ABSTRACT
Technology inputs from research have transformed American agriculture in the last 60 years from a resource-based industry to a science-oriented industry, or from a traditional to a high technology sector. Factors external to the farm have changed somewhat over time but demand for agricultural produce has generally lagged behind production. Management inputs are tillage systems, crop residue management, crop rotations, methods of pest control, traffic control, and methods and systems to enhance the production of crop residues. Soil and water conservation controls environment both within the field and off-site; control may be achieved through either management or structures. Before 1940, agricultural production was dependent upon increasing the land under cultivation, but since 1940 agricultural production has expanded by technology applications to a shrinking land base. Late in the nineteenth century crop production increased markedly while yields changed little, because new lands were being put under cultivation.
