Agricultural chemistry is a phrase that pops up unexpectedly in the Hallmark Channel movie “A Harvest Wedding” (2017) in a scene between the charmingly inventive farmer David (played by Victor Webster) and the ambitious wedding planner Sarah (played by Jill Wagner).

Sarah discovers multiple jars filled with a mysterious substance in David’s fridge while preparing homecooked soup for him.

David explains that the mysterious substance is a “bonding insulator” — essentially organic tar that can be used on roofs, roads, or even as a medium for growing plants. This revelation prompts Sarah to inquire about David’s unexpected foray into agricultural chemistry. {Yes David, tell us, some of us in the audience also want to know!}

Fictionalized “bonding insulator” but intriguing

From a scientific perspective, David’s claims about the “bonding insulator” being a revolutionary growing medium may seem far-fetched. While organic matter like tar can play a role in soil amendment, it appears that it is currently not a standalone solution for growing crops in diverse environments.

However, despite its fictional nature, this scene cleverly introduces the concept of agricultural innovation to the audience, sparking curiosity and wonder in some viewers’ minds about the possibilities of new technologies and approaches to food production.

Real-world agricultural chemistry involves a complex interplay of factors, including soil composition, nutrient availability, and environmental conditions.

While the exact origins of the term “agricultural chemistry” are a bit murky, its lexical roots may trace back to the 19th century when European scientists began systematically applying chemistry to agriculture. One key figure in this early development (from a Eurocentric perspective) was Justus von Liebig, a German chemist often referred to as the “father of agricultural chemistry.”

Justus Freiherr von Liebig was a German scientist who made major contributions to the theory, practice, and pedagogy of chemistry, as well as to agricultural and biological chemistry; he is considered one of the principal founders of organic chemistry.

The bigger picture

The framing of Justus von Liebig as the “father of agricultural chemistry” reflects a Eurocentric bias that overlooks the long history of agricultural innovations and chemical knowledge from other parts of the world. While Liebig made important contributions, agricultural chemistry has diverse roots that extend far beyond 19th-century Europe.

Ancient civilizations in China, India, Mesopotamia, and the Americas developed sophisticated agricultural techniques long before European scientists systematized the field.

For example, Chinese farmers as early as 2000 BCE were using mineral fertilizers and understood crop rotation principles. The Aztecs created chinampas, artificial islands made of lake sediments and decaying vegetation, demonstrating an advanced understanding of soil chemistry and plant nutrition.

In the Islamic Golden Age (8th-14th centuries), scholars made significant advancements in agriculture and chemistry. The Persian polymath Ibn al-Awwam wrote a comprehensive agricultural treatise in the 12th century that covered soil types, irrigation, and the use of various fertilizers. This work drew on earlier Arabic, Greek, and Latin texts, highlighting the intercultural exchange of agricultural knowledge.

African agricultural practices also contributed valuable insights. For instance, the Ovambo people of Namibia developed a sophisticated system of flood recession agriculture that maximized soil fertility through natural flooding cycles. This demonstrates a deep understanding of soil chemistry and hydrology that predates European scientific agriculture.

In India, traditional farming practices incorporated complex knowledge of soil types, crop rotation, and natural fertilizers. The ancient Indian text Vrikshayurveda, dating back to around 1000 BCE, contains detailed information on soil management, seed treatment, and plant nutrition.

The Incan civilization in South America developed advanced terracing techniques and used guano as fertilizer, understanding its nitrogen-rich properties centuries before European chemists. This knowledge was later exploited by European powers during the 19th-century guano rush, which Liebig himself promoted.

While Liebig’s work was undoubtedly influential in systematizing agricultural chemistry and promoting the use of mineral fertilizers, it’s crucial to recognize that he built upon a global foundation of agricultural knowledge. His theories on plant nutrition and the law of the minimum were groundbreaking in the European context, but they were not created in a vacuum.

Moreover, the emphasis on Liebig’s contributions often overshadows the work of his contemporaries and predecessors. For instance, the English agriculturalist Jethro Tull made significant observations about plant nutrition in the early 18th century. The Scottish chemist James F.W. Johnston published influential works on agricultural chemistry in the 1840s, around the same time as Liebig.

The global nature of agricultural innovation

Recognizing the global nature of agricultural innovation and the continuous exchange of knowledge across cultures involves acknowledging the limitations and negative consequences of some European agricultural practices, such as the overreliance on synthetic fertilizers promoted by Liebig and others, which has led to environmental issues.

This more accurate historical narrative encourages a more holistic and sustainable approach to modern agriculture that can benefit from traditional knowledge systems alongside scientific innovations.

“A Harvest Wedding” offers a glimpse into the universe of agricultural chemistry

While the “bonding insulator” is a fictional creation, its presence in “A Harvest Wedding” cleverly weaves together elements of both fantasy and reality, introducing the concept of agricultural chemistry and its innovation potential. The dialog between David and Sarah not only serves as a lighthearted glimpse into the field of agricultural chemistry but also subtly hints at its vast and ever-evolving nature.

Their conversation, starting here with David revealing his humility, and willingness to learn from others. While he is clearly passionate about his work, he recognizes the value of outside expertise:

— David: I’m also working with a professor at the college.

— Sarah: Okay, hold on. Let me get this straight. If this works, you can basically grow anything anywhere?

— Theoretically. Right now, we’re just playing around with this. It’s just fun, you know? It’s like we’re wrestling with Mother Nature.

— What do you plan on doing with it? Have you talked to any investors?

— No, I don’t have time for that.

— Well, David, if you believe in it, then you need to make time.

— Do you know how many years that would take? There would be testing and then years with the FDA.

— No, no, shh. David. How do you expect to know what’s possible if you don’t even try?

The movie reminds (some of) us that out there in the world, there are people and groups of different backgrounds working to find innovative solutions to global challenges like food security, climate change, and sustainable farming. The dialog also suggests that much of this work intersects in a field that some call Agricultural Chemistry.