Agricultural library – by author

Albrecht, William A.

One of the most important agriculture-health books ever written. Albrecht published many articles in magazines and journals, but this is the only actual book Albrecht wrote and was his effort to encapsulate his whole message between two covers.

Albrecht, William A.

Albrecht published hundreds of papers in agriculture and health-related journals. He also wrote a many years long series of monthly articles in Let’s Live!, a popular health magazine. A collection of similar papers (without the Let’s Live! articles), is published in-print on-paper by Acres, USA as The Albrecht Papers in four volumes.

Baker, C. Alma

This broad, world-wide survey was primarily done from a biodynamic point of view and with considerable acknowledgment for the contribution of Sir Albert Howard.

Balfour, Lady Eve

A talk about the Haughley Experiment, given by Lady Balfour at an IFOAM conference in Switzerland.

Balfour, Lady Eve

An organic classic. Lady Balfour organized a farm, Haughley, where comparative experiments were done to prove the superiority of organic methods. It also states the organic case thoroughly, passionately and reasonably.

Balfour, Lady Eve

In the early 1950s Lady Balfour and her companion drove across the USA coast-to-coast, visiting many agriculturalists and meeting with notables including Francis Pottenger, William Albrecht, E. Pfeiffer, Cocanouer, etc. Many photos.

Barrett, Thomas J.

A practical inquiry into soil-building, soil conditioning, and plant nutrition through the action of earthworms, with instructions for intensive propagation and use of Domesticated Earthworms in biological soil-building.

Beach, Rex

Dr. Charles Northen demonstrated that countless human ills stem from the fact that the impoverished soil of America no longer provides plant foods with the mineral elements essential to human nourishment and health! To overcome this alarming condition, he doctors sick soil and, by seeming miracles, raises truly healthy and health-giving fruits and vegetables.

Bear, Firman E.
Prince, Arthur

Firman Bear explores the idea that plant nutrients in soil determine the nutritional qualities of the crop.

Biodynamic Association USA

Every issue of BioDynamics Journal USA from 1941 to 2007.

Botar, Oliver Árpád István

“Focusing on Weimar Germany, I ground the study of biomorphic Modernism in Ern6 Kallaifs 1932 identification of a trend he termed Bioromantik. Kallai wrote from a biocentric position, an amalgam of Nature Romanticism and biologism espoused by Nietzsche…

Botar, Oliver Árpád István
Wünsche, Isabel

Burbank, Luther

Someday more of Burbank’s writings will be found on this site. Meanwhile, this popularized abridgment by Wilbur Hall will have to suffice.

Cato

A classic of farming lore and practice from the golden era of the Roman Empire. Scholars usually call this book De Re Rustica (On Agriculture). A Critical English Translation by Andrew Dalby.

Cocannouer, Joseph A.

The wild plant species that are thriving in a field or garden reveal a great deal about the soil they are growing in. Weeds can be used to build soil fertility.

Cook, O.F.

“Astounding farming skill of the ancient Peruvians, who were among the most industrious and highly organized people in history.” This is the subtitle of this article documenting a 1915 expedition to Peru to investigate the old Incan and pre-Incan farming techniques and culture. Their terracing systems are unparalleled.

Dale, Tom and Carter, Veron Gill

This survey of world history shows how every civilization from Mesopotamia to Rome first destroyed its agricultural resource base and thus destroyed itself.

Darwin, Charles

Understanding the common earthworm’s importance is essential to a full understanding of soil fertility and plant health. Contains an interesting introduction by Sir Albert Howard.

Drummond, John

How farming and overall public health should be improved, post World War II.

Elliot, Robert

Elliot developed a system of humus/fertility restoration by rotating plowed fields into grass for four to eight years.

Ernle, Lord

The finest and most readable history of English Farming every written.

Faulkner, Edward H.

In this book Faulkner reconsiders Plowman’s Folly. Especially interesting is his review of the literature which makes up the essential core of this library.

Faulkner, Edward H.

Faulkner’s last summary of how to farm, to improve soil and to restore highly degraded farms.

Faulkner, Edward H.

