Growing A Revolution

The problem of agriculture is as old as civilization. Throughout history, great societies that abused their land withered into poverty or disappeared entirely. Now we risk repeating this ancient story on a global scale due to ongoing soil degradation, a changing climate, and a rising population.

But there is reason for hope. David R. Montgomery introduces us to farmers around the world at the heart of a brewing soil health revolution that could bring humanity’s ailing soil back to life remarkably fast. Growing a Revolution draws on visits to farms in the industrialized world and developing world to show that a new combination of farming practices can deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions to problems farmers face today.

Cutting through standard debates about conventional and organic farming, Montgomery explores why practices based on the principles of conservation agriculture help restore soil health and fertility. Farmers he visited found it both possible and profitable to stop plowing up the soil and blanketing fields with chemicals. Montgomery finds that the combination of no-till planting, cover crops, and diverse crop rotations provides the essential recipe to rebuild soil organic matter. Farmers using these unconventional practices cultivate beneficial soil life, smother weeds, and suppress pests while relying on far less, if any, fertilizer and pesticides.

These practices are good for farmers and the environment. Using less fossil fuel and agrochemicals while maintaining crop yields helps farmers with their bottom line. Regenerative practices also translate into farms that use less water, generate less pollution, lower carbon emissions―and stash an impressive amount of carbon underground. Combining ancient wisdom with modern science, Growing a Revolution lays out a solid case for an inspiring vision where agriculture becomes the solution to environmental problems, helping feed us all, cool the planet, and restore life to the land.

Copyright 2017, softcover, 320 pages

Listen to David Montgomery on Tractor Time

David Montgomery and Anne Biklé were interviewed for episode 20 of the Acres U.S.A. Tractor Time podcast: Listen here.

More Books by David Montgomery

Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations – An engaging natural and cultural history of soil that sweeps from ancient civilizations to modern times, this book explores the compelling idea that we are—and have long been—using up Earth's soil.

The Hidden Half of Nature: The Microbial Roots of Life and Health – Co-written with Anne Biklé, this book describes Montgomery's and Biklé's journey of restoring their barren yard back to life while recovering from a health crisis, and the parallels between the botanical world and our own bodies.