Top products from r/Agriculture

Soil science primer - http://www.amazon.com/Soil-Science-Simplified-Helmut-Kohnke/dp/0881338133 - great, clear short read. Gives the basics plus a little extra.

Something to know about agriculture is that a lot depends on 1) what you are growing and perhaps even more importantly, 2) where you are growing. You'll face different obstacles and issues, depending on where in the world you're located, that can be totally different from someone located someplace far away.

The US has this awesome taxpayer funded program called the Extension Service. At the state level they do research and at the county level you can call/email/contact them and ask all manner of questions - they exist to help people grow and raise things, so don't be shy about using this resource! They can help you figure out what kinds of plants to plant, and when is best for your area, they can hook you up with high quality but affordable soil tests if you're going to be testing in the ground, some offer classes, they can help you identify and figure out pests and diseases, etc. They'll also know how to best grow things in your particular climate. Here's yours - http://www.unce.unr.edu/programs/horticulture/

For plant spacing, you'll have to look up the individual plants. Same with water needs. You can always ask your county extension service, or alternatively, find the Authoritative Gardener in your area, usually there's at least one older individual who is on the radio and invited to various events who is something of a local expert and garden writer.

Haha I know right ! Its funny you should mention farming in Japan because I'm currenty readng this book

http://www.amazon.com/The-One-Straw-Revolution-Introduction-Classics/dp/1590173139

Its basically about organic farming and how if one farms in co-ordination with natural events (eg. natural decomposition of crops fertilising the land with humus) farming becomes effortless. The author also tries to link in the principles of farming to everyday life.

I'd like to do tropical agriculture, but I think I'd most likely have to go to the US to pursue that topic specifically, agricultural courses are thin on the ground in the UK tbh which is quite surprising

Hmm your points on the more practical work is useful, at least in helps me decide what I should and shouldn't buy

Spices are pretty interesting. I know you didn't ask for a reading list, but if you are a reader, and you love food, history and plants, check these out.

Spice: The History of a Temptation.

For a more political look - Full Planets, Empty Plates.

Also a good read...

Lavender is difficult to propagate from seed. It is usually done in more controlled environment like a tunnel or greenhouse and then transplanted when much larger.

Income is wildly depending on the form and processing of the lavender before sales. It generally is sold as value added crop, not raw. Most of the lavender places I have researched or seen grow and process to some extent and sell products such as essential oils, soaps etc. If you are looking to sell large quatities there needs to be a place slose bby that is capable of handling the bulk. Ie shipping truck loads of bulk lavender across the country to be processed is expensive.

You need to find out if there is a company that does large scale oil extraction or processes lavender near you. Shipping form SC to the PAC-northwest or to upper Michigan where I have seen a bunch of these operations would be cost prohibitive.

This book is a pretty decent look at a lot of the things you would need to think about. But from a farming prospective there is going to be difficulty in being profitable on 50 acres if all you are able to do is the tilling.

Artic Apples. Genetically modified to remove the chemical that makes them spoil after being cut.

or

Market any of the different types of banana that are possible replacements for the currently available Cavendish Banana; Apple Banana (aka Manzano Banana), Lacatan Banana (Red Banana), or Baby Banana. Could also market the old Gros Michel Banana, because so few people remember it.

This book by Dan Koeppel will give you some great background information about how Bananas became the fruit that we know and love. Banana: The Fate of the Fruit That Changed the World

Check out Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations for sore really interesting history on this.

The same author has a second book - Growing a Revolution: Bringing Our Soil Back to Life which is possibly the most hopeful, uplifting, and practical book I’ve ever read on agriculture or the environment.

Highly recommend both!

Assuming you're in the US, there is an incredible book called Traditional American Farming Techniques. It's got a condensed soil sciences, agronomy, animal husbandry, equipment construction/repair and economics course all built in.

It's basically my Bible. Amazon Link. The cover photo on that page is incorrect, but all the information seems to indicate this is the correct item. Give it a look. There's quite a few excerpts floating around online, but I think this might be what you're looking for.

• https://www.amazon.com/New-Organic-Grower-Techniques-Gardeners/dp/093003175X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1526852070&sr=8-1&keywords=new+organic+grower&dpID=51%252BThGjP4zL&preST=_SX218_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch
  
  
• https://www.amazon.com/Organic-Farmers-Business-Handbook-Complete/dp/1603581421/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1526852178&sr=1-1&keywords=organic+farmers+business+handbook
  
  

AmazonSmile Link 1: The New Organic Grower: A Master's Manual of Tools and Techniques for the Home and Market Gardener, 2nd Edition (A Gardener's Supply Book)

AmazonSmile Link 2: The Organic Farmer's Business Handbook: A Complete Guide to Managing Finances, Crops, and Staff - and Making a Profit

^AmazonSmile is an Amazon feature that donates 0.5% of your purchase price to a charity of your choice at no extra cost.

I wonder if David R Montgomery would get back to you with anything he knows about this. His book Dirt: Erosion of Civilizations covers the past erosion and biome destruction which affected the world.

His book has plenty of references in the back, and I know he left a lot of the heavier data out to tune the target audience.

Ask if he has a complete list you can have, or to suggest another person to ask.