
The First Book of Farming
CHARLES L. GOODRICH
Farmer
Expert in the Bureau of Plant Industry, United States Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C.
PREFACE
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Part I - General Principles Underlying Plant Culture
THE FIRST BOOK OF FARMING - Part I - General Principles Underlying Plant Culture
Part II - Soil Fertility as Affected by Farm Operations and Farm Practices
This practical guide takes listeners into the world of early twentieth‑century agriculture, where careful observation and simple experiments reveal how plants thrive when their needs are met. The author begins by explaining why roots are the true engine of any farm, laying out the essential conditions—firm, moist, ventilated, warm soil rich in nutrients—that support healthy growth. Listeners will hear clear, step‑by‑step reasoning that turns complex science into everyday insight.
The narrative then moves outward, connecting those root fundamentals to the broader soil environment, water dynamics, and temperature effects. With vivid explanations of soil textures, water movement, and organic matter, the book equips both seasoned growers and curious beginners to test ideas on their own fields. By the end of the first part, listeners will have a solid framework for understanding how each element of the earth contributes to a fertile, productive farm.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (352K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Audrey Longhurst, Jeannie Howse and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2005-10-18
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects
b. 1859
Best known for writing a clear, practical introduction to agriculture, this early American farm educator focused on helping beginners understand how plants, soil, and everyday farm work fit together. His books were written to be useful first and literary second, which gives them a direct, hands-on charm.
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