Faulkner’s book created a flurry of popular interest in alternatives to "scientific" agriculture. It is probably most important for what happened in American consciousness because of the interest it created rather than because of what the book says.

Foth, Henry D.
Ellis, Boyd G.

What every soil analyst needs to know; a university-level textbook.

Francé, Raoul Heinrich

Zeitschrift für angewandte Mikroskopie, Mikrobiologie, Mikrochemie und mikroskopische Technik From a generous donation by Thorsten Perl and friends of the digitalized collection of works by and about Dr. Raoul H. Francé and his wife Annie Francé-Harrar…

Francé, Raoul Heinrich

Studien zum Ausbau der vegetabilen Reizphysiologie I From a generous donation by Thorsten Perl and friends of the digitalized collection of works by and about Dr. Raoul H. Francé and his wife Annie Francé-Harrar.

Francé, Raoul Heinrich

From a generous donation by Thorsten Perl and friends of the digitalized collection of works by and about Dr. Raoul H. Francé and his wife Annie Francé-Harrar.

Francé, Raoul Heinrich

Eine Einführung in micrologiche studien für anfänger From a generous donation by Thorsten Perl and friends of the digitalized collection of works by and about Dr. Raoul H. Francé and his wife Annie Francé-Harrar.

Francé, Raoul Heinrich

From a generous donation by Thorsten Perl and friends of the digitalized collection of works by and about Dr. Raoul H. Francé and his wife Annie Francé-Harrar.

Francé, Raoul Heinrich

From a generous donation by Thorsten Perl and friends of the digitalized collection of works by and about Dr. Raoul H. Francé and his wife Annie Francé-Harrar.

Francé, Raoul Heinrich

From a generous donation by Thorsten Perl and friends of the digitalized collection of works by and about Dr. Raoul H. Francé and his wife Annie Francé-Harrar.

Francé, Raoul Heinrich

From a generous donation by Thorsten Perl and friends of the digitalized collection of works by and about Dr. Raoul H. Francé and his wife Annie Francé-Harrar.

Fukuoka, M.

Highly unusual viewpoints with a cult following.

Fukuoka, M.

We have been informed (October, 2014) that this worthy title has been brought back in print and is available through all the usual sources.

Gold, Mary V.

An annotated bibliography of the foundational works behind today’s Sustainable and Organic Agriculture movement, put together by the US Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Library.

Graham, Michael

Graham wrote before the discoveries of micorhizzal associations and production of phytamins by soil bacteria. But he still did a very good job of explaining the essences of sustainable holistic farming to the general public.

Greenwell, Sir Bernard, Bt

Full title—”With Discussion by Sir Albert Howard and G.T. Wrench”. Speeches and Q&A at the Royal Empire Society, Craven Street, W.C.2,on Monday, 30th January, 1939.

Hamaker, John D and Donald A. Weaver

Continental glaciation spreads fresh, highly mineralized rock dust over temperate regions that by itself causes world-wide climatic changes. Another continental glaciation is both inevitable and imminent unless we significantly remineralize our agricultural soils.

Hart, Robert

Vertaling van het bekende boekje van Robert Hart, over het opzetten van een Bostuin in de stad of op het land, met een minimum van arbeid en hoofdzakelijk bestaande uit fruit- en notenbomen, en -struiken, samen met zelfuitzaaiende groenten en kruiden. Het verhaal van Hart’s eigen Bostuin in Shropshire, en over het gezonde ‘salade’dieet Nederlandse vertaling: Robert Hundscheidt.

Henderson, George

A successful livestock farmer provides excellent advice to the young wishing to enter farming as a life-work. There are wise suggestions for the practicing farmer. Henderson was a crusty, enjoyable person well worthy of spending a few hour’s time with.

Henderson, George

The story of Henderson’s youth and farming career. Contends that the farmer must also be a sagacious businessperson, personnel manager, etc. Most useful guide to creating a success in any business.

Henderson, George

Henderson shares his lifetime accumulation of efficient farm methods, animal handling, including detailed instructions for newbies involving how to do physical work. Numerous photos and drawings.

