The Book of Agriculture (Qimin Yaoshu)

The *Qimin Yaoshu* is an ancient Chinese agricultural text from the 6th century, traditionally attributed to the Tang Dynasty. It is one of the earliest comprehensive guides on farming, covering methods for cultivating crops, managing water, improving soil, raising livestock, and food preservation. The book combines practical advice with scientific observations, reflecting advanced agricultural knowledge of its time. It served as a manual for farmers and officials to optimize food production, ensuring stability and prosperity. Overall, it represents a significant scholarly effort to systematically document and improve agricultural practices in early China.