The Search for Circular Agriculture

The name Justus von Liebig is forever associated with the agricultural sector as the inventor of artificial fertilizer and thus the founder of the most revolutionary development in agriculture. However, it is less known that this famous scientist was also the first and most prominent critic of artificial fertilizer use.
Just as Albert Einstein sharply criticized the application of his research in weapons of mass destruction, Justus von Liebig was also a fierce opponent of the use of his discovery. He saw the unrestrained spreading of artificial fertilizer as a great danger to a healthy soil life and responsible agricultural produce. As a directly involved party, he could also formulate the strongest arguments for the debate on soil fertility, the nitrogen cycle, the health of the environment, crops, and consumers, etc.

"...if the soil lacks mineral components, then ammonium salts have the same effect as brandy on poor people to increase their working power..."

However, the interests of artificial fertilizer producers and agricultural companies already outweighed (in the mid-19th century) the concern for healthy soil or responsible production.

This edition contains the translation of a critical essay he published on this topic in 1861. The high topicality of this now 150-year-old text is striking!

For the current debate in agriculture, due to the strength of his arguments, this booklet can be of great significance and contribute to the awareness of all who work in or for the agricultural sector.

Paperback, 62 pages, ISBN 978-90-817996-0-7 Publisher Mulder Agro BV.