Hensel, Dr. Julius

The book(let) asserts that animal manure is “unclean.” Fertilizing with manures produces less nutritious food. The proper way to farm or garden is by remineralizing with rock dusts.

Hills, Lawrence D

The long titles goes “A Hundred Tons an Acre of Stock or Compost for Farm, Garden or Smallholding.” Covers growing, harvest and feeding results feeding comfrey to livestock and for making compost with it. Handsomely illustrated.

Hills, Lawrence D

Hill’s final statement, information, facts and figures about comfrey.

Hopkins, Cyril G.

Originally a series of four magazine articles appearing in The Country Gentleman, and later, responding to popular demand, published as a small book by the author himself. Explains in very few pages the way to achieve a permanent agriculture.

Hopkins, Cyril G.

One of the best "made-simple" holistic soil manuals ever written, all wrapped up as a romance about a bright young man with a solid ag-school education going out to buy a farm and falling in love.

Hopkins, Cyril G.

In part written to refute the claim by the Chief of the US Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Soil, Milton Whitney, who claimed that all soils are inexhaustible of the minerals needed to grow crops. In the run-up to the Dust Bowl in the 1930’s, this…

Hopkins, Donald P.

This later edition contains several new chapters, a new preface and much fresh information about fertilizers and their sensible use.

Hopkins, Donald P.

Chemical fertilizers are effective and positive to the degree that humus remains in the soil; chemical fertilizers cause problems only when they completely or substantively replace farmyard manure. Hopkins takes on the Howardites point by point and demolishes many of their positions.

Howard, Louise E.

A poetic, passionate and concise statement of the beliefs of the Organic Farming movement by the second wife of Sir Albert Howard.

Howard, Louise E.

A thorough and scholarly review of Albert and Gabrielle Howard’s scientific career encompassing all the scientific literature and journal articles that would otherwise be virtually unobtainable. Louise Howard was the sister of Gabrielle, and became Howard’s second wife and ardent supporter after the death of Gabrielle.

Howard, Sir Albert
Wad, Yeshwant D.

Howard’s most important scientific publication, detailing the nature, practice and significance of Indore composting, especially to Indian agriculture.

Howard, Sir Albert

Provides a historical perspective on how soil fertility determines human health.

Howard, Sir Albert

Howard wrote this book to create public support for organic farming.

Howard, Sir Albert

A collection of articles by Sir Albert Howard that were published in early issues of Organic Farming and Gardening Magazine.

Howard, Sir Albert

Articles from periodicals by and about Sir Albert Howard. These have been supplied by numerous patrons and friends of the library.

Jenks, Jorian

Explains that soil fertility, the nutritional qualities of food and the health of animals and humans are tightly linked.

Jenny, Hans

This scientific text should be studied by anyone seeking a full understanding of soil fertility. It doesn’t use high level maths, however, a well grasped secondary school science education and a touch of geology will go a long way towards making this book fully comprehensible.

Jones, Christine

Dr. Jones explains how the main creators of humus are specialized fungi that plants feed sugars and other complexed nutrients. These fungi, in turn, help feed plants both nutrients and moisture.

King, F. H.

One of the best travel books of all time. King’s remarkable account of his agricultural investigations in China, Korea and Japan in 1909 was an often-quoted source of inspiration for Howard in his 26 years as an agricultural investigator in India.

King, F. H.

Obsolete soil manual.

King, F. H.

Published posthumously. King’s study of Chinese, Korean and Japanese agriculture was part of his plan for the work on Soil Management. The chapter on the study of Far Eastern agriculture has been collected by Mrs. King from ten different lectures and papers which he had already prepared.

King, F.C.

With a forward by Lady Howard. Another take on the subject of Cocannouer’s more popular book.

Kolisko, Eugen
Kolisko, Lili

Deutsche Übersetzung von "Agriculture of Tomorrow", verfasst von Lili Kolisko, erschienen in der Schweiz 1953.

Kolisko, Eugen
Kolisko, Lili

A Steinerian / biodynamic viewpoint on the way agriculture should evolve.

