References

• 農政全書 (Chinese)

Source: ''Nongzheng Quanshu (Comprehensive Book on Agriculture)'' was authored by the Ming Dynasty scientist Xu Guangqi. This book summarizes many of the agricultural production experiences and techniques of ancient Chinese laborers. It cites over three hundred ancient works and documents. The book discusses the impact of climate, geography, and superior varieties on agricultural production, introduces agricultural production techniques, and provides detailed explanations of three key agricultural measures: land reclamation, water conservancy, and crop rotation. After Xu Guangqi's death, his son Xu Ji presented the book to Emperor Chongzhen. It was officially published and distributed in the twelfth year of the Chongzhen era (1639 AD). The Nongzheng Quanshu (Volume 27, Tree Cultivation) provides a detailed account of sweet potato cultivation, storage, and processing methods. It mentions techniques such as winter survival of sweet potato seedlings, stem cutting for propagation, cuttings, and storage in cellars or dry places. This book is the earliest systematic work to introduce sweet potato cultivation. The Nongzheng Qianshu not only had a significant impact on Chinese agronomy but also influenced the development of agronomy in Japan. Japanese agronomist Miyazaki Yasutomi, during the Edo period, referenced the Nongzheng Quan Shu and combined it with his own observations to write in 1695 (the seventh year of Genroku). ==References== * 農政全書 (Chinese) {{AI-translation}}