"Every agricultural enterprise is a self-contained, biological unit." --Ehrenfried Pfeiffer There have been numerous developments and advancements in biodynamic agricultural methods since Ehrenfried Pfeiffer introduced North Americans to the foundational principles and practices of biodynamics, the basics of which continue to be used today. Thus, although Biodynamic Farming and Gardening was first published in 1938, it remains a foundational text for anyone who is or plans to become a serious biodynamic farmer or gardener. In this volume, Pfeiffer lays out the essential practices for successfully operating a biodynamic farm, including the principles behind each technique and practice. He backs up these methods with scientific research and data, as well as his own experience as a farmer and researcher, describing what works and what doesn't. Pfeiffer covers soil qualities, making compost, crop rotation, best planting practices, using biodynamic preparations and sprays, and much more--all with the goal of growing the highest-quality foods by using sustainable methods and working with nature and caring for the earth. This detailed book is an indispensable guide for both experienced, beginning, and prospective biodynamic farmers and gardeners. C O N T E N T S Introduction 1. The Farmer, Yesterday and Today 2. The Situation of Agriculture 3. The Farm and Its Broader Connections 4. Soil as a Living Organism: The "Load Limit" in Agriculture 5. Manure and Compost Treatment 6. Maintaining Living Soil: Cultivation and Organic Fertilization 7. How a Conventional Farm Becomes a Biodynamic Farm 8. Forestry 9. Market Gardening 10. The Dynamic Activity of Plant Life 11. Scientific Tests 12. Health Effects of Fertilizing 13. Practical Results of the Biodynamic Method 14. Human Responsibility 15. Summary Cited Works Books in English by Ehrenfried E. Pfeiffer Further Reading

A comprehensive study of biodynamic agriculture, its basis, effects and results.

This book discusses organic farming with regards to the origins and principles, policies and markets, organizations and institutions, and future concepts.

And if she stayed still Without making a sound She could see gnomes Helping plants through the ground. This radiant picture book was written for Julianna Margulies--the film actor and former star of the hit television series "ER"--when she was six years old. Her father, Paul Margulies, captures the pure openness of a child's imagination. These reflections on what a small girl sees around her remind us all, young and old, that life's riches can come to us through our loving attention to the simple and "ordinary." The vibrant images by Famke Zonneveld (the illustrator of Living Alphabet) bring this book to life. (Ages 4 - 7 years)

A collection of 14 discussions of the past and present literature about soil science. The topics include a historical survey, bibliometrics, introduction into developing countries, societies and their publishing influence, information systems, core monographs, primary journals, maps, and other aspec

Agricultural Soil Sustainability and Carbon Management presents long-term research in the field of sustainable soil use and management to guide in the prioritizing the multifunctional value of soil health and addressing interdisciplinary links between major issues such as biodiversity and climate change. As soil is the largest terrestrial carbon pool and a significant contributor of greenhouse gases, much progress can be made toward curtailing the climate crisis by sustainable soil management practices. The book provides valuable insight into the soil and carbon management, research gaps, and the methodological challenges for research into soil carbon management that will be important over the decades. - Prioritizes the multifunctional value of soil systems and addresses interdisciplinary links within major issues including Soil Health, Carbon Sustainability, Biodiversity and Climate change - Provides best management practices and techniques for sustainable carbon management under different cropping pattern/ecosystem - Explains the carbon mechanism and application methodology in relation to food production and identifies future areas for research and developments

For nearly a century, the worldwide anthroposophical movement has been a catalyst for environmental activism, helping to bring to life many modern ecological practices such as organic farming, community-supported agriculture, and green banking. Yet the spiritual practice of anthroposophy remains unknown to most environmentalists. A historical and ethnographic study of the environmental movement, Eco-Alchemy uncovers for the first time the profound influences of anthroposophy and its founder, Rudolf Steiner, whose holistic worldview, rooted in esoteric spirituality, inspired the movement. Dan McKanan shows that environmentalism is itself a complex ecosystem and that it would not be as diverse or transformative without the contributions of anthroposophy.

Sustainable Agroecosystem Management: Integrating Ecology, Economics, and Society examines the challenges for developing integrated approaches to the management of agricultural ecosystems. Providing historical background of attempts to bridge the ecological and agricultural sciences, this book highlights recent efforts to integrate natural and social science perspectives. Through various case studies with global applications, the text explores practical innovative strategies, policies, and research needs for emphasizing whole system productivity, diversification of agricultural operations, and management of agricultural systems that sustain multiple functions including ecological integrity.