Krasilnikov, N.A.

Krasil’nikov found ways to improve plant growth and crop yields with special composts and microbial ferments of the sort that could be produced by the farmer in an old barrel. All these "primitive" solutions are based on a very high-level understanding of soil microbes and how crop species interact with each other via long-lasting soil residues (root exudates), and how plants and microbes interact with each other.

Lamin, William

How to supply Humus, Texture, and Fertility by the Aid of Deep-Rooting Grasses

Liebig, Justus von

A few years after publication of these Chemical Letters, Liebig presented his full thesis in “Chemistry and its applications to Agriculture and Physiology.”

Lievegoed, Bernard

Often mentioned Biodynamic lecture given about 1950 by Lievegoed that discusses the planetary forces and their effects on plant growth and compost preparations.

Lowdermilk, Walter C.

An historical survey of worldwide soil erosion. Many remarkable photos showing the ruins of what were once fertile, productive places that are now desert or semi-desert that can barely support struggling people—the remnants of what once were flourishing civilizations.

MacDonald, William

Martinez, A.W.

Another rare and obscure article on Pfeiffer regarding his bacterial cultures to compost Oakland’s garbage (probably simple food wastes and paper wastes in the late 40s and early 50s) – talked about in legendary terms but out of reach.

McDonald, Angus.

A US Government publication surveying efforts taken to improve American agriculture and eliminate soil erosion.

Mitchell, Elyne

Mitchell, an Australian, had a strong concern for the threat soil erosion poses to the sustainability of technological society. The small (but deeply significant) book encompasses the whole history of western civilization.

Mm. Vilmorin-Andrieux

Illustrations, descriptions and culture of the garden vegetables of cold and temperate climates, written by Mm. Vilmorin-Andrieux of Paris. Written originally in 1885, this edition has been translated into English and contains additional varieties.

Naylor, Justin

A frequent correspondent of this library, Justin Naylor, has written a short and worthy article that appeared in Acres, USA about the organic/chemical controversy, using Donald Hopkin’s book as a springboard.

Oliver, George Sheffield

All about the earthworm. A classic of organic literature.

Organic Food: The Case For

A collection of articles, bibliographies and miscellany compiled by Arun Shrivastava.

Orgiazzi, A., and many others

This fully illustrated publication details what we presently know about life the soil and the complex ecosystem within which life is sustained. Of course, and here is the rub, when the soil is described as being a very complex living ecosystem, the information flies in the face of Industrial Agriculture. Modern farmers, with the help of their agents, have all but declared war on soil life by the use of petrochemical fertilizers and pesticides.

Parnes, Robert

This valuable book went out of print years ago. It was revised and updated in 2013 and republished on the internet by the author.

Pfeiffer, Ehrenfried

Seminal book in the Bio-dynamic farming movement that tells of replicated studies on the effects of BD practices on health and yields. Introduction by Eve Balfour.

Pfeiffer, Ehrenfried E.

Fifty years before the soil foodweb became in the 1990s, Pfeiffer was using microscopes, preparing microbial inoculants, making superior quality composts, teaching farmers how to employ biological farming practices to improve soil organic matter, soil structure, and soil fertility – which in modern times is known as “soil health” — and conducting cutting edge research on soil fertility, soil biology, soil humus, and food quality. 

Pieters, Adrian J., Ph.D.

A thorough review of green manuring and its contribution to the maintenance of soil fertility and the improvement of agricultural productivity. Contains photographs of great historical interest.

Rayner, M.C.

A foundation work of the Organic Farming and Gardening movement. It discusses the relationships between tree roots and fungi. Rayner’s work formed the basis of the organicist contention that supporting a complete and healthy population of soil microlife is essential to plant health.

Rhind, William

This book extensively covers three topics: The physiology and geographical distribution of vegetables; a history of useful plants and food crops;  the practical culture of vegetables. It is huge book, over 700 pages. Regrettably, the scan is not searchable and the file size quite large. At least the images are readable.

Rodale, J.I.

