Potato Population Boom

[Drachir]

According to a recent study the huge surge in the world population that began in the 18th century was largely due to the potato, an easy to grow crop that now feeds billions. I suspect other new crops such as maize were also an contributor but the study says nothing about it, but I will keep my eyes peeled.

Spud study eyes link between potatoes, population booms

 

[Nik]

There was another aspect: You could grow a heap of spuds in marginal, shallow, damp soils by digging elevated beds. Very little other work than 'navvying' required. A modest plot could produce a year's 'carb' for a dozen with little work and no machinery. Just shovels and a few strong backs, just for a week or so a year...

IIRC, the Irish Famine was prompted by potato blight rampaging through the preferred strain, which became a monoculture...

 

[The Ace]

Yes, Nik, that's why the last four generations of my family were born in Scotland.