Farming& Agriculture
Farming with Nature: The Science and Practice of Ecoagriculture By Sara J. Scherr, Jeffrey A. McNeely
For a a more personal approach, check-out the sections on Biodynamics, Oranic Gardening, Permaculture or Vegan and Vegetarianism.
"Farming with Nature" offers a synthesis of the state of knowledge of key topics in ecoagriculture. The book is a unique collaboration among renowned agricultural and ecological scientists, leading field conservationists, and farm and community leaders to synthesize knowledge and experience across sectors. More
Natural Farming: A Practical Guide
This equips the farmer to get the best from the land using environmentally sustainable methods which save time, expense, and worry, and to supply the rising global demand for pure food. More
The Soil and Health: A Study of Organic Agriculture
By Albert Howard, Wendell Berry
During his years as a scientist working for the British government in India, Sir Albert Howard conceived of and refined the principles of organic agriculture. Howard's The Soil and Health became a seminal and inspirational text in the organic movement soon after its publication in 1945. The Soil and Health argues that industrial agriculture, emergent in Howard's era and dominant today, disrupts the delicate balance of nature and irrevocably robs the soil of its fertility. Howard's classic treatise links the burgeoning health crises facing crops, livestock, and humanity to this radical degradation of the Earth's soil. His message -- that we must respect and restore the health of the soil for the benefit of future generations -- still resonates among those who are concerned about the effects of chemically enhanced agriculture. More
Organic Futures: The Case for Organic Farming
By Adrian Myers
"Organic Futures" presents an overwhelming argument for replacing modern farming methods with organic techniques. Exploring the history, politics and practicalities of organic farming, Adrian Myers shows how the current techniques of agriculture and horticulture based on chemical fertilizers, which inevitably bring about the deterioration of soil life, cannot provide a long-term sustainable future for humankind. "Organic Futures": shows what we can learn from 4,000 years of sustainable organic agriculture in the Far East; explains how organic farming is different from conventional agriculture; demonstrates the damaging effects of conventional farming; discusses the importance of maintaining soil fertility; and presents a vision of an organic future, including inspiring developments in both the West and the Third World. More
Organic Agriculture: A Global Perspective
With global revenue surpassing twenty-five billion dollars annually, organic agriculture is a highly visible and rapidly growing component of agricultural production. In Organic Agriculture: A Global Perspective, Paul Kristiansen, Acram Taji, and John Reganold, and their international group of contributors scientifically review key aspects of organic agriculture. At the intersection of research, education, and practice, the contributors look at the organic agricultural movement's successes and limitations.The first half of this book critically evaluates the agricultural production of both plants and livestock in organic farming systems. All major aspects of organic agriculture are explored, including historical background and underlying principles, soil-fertility management, crop and animal production, breeding strategies, and crop protection. This global and comprehensive overview also addresses the economic, social, and political aspects of organic farming. These include economics and marketing; standards and certification; environmental impacts and social responsibility; and research, education, and extension. Mor
Organic Farming: Everything You Need to Know
Are you an organic farmer? Do you want to be? For those of us who want to eat better quality food, here is the chance with this easy-to-read, thorough, informative book. In a world where we are increasingly conscious of what we eat, this is the book every organic farmer needs to have, whether professional, allotment, or garden grower. Answering basic questions - How do you begin? Is fertilizer allowed, and if so, what sort? What is natural pest management, and how does it work? - there is everything you need to know in these pages from getting started to marketing your produce, be it fruit, vegetable, or animal. A list of resources points the way to helpful websites, books, and organisations focusing on every aspect of organic farming. More
