A Chinese Biogas Manual


Book Description

The production of biogas, which is regarded in many countries as a by-product of an efficient system of energy production, has become in China a comprehensive, controlled method of waste disposal, recycling resources, supplying energy and fertilizer and improving rural health, as the digesting of wastes in a closed container kills many of the pathogens responsible for common human diseases.There are already approximately seven million biogas pits in opertion, with Sichuan (Szechuan) province leading the country in a movement to extend the practice throughout the countryside. This manual describes in detail how to build the pit, and covers a full range of designs to suit various soils from sandstone to sheer rock. It also includes a description of how the original manual was used.







The Book of Geese


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Farmers of Forty Centuries or Permanent Agriculture in China, Korea and Japan


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First published in 1926, this classic survey, which includes nearly 250 photographs, examines the traditional farming methods of the densely populated lands of China, Korea and Japan and shows how fertility can be maintained over many centuries through conserving and utilizing natural resources. In the Introduction, the author notes: ‘The United States as yet a nation of but few people widely scattered over a broad virgin land with more than twenty acres to the support of every man, woman and child, while the people whose practices are to be considered are toiling in fields tilled more than three thousand years and who have scarcely more than two acres per capita, more than one-half of which is uncultivable land.’ Researchers and scholars in the fields of human geography, regional studies and earth sciences, as well as social and economic history will welcome this landmark study being returned to print.




Biogas for Rural Areas


Book Description

Bioenergy is renewable energy obtained from biomass-any organic material that has stored sunlight in the form of chemical energy. Biogas is among the biofuels that can be obtained from biomass resources, including biodegradable wastes like manure, sewage sludge, the organic fraction of municipal solid wastes, slaughterhouse waste, crop residues, and more recently lignocellulosic biomass and algae. Within the framework of the circular economy, biogas production from biodegradable waste is particularly interesting, as it helps to save resources while reducing environmental pollution. Besides, lignocellulosic biomass and algae do not compete for arable land with food crops (in contrast with energy crops). Hence, they constitute a novel source of biomass for bioenergy. Biogas plants may involve both high-tech and low-tech digesters, ranging from industrial-scale plants to small-scale farms and even households. They pose an alternative for decentralized bioenergy production in rural areas. Indeed, the biogas produced can be used in heaters, engines, combined heat and power units, and even cookstoves at the household level. Notwithstanding, digesters are considered to be a sustainable technology that can improve the living conditions of farmers by covering energy needs and boosting nutrient recycling. Thanks to their technical, socio-economic, and environmental benefits, rural biogas plants have been spreading around the world since the 1970s, with a large focus on farm-based systems and households. However, several challenges still need to be overcome in order to improve the technology and financial viability.




The Soil and Health


Book Description

This is a newly edited revision of Albert Howard's important text on organic farming and gardening, and the central role of humus in maintaining soil health and fertility. THE SOIL AND HEALTH is a detailed analysis of the vital role of humus and compost in soil health - and the importance of soil health to the health of crops and the humans who eat them. The author is keenly aware of the dead end which awaits humanity if we insist on growing our food using artificial fertilisers and poisons. Albert Howard (1873-1947) was one of the leaders of the British organics movement in the mid-twentieth century. He was the first westerner to document and publish research on traditional techniques of agriculture, including Indian and Chinese farming and management of the soil. "Agriculture is the fundamental industry of the world and must be allowed to occupy the primary position in the economies of all countries." - Albert Howard CONTENTS 1 - Soil Fertility and Agriculture 1.1 The operations of Nature The life of the plant The living soil The significance of humus The importance of minerals 1.2 Systems of agriculture Primitive forms of agriculture Shifting cultivation The harnessing of the Nile Staircase cultivation The agriculture of China The agriculture of Greece and Rome Farming in the Middle Ages 1.3 Soil fertility in Great Britain The Roman occupation The Saxon conquest The open-field system The depreciation of soil fertility The low yield of wheat The Black Death The Industrial Revolution and soil fertility The Great Depression of 1879 The Second World War 1.4 Industrialism and the profit motive 1.5 The intrusion of Science 2 - Disease in Present-day Farming and Gardening 2.1 Diseases of the soil Soil erosion The formation of alkaline land 2.2 The diseases of crops 2.3 Disease and health in livestock 2.4 Soil fertility and human health 2.5 The nature of disease 3 - The Problem of Manuring 3.1 The origins and scope of the problem The phosphate problem and its solution The reform of the manure heap Sheet-composting and nitrogen fixation The utilisation of town wastes 3.2 The Indore Process - Some practical points - The New Zealand compost box - Mechanisation - The spread of the Indore Process 3.3 The reception by scientists




Practical Poultry Raising


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People's Workbook


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Tree Crops, A Permanent Agriculture


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Comprehensive survey of the potentialities of nut trees as producers of food and as conservers of soil.




An Agricultural Testament


Book Description

Embark on a journey of agricultural enlightenment with "An Agricultural Testament" by Sir Albert Howard, a seminal work that revolutionized modern farming practices and sparked a global movement towards sustainable agriculture. Join Sir Albert Howard as he shares his pioneering insights into the principles of organic farming and the interconnectedness of soil health, plant nutrition, and human well-being. Follow Sir Albert Howard's groundbreaking research and practical experience as he explores the symbiotic relationship between soil, plants, and microorganisms, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of the ecological principles that govern agricultural systems. Through clear explanations and real-world examples, readers learn how to harness the power of nature to cultivate healthy, productive, and resilient farms. Themes of sustainability, regenerative agriculture, and ecological stewardship permeate "An Agricultural Testament," offering readers a roadmap for transitioning from conventional farming methods to organic, holistic approaches that promote soil fertility, biodiversity, and long-term agricultural resilience. Sir Albert Howard's visionary insights inspire readers to rethink their relationship with the land and embrace practices that nurture both the earth and its inhabitants. Characterized by its scientific rigor and practical wisdom, "An Agricultural Testament" captivates readers with its blend of innovative ideas, empirical evidence, and timeless principles. Sir Albert Howard's holistic approach to farming offers readers a holistic vision of agriculture that transcends narrow ideologies and promotes harmony between humans, animals, and the environment. Since its publication, "An Agricultural Testament" has been hailed as a landmark work in the field of sustainable agriculture, earning praise for its visionary insights and practical guidance. Sir Albert Howard's advocacy for organic farming and his emphasis on soil health and biodiversity continue to inspire farmers, scientists, and policymakers around the world. As you delve into the pages of "An Agricultural Testament," you'll find yourself empowered to embrace a new paradigm of farming that honors the wisdom of nature and promotes the health and vitality of the land. Sir Albert Howard's timeless principles offer readers a blueprint for cultivating abundance and resilience in harmony with the natural world. Don't miss your chance to join the agricultural revolution with "An Agricultural Testament" by Sir Albert Howard. Let this groundbreaking book be your guide to regenerative farming practices that nourish the soil, sustainably feed the world, and cultivate a brighter future for generations to come. Grab your copy now and embark on a journey of discovery, innovation, and ecological stewardship.