The one-straw revolution book review

The one straw revolution by Masanobu Fukuoka is a autobiography that was first published in september of 1975 and translated into english a couple years later in 1978. Fukuoka was a farmer and philosopher who lived in southern Japan. During world war II Fukuoka spent his time helping to manage the food supplies, After Japan’s defeat he returned to his father’s farm and decided to change farming practices. His method was “do-nothing” farming. No cultivation, no chemical fertilizer or prepared compost, no weeding by tillage or herbicides, and no dependence on chemicals. Fukuoka noted that petrochemicals were disrupting the natural balance of the land. Instead of doing more to correct it, he did less and called it natural farming. Human tampering can damage the soil and leave lingering problems that require correction. Fukuoka’s understanding was the natural state and patterns of nature is vital.

The strengths of this book was the structure of explanation. The way he explains his beliefs was clear and understandable in addition to adding his own experiences to provide real life proof and evidence. He always makes the readers think by asking questions and then answering them in a noncontroversial way. The ideas he presents about natural life are amazing and overall true and relatable to today.

The weakness of the book was the one sided argument. He gives out a lot of valid points and thoughtful creative ideas but never gives out an counter argument. There are thousands of people who farm around the world and have different methods and thought but they to have good to great results in their produce. We never hear anyones thoughts and opinions but his , why should I believe his practice is the most efficient way to go.

I would recommend this book mostly to people who enjoys farming or beginning a career in farming. Also anyone that is in food industry for the philosophy aspect of it. This book was educational and thoughtful. It calls for the readers to take action after realizing a lot of the little things we bypass or don't regularly think about that goes on with our agriculture and food industry.

“Alimentum - Review of One Straw Revolution by Masanobu Fukuoka.” Alimentum - Home, www.alimentumjournal.com/review-of-one-straw-revolution#.Wsv_dy7wbIV.