From Egypt Middle Kingdom, about 2040-1750 BC An ancient Egyptian farmer at work This model was originally placed in a tomb. Models showing various stages in the production of food were placed in wealthy burials of the Middle Kingdom (about 2040-1750 BC) to guarantee that the deceased would have food for eternity. The first stage of the process was ploughing. In Egypt this took place when the flood waters of the inundation receded, leaving a thick layer of fertile silt over the whole of the flood plain. The loose soil required only a simple plough drawn by two cattle to create a furrow. Scenes in tombs and on papyrus show that the crop was often sown in front of the cattle, so that they would trample it into the soil. The main crops were wheat and barley for making bread and beer, and flax, for linen, rope and matting. Cattle were the main draught animals of ancient Egypt. It is unlikely that beef was an everyday foodstuff as cattle were expensive to keep, and more useful as a draught animal. Beef was, however, represented as one of the main components of food offerings for the deceased. Models showing the slaughter of cattle for this purpose were placed in tombs, and represented on offering tables in wall paintings.  

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03/04/2013
ISTRO INFO March 2013 has been
posted on the publications page

11/03/2013
Second announcement of the Workshop on “Soil Structure and its Functions on Ecosystem” in Nanjing, 8-10th September 2013
Please check the workshop information page HERE

03/12/2012
The proceedings of the 19th ISTRO meeting can be downloaded from the publications page (tab: other publications).

02/12/2012
ISTRO INFO September/October 2012 has been
posted on the publications page
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On this site you will find information about the International Soil Tillage Research Organisation (ISTRO), which focusses on the impact and consequences of various soil tillage practices. More information about the organisation itself can be found on the organisation page.

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ISTRO would like to honor each new PhD in soil-tillage related fields with a free 3-year Membership of ISTRO and a free 1-year subscription on Soil & Tillage Research Journal.

New PhD should be nominated by one of their graduate advisors / promotors who are ISTRO Member by sending an e-mail to the Secretary General of ISTRO.

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This site has been updated on Wednesday, April 3, 2013.