Eco-Farm, An Acres U.S.A. Primer: The definitive guide to managing farm and ranch soil fertility, crops, fertilizers, weeds and insects while avoiding dangerous chemicals [Paperback]

Charles Walters (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2003 | ISBN-10: 0911311742 | ISBN-13: 978-0911311747 | Edition: 3rd Revised

In this book, eco-agriculture is explained — from the tiniest molecular building blocks to managing the soil — in terminology that not only makes the subject easy to learn, but vibrantly alive. Eco-Farm truly delivers a complete education in soils, crops, and weed and insect control.

Chapters provide detailed discussions of trace elements, tillage, the N,P&K concept, animal health, crops, soil carbon and calcium, insects, soil life, crop rotation, and much more.

This should be the first book read by everyone beginning in eco-agriculture . . . and the most shop-worn book on the shelf of the most experienced.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Charles Walters is the founder and executive editor of Acres U.S.A., North America’s oldest and largest magazine covering organic and sustainable agriculture issues. He has penned thousands of articles on the technologies of sustainable farming – dubbed "eco-agriculture" because it is both economical and ecological. Walters is the author of many books, including: Weeds: Control Without Poisons; A Farmer’s Guide to the Bottom Line; Mainline Farming for Century 21; Fletcher Sims’ Compost; and others. A leading proponent of raw material economics, he has served as president of NORM and has authored several books on economics, including his classic work, Unforgiven: The American Economic System Sold for Debt and War.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Acres USA; 3rd Revised edition (June 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0911311742
• ISBN-13: 978-0911311747
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #63,333 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #31 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Agricultural Sciences > Sustainable Agriculture

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best source on caring for the soil I have ever read!, July 18, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Eco-Farm: An Acres U.S.A. Primer (Paperback)

Even though the beginning of the book has a slightly arrogant writing style, it is the best book on sustainable agriculture I have ever read. It is filled with the science behind the claims that, although complex, is easy to understand. It will make converts of even the most chemically dependent gardener or farmer if they have an open mind going in. It truely is THE organic primer Bible

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sense not nonsense, July 22, 2007

By 

M. Paterson - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Eco-Farm, An Acres U.S.A. Primer: The definitive guide to managing farm and ranch soil fertility, crops, fertilizers, weeds and insects while avoiding dangerous chemicals (Paperback)

I left college full of scientific knowledge and spent thirty years amending that with experience. Though I cannot subscribe to Steiner's Bio-dynamics I do follow sustainable farming techniques - those thirty years have taught me something. In this primer, that has been distilled and laid out clearly and without preaching as many "eco" texts do.

An excellent essay on conservative farming, blending the agro-science with eco-science.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A frustrating read on an intersting subject, March 26, 2009

By 

D. Ausberger "Farmer Oz" (Iowa) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Eco-Farm, An Acres U.S.A. Primer: The definitive guide to managing farm and ranch soil fertility, crops, fertilizers, weeds and insects while avoiding dangerous chemicals (Paperback)

The author frequently goes off on tangents and rants that make deciphering the information difficult. Topics weave in and out of chapters and attacks on research done at Iowa State University further muddy the subjects. I get the feeling that the author is so passionate and knowlegeable about the subject that his typing could not keep up with his brain. Perhaps a stronger editor would have been able to keep the text better on track. One can gleam good information out, but at the same time, one is often left wondering 'why,' after reading many of the passages. This book might be a good springboard for further questions and research. It is not too scientific for the lay person to comprehend.