Aug 11, 2021

Soil health fundamentals focus of ‘Building Soils for Better Crops’

Now more than ever, it is abundantly clear that healthy soils play an essential role in productive agricultural systems. Soils are foundational to the food we eat and fundamental to life on earth. Focusing on sustainable soil management has shown to increase farm and ranch profitability, improve crop yield and provide other critical services related to water, air and climate.

Sustainable Agriculture Research and Educaton (SARE’s) newest book, the fourth edition of Building Soils for Better Crops, provides rich detail on ecologically sound practices for developing and maintaining healthy soils. It is a must-read for farmers, educators and students alike.

The new edition of this highly regarded book provides critical updates to reflect the new science and many new, exciting developments in soil health over the past 12 years. Building Soils for Better Crops includes detailed information on soil-improving practices as well as in-depth background, from what soil is to the importance of organic matter. Along with providing practical strategies for achieving agricultural sustainability with high-quality soil, the book presents readers with a holistic appreciation of the importance of soil health.

Building Soils for Better Crops is written by Fred Magdoff (University of Vermont emeritus professor of plant and soil science) and Harold van Es (Cornell University professor of soil science); it is published by the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program.

Building Soils for Better Crops is free to read online or to download as a PDF at www.sare.org/soils. Print copies can be ordered online for $23 each, plus shipping and handling. Call (301) 779-1007 for tax free, rush or purchase orders. Discounts for bulk orders apply.

Order, download or read online now.