When Sir Albert Howard passed away in 1948 Organic Gardening and Farming Magazine ran a memorial edition that contained a collection of tributes by important figures in the organic movement.

Rodale, J.I.

The organic gardening and farming movement arrived in the United States in the early 1940s. J.I. Rodale was the prime mover. Within a few years tens of thousands were swept up by Rodale’s evangelical enthusiasm. Most of this book probably consisted of articles in early issues of Organic Gardening Magazine.

Rodale, J.I.

A collection of pro-humus-farming and gardening odds and ends, mostly from early Organic Gardening Magazines.

Roth, Rene Romain

This book is available through the generosity of Hanna Roth.

Schupan, Werner

Article’s content is as the full title states. May be the first significant study of the quality differences between organically grown and "conventional" foodstuffs.

Shaler, Nathaniel Southgate

Nathaniel Southgate Shaler (February 20, 1841 – April 10, 1906) was an American paleontologist and geologist who wrote extensively on the theological and scientific implications of the theory of evolution. Soil and Health Library has a nearly complete collection of Shaler’s publications.

Koepf, H. H.
Petterson, B.D.
Shaumann, W.

A complete introduction to the history, philosophy, techniques, and benefits of the Bio-Dynamic school of farming and gardening.

Smith, J. Russell

A list of the most important books ever written about sustainable agriculture (and human health) would include Tree Crops, as well as the books by Sir Albert Howard, the publications of William Albrecht and Price’s Nutrition and Physical Degeneration.

Sokoloff, Dr. Stephen

From a generous donation by Thorsten Perl and friends of the digitalized collection of works by and about Dr. Raoul H. Francé and his wife Annie Francé-Harrar.

Spohn, Dr. Eberhard

From a generous donation by Thorsten Perl and friends of the digitalized collection of works by and about Dr. Raoul H. Francé and his wife Annie Francé-Harrar.

Stapledon, Sir George

This book presents Stapledon’s views on how humankind should live in relation to the earth and the soil. Although written over forty years ago the challenges of that time have become more acute in the years since.

Stapledon, Sir R.George

Stapledon’s lectures and short essays mainly in response to the stress WWII placed on feeding the population.

Stapledon, Sir R.George and William Davies

A thorough look at the use, establishment and management of grass leys, in the tradition of Robert Elliot.

Steiner, Rudolf

From a generous donation by Thorsten Perl and friends of the digitalized collection of works by and about Dr. Raoul H. Francé and his wife Annie Francé-Harrar.

Strong, Richard

Richard Strong considers climatic and land-use factors in determining organic matter levels in soil and the consequent health of the ecosystems supported on those soils.

Sullivan, Preston

An introduction to soil science and soil management for holistic food growers.

Sykes, Friend

Sykes farmed organically; the health and quality of his livestock was extraordinary. The book contains much information about mechanized production of compost on the farm.

Taylor, Paul

A free download of Chapter 1 offered by the author/publisher, with a link to purchase the book from the publisher’s website. The Soil and Health Library offers this item because we feel that biochar is extremely useful and should become more widely known and used.

Thomas, Chan

This title counterpoints Hamaker’s Survival of Civilization. An imaginative fascinating account of a natural catastrophe that nearly wipes all life off the face of our planet about once every six thousand years.

Thomas, Chan

Thirty some additional pages published a few years later. The document was donated by a library patron.

Thun, Maria

Some of Maria Thun’s research that is not found in her annual biodynamic sowing calendars. Included are explanations of astrological events and planting strategies.

Thun, Maria

Actual trial results from using Thun’s planting calendar.

Tiedjens, Victor A.

Many soils in the United States and Canada show a paucity of available calcium even though the pH reading seems satisfactory. A high pH does not necessarily indicate adequate calcium in the soil.

Tiedjens, Victor A.

How spreading aglime in far larger amounts than conventional ag science calls for greatly reduces the need for fertilizer and grows crops with much higher nutrient-density.

Tiedjens, Victor A.

This is the story of how Tiedjens purchased an exhausted Ohio farm and proceeded to rehabilitate it, mostly with aglime.

