Books we recommend...

Loads of literature has been published regarding the environmental issues with chemical fertilization, healthy soil, organic farming, and the benefits of microbial biofertilizers. Below we have listed some of the publications we here at Surya Organics consider to be required reading internally and want to share them with you. We will be adding to this list as new publications are released and we welcome any recommendations you may have as well. Use the Feedback tab at left or send us a note at the Surya Organics™ community support site at http://community.suryagrow.com.

Handbook of Microbial Biofertilizers
The Handbook of Microbial Biofertilizers provides in-depth coverage of all major microbial biofertilizers, as well as new and emerging growth promoters. It examines the role of microbes in growth promotion, bioprotectors, and bioremediators, and presents protocols and practical strategies for using microbes in sustainable agriculture. An abundance of helpful charts, tables, and figures make complex information easy to access and understand.

Handbook of Organic Farming & Biofertilizers
Organic farming is an agricultural philosophy and a farm management system aiming at promotion of plant, animal and human health. Through the use of environment friendly bio-fertilizers it maintains and improves productivity of land as far as possible by encouraging natural biological process in the soil.

Biofertilizers in Sustainable Agriculture
Biofertilizers or microbial inoculants include biologically active and efficient bacteria that can provide plant nutrients at cheaper cost when compared with chemical fertilizers. Moreover, biofertilizers and organic manures are environment friendly and important basic inputs for sustainable agriculture. Their integrated uses thus can cause a reduction in application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and overall cost of cultivation of crops.

Teaming with Microbes: A Gardener's Guide to the Soil Food Web
Teaming With Microbes enlightens readers in clear, straightforward language. It describes the activities of the organisms that make up the soil food web, from the simplest of single-cell organisms to more familiar multicellular animals such as insects, worms, and mammals. Further, the book explains how to foster and cultivate the life of the soil through the use of compost, mulches, and compost teas. In plain language, the authors make the text accessible to a wide audience, from devotees of organic gardening techniques to weekend gardeners who simply want to grow healthy, vigorous plants without chemicals.

Life in the Soil: A Guide for Naturalists and Gardeners
"Soil, for the layman, is typically out-of-sight, out-of-mind. Those who enjoy the beauty of nature rarely look down. James B. Nardi offers an engaging and informative view of the living creatures whose activities in the soil affect its creation, composition, and fertility. Like Alice in Wonderland, the reader of Life in the Soil is dropped into a fantastical world." - Cathy J. Maloney, editor, Chicagoland Gardening

Dirt: The Ecstatic Skin of the Earth
In these brief, elegant essays, the author raises the concept of dirt to new levels. Logan, a monthly columnist for the New York Times, looks at soil formation and development. His topics range from quarries and the foundations of cathedrals to graveyards and earthworms, from husbandry in ancient Rome to composting in Florida. Dirt is a natural history of the soil and our connection with it.

Eco-Farm, An Acres U.S.A. Primer
In this book, eco-agriculture is explained — from the tiniest molecular building blocks to managing the soil — in terminology that not only makes the subject easy to learn, but vibrantly alive. Eco-Farm truly delivers a complete education in soils, crops, and weed and insect control. Chapters provide detailed discussions of trace elements, tillage, the N,P,K concept, animal health, crops, soil carbon and calcium, insects, soil life, crop rotation, and much more. This should be the first book read by everyone beginning in eco-agriculture...and the most shop-worn book on the shelf of the most experienced.