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Re: New book - "The Soul of Soil" (fwd)
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Fri, 15 Sep 1995 03:53:09 -0500
From: Ibrahim Ortas <asportas@reading.ac.uk>
To: Multiple recipients of list <soils-l@unl.edu>
Subject: Re: New book - "The Soul of Soil"
On Thu, 14 Sep 1995, David Katz wrote:
> ******************************************************
> NEW BOOK EXPLAINS
> ECOLOGICAL SOIL MANAGEMENT
> ******************************************************
>
> "The Soul of Soil: A Guide to Ecological Soil Management," by Grace
> Gershuny and Joe Smillie, is now available in a new, extensively revised
> third edition. A practical introduction to managing soil for long-term
> productivity, this reference provides useful guidelines for making
> management decisions based on ecological principles, with minimal reliance
> on "off-farm" fertilizers.
>
> Sustainable agriculture aims to protect the soil's ability to
> regenerate nutrients lost when crops are harvested. This regenerative
> capacity depends on the diversity, health and vitality of the organisms
> that live, grow, reproduce, and die in the soil.
>
> The goal of ecological soil management is to enhance conditions for
> the billions of microbes found in every gram of healthy soil. These
> microscopic organisms supply plants with the necessary nutrients at the
> right time, and in the right form and amount.
>
> The authors describe good management of soil organic matter and
> humus to achieve long-lasting soil fertility. These methods include the use
> of green manures, crop rotations, on-farm composting, and mineral
> fertilizers. Detailed information is given to help the farmer with
> everything from collecting soil samples to using practical, on-farm tests
> that measure soil structure, water-holding capacity, and fertility.
>
> This guide also tells farmers how to improve their skills of
> observation, evaluation and management, as they must when reliance on
> purchased inputs is reduced. Specific "how-to" information is given for
> monitoring and analysis of many practices, such as application of composts
> and manures, interpreting soil test results, and crop responses to
> different fertility programs.
>
> In addition to soilbuilding techniques, "The Soul of Soil"
> discusses recordkeeping, cultivation, weed control, maintaining nutrient
> balances, and soil testing. For those who are considering or have already
> implemented organic certification, this book will aid in planning farm
> operations.
>
> The authors are experienced farmers, farm advisors and writers. Joe
> Smillie has worked worldwide as a consultant in ecological agriculture
> since 1976. He is co-author of "The Orchard Almanac." Grace Gershuny edited
> "Organic Farmer: The Digest of Sustainable Agriculture" from 1990 to 1994,
> and recently joined the staff of the USDA's National Organic Program to
> implement its accreditation program for organic certification.
>
> "The Soul of Soil" includes many tables, a glossary, lists of
> resources, and a bibliography. Published by agAccess, the 158 page book
> sells for $16.95, softcover. To order, send a check for the cover price
> plus $4.00 shipping & handling (Californians please add 7.25% sales tax)
> to:
>
> agAccess
> P.O. Box 2008
> Davis, CA 95616.
>
> MasterCard, Visa and purchase orders are accepted. Telephone Monday
> through Friday 9am to 5:30pm PST and Saturdays 10am to 4pm PST (916)
> 756-7177. Email to agaccess@davis.com or fax to (916) 756-7188.
>
> Free review copies are available to editors or journalists wishing
> to review the book for publication. Please send mail (snail or E) to
> agAccess for review information and a copy of the book if you are
> interested.
>
> ******************************************************
> PLEASE DISTRIBUTE
> ******************************************************
>
>
>