Sowing Seeds in the Desert: Natural Farming, Global Restoration, and Ultimate Food Security

I was thrilled to see this book released. This book contains the last writings of Masanobu Fukuoka and they are about the desert regions of the world. I am from a long line of subsistence farmers on two continents and, as far as I know, the only one who has been a high desert grower. One Straw Revolution set my course as an ecological gardener/farmer in the high desert of CA over 25 years ago. This book is helping me realize why some of my experiments worked (and others didn't). To see desert lands addressed by Fukuoka in a way that makes sense to me as a micro-scale farmer is invaluable.On the personal side, I was able to take principles from One Straw Revolution and customize them to my desert environment and help feed my family and friends. From Sowing Seeds in the Desert, I am learning ways to continue growing in a marginal environment. The first book was a great inspiration. This current book is a great encourager.On a larger scale, our world is running short of arable land and our groundwater across the planet is being depleted rapidly. There isn't time for another ice age to lay down more deep wells of fossil groundwater. Honestly, we all - from backyard gardeners to commercial farmers - ought to be learning how to grow using water and the land with more wisdom. We need to learn to sit with the land, learn from it, and produce food in ways that make sense for our regions of the world. Along with Fukuoka, we would do well to look at indigenous ways of growing from our particular regions. If you allow it to, this book will inspire you to do just these things. In some places, this book is so strongly innovative that you may wonder - will this really work? I am absolutely betting my farm on Fukuoka. These principles have been working for us for many years.I would say that if you care on any level about natural/ecological farming, food justice, sustainable food systems, climate change, global ecological and/or cultural restoration, or even eating, you might very well benefit from this book.Incidentally, I deeply appreciate Larry Korn's translation. Even the footnotes are informative and helpful.

Wish we could just try his method, large scale. For me, just earth shattering.

Masanobu Fukuoka was a farmer and philosopher who first became a leader in the worldwide sustainable agriculture movement with the release of The One-Straw Revolution in 1975. Sowing Seeds in the Desert seems to build off of his introduction to his farming techniques, but is still easily accessible and understandable for those, such as myself, who have not read his previous works.The book begins with some history to help the reader understand Fukuoka's life; his world, spiritual, political, and economic views. The actual agricultural discussion does not begin until page 60, so be ready for that (I found his philosophical beliefs very intriguing and thought-provoking, even if a little too paradoxical at times; I only make note of the length of this section because neither the book's title or subtitle hint at anything beyond practical knowledge).Fukuoka has not conducted any controlled studies but instead relies largely on the extremely successful restoration of his own farm and his experiences in other countries (specifically the United States, Africa, India, and the Philippines). In a nutshell, Fukuoka opposes everything about modern farming techniques - monoculture, artificial crossbreeding, pesticides, tilling, fertilizers, dams and irrigation canals, deforestation, and the change from perennials to annuals - and does not view organic farming as much different from industrial farming because "they both begin by addressing the same question: 'How can I get nature to produce most efficiently for human beings?'". Similar to modern pharmaceuticals' concern with addressing symptoms over causes, Fukuoka explains that humankind's current approaches to farming and global restoration are only delaying the inevitable depletion of the world's soil.After following Fukuoka's travels and vicariously seeing multiple examples of mistaken agricultural practices and the benefits of true natural farming in places where these methods have already been implemented, it becomes clear that he is on to something profound and yet so simple that the only explanation for our nations' slow progress in revegetation has to be control and money.Fortunately, Fukuoka details the "ideal natural farm" for individuals, and the appendices starting on page 151 go into the specific details on how to start a natural farm. Those looking solely for step-by-step instruction may be disappointed with the more narrative-style of the 150 pages prior, but as editor once-apprentice Larry Korn states in his introduction, "[Mr. Fukuoka's] philosophy was everything, and the farming was merely an example of the philosophy."

This is a well-done presentation of important ideas by a practical philosopher – a man who lived and practiced his ideas and verified their worth with his own experience. Fukuoka was a scientist who integrated deep observation with experiment to find both a highly productive method of farming in harmony with natural processes and related strategies for reversing the rampant desertification on several continents caused by man's mismanagement.Having read "A Natural Way of Farming" over a year ago, I didn't expect anything new from Fukuoka, since he died in 2008, so Larry Korn's fine translation of the author's last work is a most welcome surprise this year (2012). Fukuoka's approach requires not only a new method but a change of heart – a radical transformation, not just a few new techniques. But at a time when petroleum intensive agriculture and other kinds of exploitation of Earth's resources are demonstrably unsustainable perhaps we are ready to hear his voice.

While this book was written several years ago, the desertification effects are been seen more widely today. The droughts in the western US highlights the need to change our farming methods.The books is more a philosophy on what to do and how to do it. It's not necessarily a step by step guide on how to bring about the return of green lands from deserts. However, there is enough practical information to get started. As Mr Fukuoka was from Japan, some of the plants would be more specific to his location. Local substitutes can likely be found in all areas of the world.If you are interested in natural farming, or even curious about other methods than "big ag", then this is a book for your library.

Great book! Helps one question our way of life and brings global problems to attention.

Only fue people teach us truth

A book packed with wisdom love and education. This really allows the reader gain a better understanding of Fukuoka's philosophy in life and his techniques in natural farming.

This and Fukuoka's "One Straw Revolution" arrived in the same package. Engaging writer, even in translation. Will change your ideas about gardening.

Fukuoka's gift of weaving philosophy with practical advice for the challenges we face in this era, is rare and wonderful. His passion for the natural world shines in each and every word. His strong belief that we can fix the damage we have done to the Earth is inspiring. I sincerely hope we can follow Mr Fukuoka's dream of a better world for all!