Research Article
Methodology for Intensive Agriculture: Seo Yu-gu's Rationalization of Agricultural Technology
Seoul National University
Published: December 2021 · Vol. 43 No. 3 · pp. 715-759
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36092/KJHS.2021.43.3.715
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Abstract
This study analyzes Seo Yu-gu's Imwon Gyeongjeji, Bonriji vol. 3 to clarify the characteristics of his methodology for intensive agriculture. As an agricultural performer, Seo Yu-gu pursued “rationalization” of agricultural technology by mobilizing available resources, knowledge, and technology for the realization of intensive agriculture. This attempt was intended to replace the conventional practice of instructor farmer that was potentially combined with local arbitrary agricultural administration in Joseon during the late 18th or early 19th century. The characteristics of “reasonable” agricultural technology he suggested are: 1. introducing Chinese knowledge about soil system considering the fact that China and Joseon belong to similar latitudes 2. dispelling the conventional belief that climate is determined by local region and suggesting alternative explanations 3. accurately identifying agricultural timing and weather foresight by making precise measurements of local latitude and longitude, and by using information on vegetation growth. The intended bearers of the agricultural technology Se Yu-gu proposed were the village noblemen (myong-nong) who were expected to replace the instructor farmers with conventional tacit knowledge about agriculture.