Tiedjens, Victor A. and L.G. Schermerhorn

Observations made on vegetable farms in New Jersey located on sandy soils, show that pH is not always a reliable indicator of the available calcium and that many of those sandy soils which have pH values of 6.0 to 6.6, where large applications of soda and potash have been made, may be very deficient in calcium and magnesium.

Timiryazev, Kliment

Offers a uniquely Russian, holistic viewpoint on plants that seeks wisdom through observation of the obvious.

Trow-Smith, Robert

A concise history of English agriculture. The easy-reading narrative tells what Trow-Smith considers the general progress of English farming with attention paid to social/economic conditions from the time of pre-history.

Turner, Newman

Turner’s first book, a less thorough treatment of the materials developed more fully in Fertility Pastures and Herdsmanship.

Turner, Newman

Turner used Robert Elliot’s system and writes passionately about the superiority of the organic method.

Turner, Newman

The art of handling diary cattle, with a full battery of natural remedies and a discussion of proper feeding, handling TB positive animals and curing hoof and mouth disease without mass slaughter.

Voisin, André

Understanding how soil imbalances produce this livestock disease illuminates aspects of how human health depends upon nutritional balances.

Voisin, André

Health of animals and men is linked to the mineral balance of the soil.

Voisin, André

Health of animals and men is linked to the mineral balance of the soil. Note: This file is not searchable, however it may display correctly on Safari browsers and in Preview. Adobe Reader may be used to view the searchable version on a Mac, PC or other…

Waksman, Selman

The basic text on the topic for decades; a summary of everything known in the mid 1930s.

Waksman, Selman A.

Waksman’s massive work of scholarship was refused by many publishers who thought there was no market for such a book, but it became a best-seller and dominated the field for decades.

Waksman, Selman A. and Robert L. Starkey

An Introduction to the Study of the Microscopic Population of the Soil and Its Role in Soil Processes and Plant Growth. A thorough overview of the topic.

Weaver, Don

This book offers potentially world-transforming information, ideas, and insights on the social, ecological and climatic problems now threatening the future of humanity.

Weaver, John E. and sometimes others as well

The University of Nebraska put a large collection of John Weaver’s publications online for free download. The Soil and Health Library is mirroring this material. Select this item to see the full list of publications with download links to them.

Weaver, John E.

This book is the product of a lifetime of ecological research “to clarify some of the many problems presented by this vast natural unit of vegetation, to better understand the importance and significance of grassland and its utilization, and to furnish a permanent record of a rapidly vanishing vegetation.”

Weaver, John E.

Chapter I provides what may be the best basic soil’s manual ever written; Chapter III shows how to grow plants with an awareness of their root activities. Also of particular interest are Weaver’s frequent mentions of Albert Howard’s researches in India.

Weaver, John E. and William Bruner

The classic study, filled with species-by-species illustrations, each worth tens of thousands of words to someone who wants to grow vegetables better.

White, William N.

Long book and quite useful still.

Whorton, James

If you think the current batch of pesticides are dangerous and harmful, read about what was used before WWII. This book helps put the pesticide issue into perspective.

Widtsoe, John A.

American prairie farmers ignored Widtsoe’s warnings, making the 1930s dust bowls inevitable. Provides insights that help grow vegetables with less or no irrigation.

Wigens, Anthony

How to garden without owning land. Takes a fresh and inspiring look at land ownership, private property rights and eco-ethics.

Yeomans, P.A.

Recommends a unique method of plowing that helps the land soak up all rainfall, opens it to root penetration and greatly accelerates the release of plant nutrients.

Yeomans, P.A.

An illustration-filled practical farming textbook focused on water conservation, small-scale dam construction and gravity-fed irrigation projects. Especially useful for practicing sustainable rainfall-dependent farming.

Yeomans, P.A.

This is a tiny book of barely 100 small pages having as much or more to do with city planning and landscape architecture on a macro-scale as it does with farming.

Young, Gregg A.

Thoroughly explains why the base cations (calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium) should be balanced. It explains how to interpret ammonium acetate extractions and how to grow great fruit, especially grapes.