Suggested Reading
Teaming with Microbes
Lowenfels, Jeff, and Wayne Lewis. (2010). Teaming with Microbes, The Organic Gardener’s Guide to the Soil Food Web. Timber Press.
This is a great introduction to the soil food web - digestible, accessible, and easy to follow for beginners. The target audience for this book is home gardeners, but the concepts apply in most contexts.
‘Soil is our livelihood and we better protect it, or we’re screwed’
Wolfe Stifler, Emily. (2021). ‘Soil is our livelihood and we better protect it, or we’re screwed,’ Common Ground, Part I: How organic and regenerative agriculture are revitalizing rural Montana economies. Montana Free Press.
A three part series exploring progressive agriculture in Montana, from specific stories of organic and regenerative, to emerging markets, to the political ecosystem surrounding these movements.
Soil Biology Primer
Ingham, Elaine. (2014). Soil Biology Primer.
A foundational reading for anyone interested in soil biology. This is ‘an introduction to the living component of soil and how it contributes to agricultural productivity and air and water quality’ written by one of the pioneers in this field.
Soil Microbiology, Ecology, and Biochemistry
Paul, Eldor A, Ed. (2015). Soil Microbiology, Ecology, and Biochemistry (Fourth Edition). Academic Press.
A more academic lens to understand soil health, this textbook covers the various players in the soil microbial ecosystem, to nutrient cycling, and more.
How Nitrogen Works in the Soil
Frank, John. (2019). How Nitrogen Works in Soil. Eco Farming Daily.
This article clearly describes the various forms of Nitrogen, their roles in the soil, and how our fertilizer programs affect these processes.
Nutrient Management Modules
McCauley, Ann et al. (2009). Nutrient Management Modules. Montana State University Extension Service.
These modules go over nutrient management in a highly detailed manner for N, P, and K; and in general these modules cover nutrient cycling, soil fertility, and testing protocol.