This stimulating book provides a highly practical window into the complex, interdependent relationships between soil, plants, animals, and human beings, including special insight into the fascinating life cycle of healthy soils and the imminent dangers we face should their existence become threatened. Poor agricultural practices are draining our soils of nutrients and microorganisms. Depletion of the humus is already described as extreme in some areas. Hennig addresses all components of the soil microorganisms, microbes, soil nutrients, and minerals and explores natural fertilization techniques using compost and rock dust along with their roles in humus formation. Translated from its original German, this book will help farmers everywhere understand humus better.