by Dale Strickler, 352 pages, 8x10, softcover. It’s hard to find books that cover soil science and stewardship in a way that engages laypeople. We’re excited to offer this one because it is both engrossing and practical for anyone who works with soil. Written by a farmer and soil-lover, this book is an ode to the revolutionary power of tending healthy and productive soils. Strickler begins by explaining how bad agricultural practices have created widespread soil degradation. From there, he explores the fundamentals of healthy soil in terms of oxygen, water, micro- and macroorganisms, minerals, and the carbon cycle. He describes the practices that build better soil (including reduced tillage, crop rotation, cover crops, and agroforestry). All along the way, Strickler keeps things interesting with farmer anecdotes, insightful reference charts, and illustrations. His passion for soil health shines through, as does his optimism that wiser agricultural practices could reroute us onto a much more sustainable path. -JPR
