds were often scattered manually, leading to uneven growth and wasted resources. By promoting better seed placement and reducing waste, the seed drill not only increased crop yields but also contributed to the development of more systematic farming methods.

Additionally, the seed drill set the stage for advancements in agricultural techniques and the increased use of scientific methods in farming, which were hallmarks of the broader changes brought about during the Industrial Revolution. While other inventions, such as the mechanical reaper and the tractor, also had important impacts on agriculture, the seed drill was pioneering and foundational as it changed the way crops were planted, laying the groundwork for the mechanization and efficiency that followed.