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Chiefs Quote by Jethro Tull

“All sorts of dung and compost contain some matter which, when mixed with the soil, ferments therein; and by such ferment dissolves, crumbles, and divides the earth very much. This is the chief and almost only use of dung. ... This proves, that its (manure) use is not to nourish, but to dissolve…” quote by Jethro Tull
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“All sorts of dung and compost contain some matter which, when mixed with the soil, ferments therein; and by such ferment dissolves, crumbles, and divides the earth very much. This is the chief and almost only use of dung. ... This proves, that its (manure) use is not to nourish, but to dissolve, i.e., divide the terrestrial matter, which affords nourishment to the Mouths of vegetable roots. His underestimate of the value of manure.”

Jethro Tull

About This Quote

Source Treatise: An Essay on the Natural History of Manure, 1767

Manure’s primary role is to break down soil, not just feed plants, emphasizing its transformative power.

In simple terms: Manure dissolves soil, aiding plant growth.

Key Takeaway

Use manure to enrich soil health.

Themes

agriculture soil science sustainability

Mood

reflective hopeful

Type

educational inspirational

When to use this quote

  • farming
  • gardening
  • organic composting

Key Concepts

composition decomposition nutrient cycling

Questions to Reflect On

  • What benefits does natural decomposition provide over synthetic fertilizers?
  • How can farmers balance both methods?
A Different Perspective

Overreliance on chemical fertilizers can ignore this natural process.

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