A New Legacy For Soil, Water And Practical Science

A New Legacy For Soil, Water And Practical Science Les Henry, a former professor and extension specialist at the University of Saskatchewan, was also a farmer and the author of “Henry’s Handbook of Soil and Water.” The book offers many general rules and practical notes that challenge inquisitive minds and connect real-life farming to scientific knowledge. In the Handbook, the five key factors that shape soil are identified as climate, vegetation, parent material, topography and time. However, Henry encourages readers to think more deeply, famously suggesting that the true drivers of soil formation are “water, water, water, water and water.” Over the years, his core belief that “water drives everything” has been widely cited. The book serves as an invaluable reference, explaining concepts ranging from the basics, such as the three phases of soil, to more advanced topics like hydrology and groundwater chemistry. Cory Willness, CEO of Croptimistic Technology, completed his degree program at the University of Saskatchewan, where Henry was a professor. As Willness established Croptimistic, his precision agriculture company, he devised a soil and water topography-based methodology that Henry appreciated (Vol. 47, No. 4). After Henry retired, soil and water, and their fundamental principles, remained a shared passion between the two men. The Handbook even became a staple for the Croptimistic staff operations. As Henry’s health began to decline, he transferred the Handbook’s copyright to Willness to ensure the book’s principles would live on. Before Henry passed in 2024, the pair established The Les Henry Award, an annual Western Canada-based award that raises visibility and recognizes those who excel in soil and water science applications at the field level. Henry’s Handbook is available through the Croptimistic website’s online store for about $50. “Being selected by Les to carry on the book’s copyright is a feather in our company’s cap,” Willness says. “It’s not a big money-making or attention-seeking thing, but a way to show respect to Les and present the book’s knowledge to the farming community in a respectful way. He constantly emphasized the need for a solid balance between academia and practicality. Boots on the ground and science working together. I wanted that to continue in his name.” Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Croptimistic Technology Inc., Swat Maps, 10-721 66th St., Saskatoon, Sask., Canada S7P 0E4 (ph 800-421-4099; www.swatmaps.com/shop).

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