Dry-Farming : A System of Agriculture for Countries under a Low Rainfall

Across much of the globe, over half of the land receives less than twenty inches of rain each year, making conventional irrigation impractical. This book explains dry‑farming—techniques that capture and conserve the limited moisture that falls—to turn marginal ground into productive fields. It outlines why dry‑farming matters in the global food challenge.

Drawing on research from experiment stations and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the author details the core principles of soil moisture retention, crop selection, and timing of tillage. Guidance is geared toward the working farmer while providing enough scientific depth for students and extension agents. Examples show how simple practices—deep plowing, fallow periods, mulching—can boost yields without irrigation.

Written when dry‑farming was still emerging, the text balances optimism with hard‑won experience, urging readers to view arid land as fertile potential. Listeners will gain a solid foundation for trying these methods on their own farms or for deeper study in agricultural science.