Authors: Montgomery, David R. and Bikle, Anne

Published by: W.W. Norton & Company, Inc, 2022

There is a lot of talk lately about regenerative farming or permaculture practices with the goal of saving the earth by sequestering carbon in the soil and eliminating pesticide use. Montgomery and Bikle presents scientific conclusions of recent studies which show that beyond the “save the earth” mentality, healing the soil also helps provide nutrients to humans and animals.

Starting with the soil, the authors discuss the importance of worms and microbes. The microbes provide good bacteria and extra nutrients to the soil that feeds into the vegetables while growing. This leads to a denser nutritional profile in vegetables for humans and animals to feed on. These crops are compared to crops grown in a conventional manner with pesticides and glyphosate and the scientific comparisons prove that crops grown organically have more nutritional value. To take it a step further, organic crops have a larger nutrient profile than what is measured for comparison.

In their research, the authors also find that the method of farming in an organic and regenerative manner was more economical due to not relying on things that have to be purchased: expensive chemicals such as pesticides, fungicides, and genetically modified seeds. They claim that crop rotations and growing companion plants and diverse crops, actually yield more healthy food on a smaller amount of land; ideal for small farms.

The common health issue of inflammation is also discussed as an imbalance between the omega 3s and omega 6s. Omega 6s is most commonly found in processed seed oils. This leads to a discussion on animals and their food, especially for beef, because cows are not being fed grass but grain. With fewer nutrients in grain than grass, which is rich in beta carotene and Vitamin E, animal meat has less nutrients than before. The authors also include that this type of feed goes against the cow’s natural need for grass and wanderings for their food, posing questions on the ethics of keeping animals penned.

One subject leads to another as there is an interconnectedness in nature: if we’re good to animals, the animals provide healthier meat for humans. If humans treat the soil better, we get better vegetables and animals eat better. If there are more nutrients, humans are healthier. And all of this is better for the earth–harming it less.

Montgomery and Bikle’s explanation of how microbes work within the soil is fascinating and informational. I was so engaged that I wanted to read some of their previous books which deal more specifically on the topic of soil. While there is quite a bit of science in this book, the authors’ writing does not dwell on the technical side of things, but uses the research studies and conclusions to explain and support their claims.

As an organic gardener, this book was extremely relevant in understanding why organic processes work. The methods of crop rotation, composting, growing diverse crops, are effective in my home garden and now I have a better understanding of the components that make it so. The bonus is knowing that organic vegetables have nutrients to enrich my health.