This title examines fundamental concepts and practices of sustainable agriculture with focus on soil management, water conservation, and watershed development. It addresses organic farming systems and integrated nutrient management including use of bio-fertilizers, vermicompost, and natural pest control methods. Chapters explore role of agroforestry systems and cover crops in maintaining soil health and ecosystem sustainability, and also:Examines fundamental concepts of susta...

Essential reading for all studying horticulture and keen gardeners. This clear introduction to the principles underlying the practical applications of horticulture opens up the excitement of growing plants and garden development without readers wading through complex information. Written by a team of highly motivated and experienced horticultural tutors, the text supports the newly restructured RHS Level 2 qualifications with related Level 3 topics in boxes and signposting to Level 4 topic...

"A gentle, practical and inspiring guide to help you transform your yard into a diverse, healthy and sustainable landscape."—Myrna Pearman, coauthor of NatureScape AlbertaMany urban yards are essentially unproductive patches of grass, requiring constant attention for no return. Through sustainable, organic landscaping, these small or large plots of land can become part of the solution to today's environmental challenges.Eco-yards supports t...

The only book to explain the science behind gardening practice in a simple and visually accessible wayExploding myths and providing authoritative take-home advice, this book provides a shortcut to decades of gardening experience by explaining the science behind how a garden grows.Why does my cherry tree blossom but never fruit? What's the most effective slug deterrent? Could I breed my own unique variety of flower? Do plants communicate? Do...

A synthesis of more than three decades of interdisciplinary research and practice, Agroecology and Regenerative Agriculture: An Evidence-based Guide to Sustainable Solutions for Hunger, Poverty, and Climate Change, provides evidence-based solutions to some of the world’s most pressing crises in global ecology, agriculture and public health.Featuring the work of Navdanya, an organization founded by Dr. Vandana Shiva that promotes agroecology, seed freedom, and a vision of Earth Demo...

An essential guide to composting for all gardeners and environmentally conscious peopleThis revised edition of The Rodale Book of Composting includes all the latest in new techniques, technology, and equipment. Gardeners know composting is the best way to feed the soil and turn food scraps into fresh produce, but even urbanites can get on board thanks to programs like compost pickup and citywide food waste initiatives—there’s no better way to reduce landfi...

The debate about animal agriculture will never be the same again. Sorting out whether livestock and meat are good or bad, among the thousands of contradictory opinions, can be an overwhelming task. This book makes it easy.“Letter To A Vegetarian Nation” is a meticulously researched and thoroughly logical analysis of why livestock are actually essential for sustainable food production and environmental restoration. No matter how much we might like to live in a world without...

THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF LANDSCAPESA must-have guide for anyone working with landscapes, Sustainable Landscape Management eases the transition of the landscape industry into a new era of green consciousness. Filled with examples that illustrate best practices, the book provides a practical framework for the development of sustainable management strategies from design to execution and, eventually, to maintenance in an effort to co...

Danny Barney covers everything you need to know to successfully grow and market your own organic orchard fruits. Offering expert tips on selecting the right site, choosing the best cultivars, designing and maintaining a sustainable orchard, and efficiently harvesting fruit, Barney also helps you develop a viable business plan, acquire necessary organic certifications, and identify niche markets for your products.

Learn how to make compost gold from the master of healthy soil.Charles Dowding puts feeding the soil at the heart of his No Dig method of growing. He explains how to use your kitchen and garden waste to make homemade compost so that your plants can truly flourish.Discover what you can compost, how to get the perfect balance, and different ways to compost whatever your space with this beautiful, infallible guide.

Winner of the Best Book Award in the 2009 Garden Writers Association Media AwardsNamed an "Outstanding Title" in University Press Books for Public and Secondary School Libraries, 2009In this introduction to sustainable landscaping practices, Linda Chalker-Scott addresses the most common myths and misconceptions that plague home gardeners and horticultural professionals. Chalker-Scott offers invaluable advice to gardeners gardeners who have wondered:Are native plants...

Harness the power of beneficial insects to deter pests and reduce crop damage. This comprehensive guide to farming with insects will have you building beetle banks and native plant field borders as you reap a bountiful and pesticide-free harvest. With strategies for identifying the insects you’re trying to attract paired with step-by-step instructions for a variety of habitat-building projects, you’ll soon learn how to employ your own biocontrol conservation tactics. Lay out the brush pile...