Soil Science for Regenerative Agriculture: A Comprehensive Guide to Living Soil, No-till Gardening, Composting and Natural Fa
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars | 188 ratings
Price: 13.08
Last update: 12-17-2024
About this item
Work with nature to consistently grow the highest quality produce—all while doing your part in fighting climate change and helping the environment.
Are you stressed out about…
The seemingly steady decline in both the quantity and quality of your crops?
“Technical farming problems” like soil erosion and biodiversity loss?
Climate change—how you can cope with it, and how you can be part of the solution rather than the problem?
If so, chances are you’re suffering from eco-anxiety…and unfortunately, you have good reason to do so.
According to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), each year, an estimated 24 billion tons of fertile soil are lost due to erosion. That’s a whopping 3.4 tons lost every year for each person on the planet.
This is quite a serious issue, considering the fact that it takes approximately 500 years for a 2.5-centimeter layer of fertile topsoil to form under agricultural conditions—and our food security ultimately depends on soil quality. But the good news is there’s a way to reverse the damage…and you can be part of the solution…through regenerative agriculture! Regenerative agriculture has countless benefits—producing nutrient-dense food, combating climate change, enhancing ecosystem biodiversity, improving air and water quality, huge savings from higher yields, using fewer synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides… the list goes on and on!
Now, if it sounds like you’re going to need technical expertise to do this… don’t worry. Understanding your soil and giving it what it needs doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with this easy-to-listen guide filled with practical advice and information on how to improve your relationship with your soil and get the most out of it! Click "Add To Cart" Now.
Top reviews from the United States
5.0 out of 5 stars A Fantastic Resource!
What sets this book apart is its ability to transform technical concepts into easily digestible information. Des Plantes skillfully breaks down complex ideas, guiding readers through the world of soil science with simplicity and clarity. The author's writing style is engaging and conversational, making it a pleasure to dive into the pages and absorb the knowledge being shared.
One of the standout features of this book is the inclusion of practical, at-home soil tests. These tests allow readers to gain a deeper understanding of their own soil composition, enabling them to tailor their regenerative efforts to suit their specific needs. This hands-on approach bridges the gap between theory and practice, empowering readers to apply their newfound knowledge and observe tangible results in their own gardens or farms.
The book also offers a step-by-step action plan, which serves as a roadmap for readers to quickly grow high-quality topsoil. This plan ensures that the principles and techniques discussed throughout the book are translated into actionable steps, allowing readers to implement regenerative practices with confidence. By following this plan, readers can embark on a journey of giving back to the Earth and restoring the health of their soil.
In addition to being an informative guide, "Soil Science For Regenerative Agriculture" inspires a sense of connection with the natural world. It emphasizes the importance of nurturing the soil as a means to foster a sustainable future, highlighting the numerous benefits that regenerative agriculture brings, such as nutrient-dense food, climate change mitigation, and improved environmental quality.
Amélie des Plantes has created a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their relationship with the soil. "Soil Science For Regenerative Agriculture" is a must-read for individuals passionate about sustainable farming, gardening, or simply curious about the science behind healthy soil. With its accessible language, practical tests, and actionable plan, this book equips readers with the tools and knowledge needed to make a positive impact on our planet. Start your journey towards regenerative agriculture today and give back to the Earth by growing soil.
5.0 out of 5 stars A pleasant introduction to a fertile field
After the introduction to basic terminology and concepts, there is a fun section on analyzing your soil yourself, using materials you likely have on hand, or which you can get at the local grocery store. Following that, there is an extensive overview of various composting methods. The author also advocates no-till farming, or at least minimal tilling, while still presenting the information that shows why people would go to all the trouble of seasonal digging and plowing. Surprisingly, the most extensive and successful practice of no-till growing in the US was not mentioned: I mean ordinary suburban lawns. After all, it is the rare homeowner, as far as I know, who plows up the front yard each year to then broadcast the seed carefully collected from last year's lawn. Instead, the same grass is generally left in place year after year, perhaps with some granular supplements and some additional seed; and a homeowner with even a modest yard and adequate water can harvest a ten or even twenty pound bag of clippings every week during the summer (or, the homeowner can leave the clippings to decompose in place; or better yet, the homeowner could grow vegetables and flowers instead, unless prevented by misguided aesthetic preferences enforced by local ordinances or community association rules). Of course, gardening to obtain vegetables is not exactly the same as maintaining a lawn, with the exception, perhaps, of plants like asparagus, and collards, and parsley. The point, though, and this is not one that the author makes, is that no-till growing need not be organic gardening, just as organic gardeners can tear through the soil's webs of life with hoes, and spades, and plows, and tillers, but combining the two concepts is likely to have the best result in the long run. Speaking of the long run (even though this review has probably run too long already) some of the best parts of the book are those in which the author refers to her own experience, such as with struggles initially to adapt to regenerative agriculture. The prose seems to be a bit more lively in those brief passages. But this is a reference, not a memoir. It would be nice to see more recollections eventually.
5.0 out of 5 stars Invaluable
What sets this book apart is its practicality. It not only educates readers about the science behind regenerative agriculture but also offers a step-by-step action plan. This actionable approach makes it easy for beginners and experienced gardeners alike to implement regenerative practices.
The book's coverage of soil science is thorough, yet accessible, making it a perfect resource for those seeking to understand the intricacies of soil health. The emphasis on no-till gardening and composting aligns perfectly with the principles of regenerative agriculture, making it a timely and relevant read.
Overall, "Soil Science for Regenerative Agriculture" is a must-have for anyone looking to enhance soil health, improve gardening practices, and contribute to a more sustainable future. It's a practical, informative, and inspiring guide that empowers readers to take meaningful steps toward healthier soils and bountiful harvests.