An Agricultural Testament

Since this book first appeared in 1940, it has been regarded as one of the most important contributions to the solution of soil rehabilitation problems ever published. More important, it has been regarded as the keystone of the organic movement. 

The object of the book was to draw attention to the loss of soil fertility, brought about by the vast increase in crop and animal production, that has led to such disastrous consequences as a general unbalancing of farming practices, an increase in plant and animal diseases and the loss of soil by erosion. Howard contended that such losses can be repaired only by maintaining soil fertility by manufacturing humus from vegetable and animal wastes through the composting process. He stressed, too, a little known nutritional factor, the mycorrhizal association, which is the living fungus bridge between humus in the soil and the sap of plants.

In the words of farmer-poet Wendell Berry:

"Howard's work is based upon the premise that good agricultural practice is based upon the observation and the use of natural processes... [His] discoveries and methods and their implications are given in detail in An Agricultural Testament. They are of enormous usefulness to gardeners and farmers, and to anyone else who may be interested in the history and the problems of land use. But aside from its practical worth, Howard's book is valuable for his ability to place his facts and insights within the perspectives of history. This book is a critique of civilizations, judging them not by their artifacts and victories but by their response to 'the sacred duty of handing over unimpaired to the next generation the heritage of a fertile soil.'"

Hard cover with black and white photographs and illustrations throughout.

Edition: 1972.

Condition: Well worn vintage.