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You are a time-traveling trouble-shooter overhearing a conversation between a plowman and his master during the late Middle Ages. The plowman describes his laborious work. How can he improve his job to increase crop yield and have more leisure time?

a. Implement the three-field crop rotation system.

b. Develop better plowshare and coulter attachments.

c. Increase the number of oxen in the plowing process.

d. Introduce a new type of hay for the oxen.

User Franta
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iFinal answer:

To increase crop yield and leisure time, a plowman during the late Middle Ages could implement the three-field crop rotation system and develop better plowshare and coulter attachments. These improvements would increase soil fertility and enhance farming efficiency.

Step-by-step explanation:

The plowman during the late Middle Ages could improve his job to increase crop yield and have more leisure time by implementing several practices discussed in agricultural history. One of the significant innovations that he could adopt is the three-field crop rotation system. This system involves dividing the land into three parts: one for winter crops, one for spring crops, and one left fallow. By rotating these fields annually, soil fertility is improved, leading to increased yields without the need for continuous fallow periods.

Another improvement would involve developing better plowshare and coulter attachments. Enhanced plowing tools would allow the plowman to work more efficiently, which in turn could lead to less time spent in the fields. The history of technology shows us that innovations like the steel plow made a big difference in farming efficiency.

Lastly, while not directly mentioned in the historical context, substituting oxen with horses using the horse collar might also contribute to increased efficiency, as horses are faster than oxen and require less pasture, although this solution is not listed in the given options.

User Dnoeth
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