Soil
What Your Food Ate by David R. Montgomery breaks down the connection between soil health, farming practices, and human nutrition. It’s a deep dive into how the land shapes our food—and ultimately, our health. Montgomery lays out the science in a way that’s easy to follow but doesn’t pull punches. If you’ve ever wondered whether soil quality actually impacts what’s on your plate (spoiler: it does), this book is worth a read.
Growing a Revolution by David Montgomery is a practical, no-nonsense look at how regenerative farming can rebuild soil, boost yields, and restore landscapes—without relying on heavy tillage or chemicals. Montgomery weaves together stories from farmers around the world who are proving that healthier soil means a more resilient food system. If you’re looking for a hopeful, science-backed take on the future of agriculture, this one’s worth your time.
Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations by David Montgomery is a sobering look at how soil depletion has shaped the rise and fall of societies throughout history. Montgomery connects the dots between farming practices, land degradation, and civilization collapse, making it clear that how we treat our soil today will determine our future. It’s a fascinating, eye-opening read that drives home the point—ignore soil health, and history will repeat itself.
The Hidden Half of Nature by David Montgomery dives into the unseen world of microbes and their role in soil health, plant growth, and even human health. It’s part science, part personal journey, as Montgomery and his wife, Anne Biklé, explore the microbiome’s impact on everything from gardening to gut health. If you’re into the connections between soil, food, and wellness, this book unpacks the science in a way that’s both fascinating and practical.
Teaming with Bacteria by Jeff Lowenfels dives into the microscopic world of soil life, showing how bacteria play a crucial role in plant health. It’s a fast, insightful read that breaks down complex science into practical knowledge for gardeners and farmers. If you’re already into soil biology or just starting to explore the living world beneath your feet, this book connects the dots between microbes and thriving plants in a way that’s easy to digest.
Teaming with Microbes by Jeff Lowenfels is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the life teeming beneath their feet. It breaks down the soil food web—bacteria, fungi, nematodes, and more—showing how they work together to create healthy, resilient plants. Whether you're a gardener, farmer, or just curious about soil biology, this book makes the science accessible and gives you practical ways to work with nature instead of against it.
The Unsettling of America by Wendell Berry is a sharp, unapologetic critique of industrial agriculture and its impact on culture, community, and the land. Berry argues that farming isn’t just about food—it’s about stewardship, ethics, and connection to place. His writing is both poetic and hard-hitting, making you rethink what “progress” in agriculture really means. If you care about the future of food and farming, this book is essential reading.
Teaming with Nutrients by Jeff Lowenfels digs into how plants actually absorb and use nutrients, breaking down the chemistry behind healthy growth. It’s a deep dive into plant physiology, but Lowenfels keeps it approachable, making complex science practical for gardeners and farmers. If you want to move beyond just fertilizing and really understand how plants feed themselves, this book is a solid, eye-opening read.
A Soil Owner’s Manual by Jon Stika is a straightforward, no-fluff guide to understanding and improving soil health. Stika breaks down how soil actually functions as a living system and why conventional farming practices often work against it. Whether you're managing acres or a backyard garden, this book lays out practical, science-backed steps to rebuild soil fertility naturally. If you want healthier plants and land, this is a must-read.
For the Love of Soil by Nicole Masters is a wake-up call for anyone who wants to heal land and grow resilient farms. Masters breaks down soil health in a way that’s both scientific and practical, showing how microbes, minerals, and management practices work together to restore degraded land. Packed with real-world case studies, this book proves that regenerative ag isn’t just possible—it’s profitable and essential. If you’re serious about soil, this one’s a must-read.
The Fourth Phase of Water by Gerald H. Pollack redefines how we understand water—something every farmer, gardener, and soil steward relies on. Pollack’s concept of "EZ water" reveals a structured phase that influences plant hydration, soil health, and even microbial activity. This book challenges conventional wisdom, offering insights that could reshape irrigation, composting, and regenerative ag. If you care about water’s hidden role in agriculture, this is a must-read.
One-Straw Revolutionary by Larry Korn captures the philosophy of Masanobu Fukuoka, blending natural farming with a deeper look at how we interact with the land. It’s not just about growing food—it’s about working with nature instead of against it. Korn’s perspective, shaped by years with Fukuoka, makes this book a must-read for anyone exploring regenerative ag, no-till methods, or the mindset behind truly sustainable farming. A practical and philosophical game-changer.
The Natural Way of Farming by Masanobu Fukuoka isn’t just a farming book—it’s a challenge to rethink everything we assume about agriculture. Fukuoka strips farming down to its essence, showing how nature, when left to its own rhythm, outperforms human intervention. His no-till, no-fertilizer approach isn’t just theory; it’s a working model for soil health and resilience. If you’re serious about regenerative ag, this book will push you to see farming in a whole new light.
Water for Any Farm by Mark Shepard is a practical guide to making water work for you, not against you. Using keyline design, Shepard lays out a system to capture, store, and distribute water efficiently—whether you're on a small homestead or managing hundreds of acres. It’s a game-changer for drought resilience, soil health, and overall farm productivity. If you want to build a water-wise farm that thrives in any climate, this book is essential reading.
Quality Agriculture by John Kempf is a deep dive into the science behind truly regenerative farming. Through conversations with top farmers and researchers, Kempf unpacks how plant health, soil microbiology, and mineral balance drive nutrient-dense food and resilient farms. This isn’t just theory—it’s practical knowledge you can apply right away. If you’re serious about farming beyond organics and want to grow healthier crops with fewer inputs, this book is a game-changer.
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Cells, Gels and the Engines of Life by Gerald H. Pollack dives into how water’s gel-like state powers life itself—something every farmer should pay attention to. This structured water inside cells drives everything from nutrient absorption to plant resilience. Understanding this could change how we approach soil health, irrigation, and even microbial interactions. If you’re serious about the science behind thriving plants and animals, this book is worth a deep dive.
Earth Repair by Leila Darwish is a hands-on guide to healing land and water through bioremediation. Whether you're dealing with contaminated soil, polluted water, or just want to boost your farm’s resilience, this book delivers practical, DIY solutions using microbes, fungi, and plants. It’s a must-read for anyone serious about regenerative ag, land restoration, or breaking free from industrial cleanup methods. If the soil needs healing, this book shows you how.
Dirt to Soil by Gabe Brown is proof that regenerative ag isn’t just theory—it works. Brown takes you through his journey from struggling conventional farmer to building a thriving, resilient farm using cover crops, no-till, and livestock integration. It’s a straightforward, practical look at rebuilding soil health while cutting costs and boosting profits. If you want a farm that works with nature instead of fighting it, this book is a must-read.
Farmers of Forty Centuries by F.H. King is a deep dive into the time-tested agricultural practices of Asia, where farmers sustained fertile land for thousands of years without depleting resources. King’s firsthand account challenges modern assumptions about soil fertility, waste cycles, and sustainability. If you're serious about regenerative ag, this book is a must-read—proof that long-term soil health isn’t just possible, it’s been done for centuries.
Building Soil by Elizabeth Murphy is a straightforward, practical guide to turning dirt into thriving, living soil. Whether you’re managing acres or a backyard garden, Murphy breaks down soil biology, organic matter, and simple techniques to boost fertility without chemicals. It’s all about working with natural processes to build resilience from the ground up. If you want healthier plants, better yields, and long-term soil health, this book is a must-read.