MARKHAM, Gervase
£950 · Offered by Sokol Books
Third edition revised, corrected, and amended, together with many new additions, of this important and innovative agricultural work by Markham, on the preparation and improvement of soils and on arable farming generally. Soil husbandry began to be seen as the key to productive, profitable farming. Gervase Markham, one of the first agricultural writers to write in English instead of Latin, described soils as various mixtures of clay, sand, and gravel. What made good soil depended on the local climate, the character and condition of the soil, and the local plants (crops). Simple Clays, Sands, or Gravels together; may be all good, and all fit to bring forth increase, or all barren. Understanding the soil was the key to understanding what would grow best, and essential to keeping a farm productive. Thus having a true knowledge of the Nature and Condition of your ground . it may not only be purged and clensed but also so much bettered and refined. Prescribing steps to improve British farms, Markham recommended using the right type of plow for the ground. He advised mixing river sand and crushed burned limestone into the soil, to be followed by the best manure to be had, preferably ox, cow, or horse dung. In describing procedures for improving barren soils, Markham advocated growing wheat or rye for two years in a field, and then letting sheep graze and manure it for a year. After the sheep, several crops of barley were to be followed in the seventh year by peas or beans, and then
- Binding: Hardcover
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