Sir Albert Howard (1873-1947) was a British botanist, an organic farming pioneer, and a principal figure in the early organic movement. He is often referred to as the father of modern organic agriculture. He worked in India as agricultural advisor, where he observed and came to support traditional Indian farming practices over conventional agricultural science. He has been called the farther of modern composting, for his refinement of a traditional Indian composting system into what is now known as the Indore method. He went on to document and develop organic farming techniques, and spread his knowledge through the UK-based Soil Association, and the Rodale Institute in the US. His 1940book, An Agricultural Testament, is a classic organic farming text. His work influenced and inspired many farmers and agricultural scientists who furthered the organic movement, including Lady Eve Balfour (the Haughley Experiment, The Living Soil) and J.I. Rodale (Rodale Institute). 1873 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calaber). ... 1947 (MCMXLVII) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will take you to calendar). ... Botany is the scientific study of plant life. ... Organic farming is a form of agriculture that relies on ecosystem management rather than external agricultural inputs. ... Organic movement broadly refers to the organizations and individuals involved worldwide in the promotion of sustainable agriculture and organic farming, and a general opposition to agribusiness. ... The Soil Association is the main umbrella group in the UK for organic farmers. ... ... 1940 (MCMXL) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will take you to calendar). ... Look up book in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... An Agricultural Testament, a book by Sir Albert Howard, is credited by some with launching the organic farming agricultural movement. ... Lady Eve Balfour (Evelyn Barbara Balfour; 1899-1990) was a British farmer, educator, organic farming pioneer, and a founding figure in the organic movement. ... The Haughley Experiment was the first scientific comparative study of organic farming and conventional chemical-based farming, started in 1939 by Lady Eve Balfour and Alice Debenham, on two adjoining farms in Haughley Green, Suffolk, England. ... This article needs to be cleaned up to conform to a higher standard of quality. ...
Sir AlbertHoward was the founder of the organic farming movement.
This is Howard's follow-up to An Agricultural Testament, extending its themes and serving as a guide to the new organic farming movement as it unfolded -- and encountered opposition from the chemical farming lobby and the type of agricultural scientists Howard referred to as "laboratory hermits".
Albert and Gabrielle Howard worked as fellow plant scientists and fellow Imperial Economic Botanists to the Government of India for 25 years, and this is a study of their work by Sir Albert's second wife Louise (sister of Gabrielle, who died in 1930).
Howard's work and contribution acquire new significance in the context of globalisation and genetic engineering, which are threatening small scale farmers and the fragile ecological fabric of life.
Howard became a passionate proponent of the philosophy of non-violent agriculture, wherein the two processes of nature - growth and decay - intermesh to rejuvenate and celebrate life.
Howard's research proved the improved efficacy of humus for crop yield, and resistance to pests and diseases, as compared to chemical fertilizers.
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