J. Russell Smith: A Crusader for Pomological Crops

Abstract

Joseph Russell Smith (1874-1966) is recognized today as a founder of American geography, educator of many, and a crusader for the use of pomological crops to help feed the world’s population and to protect erodible soils. As a prolific author of more than 180 articles and 40 textbooks, he educated school children, college students, and the American public about the genetic improvement of pomological crops, sustainable agricultural practices, and production and marketing of agricultural products to alleviate world famine. J. Russell awakened Americans to the need for planting trees and perennial cover crops on steep hillsides 26 years before the Soil Conservation Service was established. He doggedly championed agricultural causes and served as a voice for farmers via his articles in the popular press, often effecting change. Throughout his life, J. Russell promoted the planting of improved fruit cultivars and underutilized nut trees to produce food for human and animal consumption. Long before thornless blackberry cultivars were developed, he envisioned this trait and others possible for pomological crops, if more funding would be devoted to plant breeding. Recognizing the benefits of grafting, J. Russell challenged producers across America to search for budwood to produce superior nut trees, which resulted in named selections ultimately disseminated by members of the Northern Nut Growers Association and his Sunny Ridge Nursery. At the zenith of his career, Smith wrote his seminal book, Tree Crops: A Permanent Agriculture, which remains a source of inspiration for students and practitioners of soil conservation, sustainable agriculture, and agroforestry.