Cultivating the Revolution: Bringing Our Soil Back to Life | David R. Montgomery

Work translated by Simone' Atlani and Camille Atlani-Bicharzon. The advent of agriculture has been accompanied by the oldest problem of civilization: soil destruction. The work of the soil, while offering short-term solutions, has also permanently destroyed the food-producing capacity of great civilizations that have declined due to this abusive exploitation of the land. The continued degradation of humus, a changing climate, and population growth now put us at risk of repeating this ancient story on a global scale. But there are reasons to hope. David R. Montgomery has traveled the planet to meet farmers who are turning the tide by making soil improvement a consequence rather than a victim of agricultural production. Whether in the developed or developing world, on large farms or small family farms, these farmers are at the heart of a new agricultural revolution that could bring our sick soils back to life at a remarkable speed. "Growing a Revolution" details the work of these pioneers and proves that it is replicable on a large scale. What humans have destroyed, humans can rebuild in a few years, infinitely faster than nature would. Going beyond the traditional divides between conventional and organic agriculture, Montgomery explores how practices based on the principles of conservation agriculture restore soil health and fertility, suppress weeds, control pests, and reduce or eliminate inputs while maintaining crop yields and increasing producers' incomes. Whether you are a farmer, rancher, or a citizen concerned about environmental and food issues, this book will give you a new perspective by showing that there are paths of change that are applicable, viable, and desirable. Join the revolution!