Changes in Production Methods for Land Use

Passage: Book 2

"Thus far of tillage, and of heavenly signs: / Now sing, my muse, the growth of generous vines, / The shady groves, the woodland progeny, / And the slow product of Minerva's tree" (Dryden 480, Lines 1-10).

Changes in Production Methods for Land Use

     In this book, Virgil mainly discusses planting and agriculture. One belief that Virgil implies is that tillage produces "generous" plants. This argument has changed over the years as many believe that tilling is not as beneficial as once thought. Tillage refers to a method of preparing soil through turning and agitation. This process is done to remove weeds, add pesticides, and "provide a good environment for seeds and roots" (Britannica). However, some forms of tilling can produce soil erosion and moisture loss (Jasa). In relation to sustainability, Virgil believes that tilling is advantageous for land use as it produces bountiful plant production. While some still believe this and continue utilizing this production method, others believe that tilling is not sustainable as it can lead to erosion. Presumably, Virgil was not aware of the effects tilling can cause as he was not a farmer himself. Although his father was a farmer (UC) and Virgil did have a lot of admiration for agriculture, he ultimately did not devote his life to it.

     Additionally, the effects others say tilling can cause might have not yet been examined when Virgil argued for its use. It seems that Virgil truly believed in the process of tilling from the way he describes the outcome it can produce. Virgil depicts beautiful and abundant land through the use of tilling. He narrates this as a slow process, but one with a great reward, such as "Minerva's tree." Virgil had confidence in this method and it shows throughout this passage and book. Unfortunately, as time has passed, research has shown the negative effects tilling can have on plant production. Overall, Virgil argued and believed in the use of tilling for production in land use. He believed in tilling to create sustainable land to last for generations. Now, farmers and other researchers in the field call for tilling to not be used as they believe it does not produce sustainable land. Methods in producing sustainability are constantly changing and evolving, as seen through Virgil's beliefs and current farmers' beliefs. 

Works Cited

     CropWatch, www.cropwatch.unl.edu/tillage/advantages-disadvantages/. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025. 

“Tillage.” Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, inc., www.britannica.com/topic/tillage. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025. 

“Poet and Son of a Farmer.” University of Canterbury, 5 Nov. 2023, www.canterbury.ac.nz/about-uc/what-we-do/uc-in-the-community/exhibitions-and-collections/virgil-poetry-collection/virgil. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025

Virgil, Georgics, trans. John Dryden. In The Oxford Authors: John Dryden, ed. Keith Walker. NY: Oxford UP, 1987. 463-540. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025