Soil Science For Regenerative Agriculture: A Comprehensive Guide To Living Soil, No-Till Gardening, Composting, And Natural

5 reviews for Soil Science For Regenerative Agriculture: A Comprehensive Guide To Living Soil, No-Till Gardening, Composting, And Natural

1. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Peter Clark – 24 June 2023

   
   This is a well written book that starts off with a succinct summation of the history of soil science. It runs through the different types of soil and how they are created and then focuses on the importance of organic matter. This is the magic sauce which makes soils fertile for plant growth.The book also touches on the importance of the water cycle and a brief description of the other mineral cycles. Also the importance of the soil food web which is the billions of microscopic organisms that inhabit the soul and contribute to it’s health. Humans have interrupted these cycles and food webs with over intensive farming practices ameliorated by the use of fossil fuel based fertilizers. Although these provide a short-term fix, in the long run they lead to soil depletion. There is an informative section on how to test your soil to measure it’s health in all these regards. The author goes into good detail about low cost ways to do this where possible with household products that most will have on hand. The rest of the book details how this can be fixed by using techniques like crop rotation, no-till farming cover crops and other natural methods. A great read with much useful information.

2. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Robert Brown – 25 June 2023

   
   I’ve been trying to figure out what to do with a few acres of rocky eroded ground with enough soil to sustain weeds but not much else. The vision is to turn it into an extensive natural garden, but standard practices of irrigation, artificial fertiliser and importing soil won’t work on that scale. This book has lots of reference material to understand what I need to do. It’s not a quick fix, but knowledge is power and gives me a way to move forward and make informed decisions.

3. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Anne – 21 May 2023

   
   An excellent books for novice gardeners and expert farmers alike. It starts with the basics and quickly moved to more advanced concepts. Easy to follow, good explanations and full of well researched and interesting facts. It tells you how to find out what type of soil you are working from, the good and the bad in it and how to fix any issue. It explains why simple fertilizer is often not the answer to healthy garden and crops. It will transform your garden with the advice and step by step guide to how to improve your soil for healthier plants.

4. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Jax – 21 April 2023

   A pleasant introduction to a fertile field
   I liked the author’s prior book, Think Like an Ecosystem, so I signed up to be on her mailing list, which allowed me to see an advance copy of the current book. As you can imagine, I was predisposed to like it, and I did. The official publication date came, as did the online book. I decided to page through it to check on whether there had been any significant changes. A few pages in, I thought, “Did I miss that in the advance copy?” It may be evidence of poor memory on my part, but rather than taking time to laboriously document any changes, I just read the book again. You should too, if you are interested in growing plants. Even devotees of hydroponics should be able to learn some useful things. Obviously, you are not going to earn a degree in Soil Science just by reading this book, but at least you will be able to follow along if an agronomist or biologist refers to, say, massive soil structure, or organisms of the first trophic level. You will also be able to start improving your soil, to the benefit of yourself and others, especially if you can bring yourself to view soil as a dynamic system, intertwined with other dynamic systems, rather than viewing soil as simply a bunch of mineral crystals, some polymers, and other chemicals.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. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Brett G. – 24 June 2023

   A Fantastic Resource!
   “Soil Science For Regenerative Agriculture” is a remarkable guide that demystifies the complexities of soil science and empowers readers to cultivate thriving, regenerative ecosystems. Authored by Amélie des Plantes, this book presents a comprehensive approach to understanding soil and implementing regenerative practices, making it accessible to both seasoned gardeners and those with little to no prior knowledge of the subject.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.