4.1.1 Another piece of history
The focus on healthy soils and the connection between healthy soil and human health is far from new.
In parallel to the increasing use of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, the Organic Movement was born as a counter-movement to what has now come to be known as “conventional farming”. The Organic Movement was started by a diverse group including farmers, doctors, vets and agronomists. One of the founders was Sir Albert Howard (1873-1947), who spent much of his career managing tea plantations in India. Observing traditional Indian agricultural methods, he became interested in the life in the soil that was fostered through these methods and advocated use of compost and cover crops to feed the soil. He also observed that human health seemed inextricably linked to the health of the soil.
“A fertile soil is the foundation of healthy crops, healthy live stock, and last but not least healthy human beings. By a fertile soil is meant one to which Nature’s law of return has been faithfully applied, so that it contains an adequate amount of freshly prepared humus made in the form of compost” Sir Albert Howard, 1946
Inspired by Sir Albert Howard, was Lady Eve Balfour (1898-1990), who co-founded the Soil Association in the UK, and also co-ran the Haughley Experiment comparing organic and conventional farming practices.
“An essential link in the nutrition cycle is provided by the activities of soil fungi, and for this and other reasons the biological aspects of soil fertility are more important than the chemical.” Lady Eve Balfour, The Living Soil, 1943
These are just two of a number of important pioneers to recognise the importance of soil life and its connection with crop health and human health. At the time, they were met by much criticism and scepticism.
Professor Elaine Ingham, who described The Soil Food Web, about 40 years ago, and has devoted her career to studying and sharing insights into the diverse life in the soil and its functions, has also met criticism and challenges in spreading knowledge.
Why is this? What are the main drivers in society for promoting chemicals and industrial models of food production?