Saving our Soil with David R. Montgomery

Posted October 19, 2018

In Agriculture, Diet, Environment, GMOs, Health, microbiome, Organic, Technology

Saving our Soil with David R. Montgomery » Listen

Date: July 23, 2018

Episode Description

Our soil is slowly eroding. We have stripped it of its nutrients, and damaged it with agricultural practices. David R. Montgomery, professor of geomorphology at the University of Washington is exploring solutions to save the soil, and restore it to health. A much needed listen for anyone who eats.

Dr. Risk’s Thoughts

I learned a lot reading David Montgomery’s book “Growing a Revolution.” Although I knew a little bit about agriculture from my Mom (see her interview August 6, 2018), there was a lot I didn’t understand. David’s explanation of no-till farming and no-till farming benefits, and the importance of the earth’s microbiome was so powerful to me. Although I’m sure others had made this connection between the soil and our own human microbiome, I had not! I hope that a revolution really is starting!

Guest Information

David R. Montgomery is a MacArthur Fellow and professor of geomorphology at the University of Washington. He studies landscape evolution and the effects of geological processes on ecological systems and human societies. He has authored numerous scientific papers and has been featured in documentary films, network and cable news.

David is the author of several popular books including Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations and The Hidden Half of Nature: The Microbial Roots of Life and Health which he co-authored with his wife, biologist, Anne Biklé. His most recent book is Growing a Revolution: Bringing Our Soil Back to Life. David’s work combines the rigor of science with narrative to share his unique perspective on Earth with readers.

David holds a Bachelors’ degree in geology from Stanford University and a PhD in geomorphology from the University of California, Berkeley.