Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1025240 in Books
• Published on: 1985-03
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 192 pages

Customer Reviews

Subtle agriculture for a world in crisis
Masanobu Fukuoka defies western or modern agricultural techniques going down to the basics of traditional japanese life. No chemicals and no digging the land for an abundant and long term harvest. Planting with the heart. Mindfulness...
The book and Masanobu himself impressed me and I find myself following his path like that of a guru.

Thought provoking environmental classic.
If you are interested in the food you eat, the way this food is produced, or the environment please read this book. The role of modern science and economics within these topics are discussed in this book using hard facts and philosophy, in an easy to read manner. It may change the way you think. Part of the list price goes to plant trees in India to compensate for the use of pulp in this book!

An amazing, thought-provoking book
I bought this book over 10 years ago and still re-read it from time to time. It follows the progress of a scientist who starts to question the validity of traditional science - due to the increasing speciality of scientists who cannot see the big picture outside of their field of expertise. Fukuoka explains his early failures with pruning experiments, but gradually things change and get better. He develops his 'natural farming' techniques that can rival 'traditional' methods in terms of yield, yet require less time and physical input to the land.

The books shows that a different way is possible - a gentler way. You learn so much about a man's struggle and his successes. Totally compelling and a classic.

Fukuoka died in 2008, aged 95 - his way of life enabled him to have a long and healthy time on earth - no bad thing!