Dr. David Montgomery
University of Washington
In Growing a Revolution 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. Cutting through standard debates about conventional
and organic farming, Montgomery explores why practices based on theprinciples
of conservation agriculture help restore soil health and fertility. Drawing on
visits to farms in the industrialized and developing worlds he finds that the
combination of no-till planting, cover crops, and diverse crop rotations
provides a profitable 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 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.
Recorded: March 15, 2018
