Advances in Soil Science - Couverture souple

Stewart, B. A.

Couverture souple

ISBN 10 : 146138849X ISBN 13 : 9781461388494

Editeur : Springer New York, 1989

Synopsis

Soil is formed from physical and chemical weathering of rocks - processes described historically because they involve eons of time-by glaciation and by wind and water transport of soil materials, later deposited in deltas and loessial planes. Soil undergoes further transformations over time and provides a habitat for biological life and a base for the development of civilizations. Soil is dynamic -always changing as a result of the forces of nature and particularly by human influences. The soil has been studied as long as history has been documented. Numerous references to soil are found in historical writings such as Aristotle (384-322 B. c. ), Theophrastus (372-286 B. c. ), Cato the Elder (234-149 B. C. ) and Varro (116-27 B. c. ). Some of the earliest historical references have to do with erosional forces of wind and water. The study of soils today has taken on increased importance because a rapidly expanding population is placing demands on the soil never before experienced. This has led to an increase in land degradation and desertification. Desertifica- tion is largely synonymous with land degradation but in an arid land context. Deterioration of soil resources is largely human induced. Poverty, ignorance, and greed are the indirect causes of desertification. The direct cause is mismanage- ment of the land by practices such as overgrazing, tree removal, improper tillage, poorly designed and managed water distribution systems, and overexploitation.

A propos du livre

Présentation de l'éditeur

With the expanding world population, the major concern just a few years ago was whether the world could produce enough food. Now in many countries agricultural productivity has risen to the point of providing chronic food surpluses while in other areas, notably Africa, food production lags far behind need. In either situation there is a growing concern over managing the soil resource. Concerns range from inappropriate deforestation to depletion to erosion. These concerns are resulting in a shift in research objectives. The need to optimize crop production while conserving the resource base has never been greater. This series provides a forum for leading scientists to analyze critically the information on a particular subject. Most importantly, contributors develop and identify principles that have practical applications to both developing and developed agricultures.

Présentation de l'éditeur

This series of critical reviews, Advances in Soil Science, fills a gap between the primary scientific journal and the comprehensive reference monograph. The reviews of timely topics provide in-depth analyses and practical applications for the practitioner. The series was formulated to be international in authorship and application of all subjects relating to soil science and is increasingly being cited by soil scientists. Volume 12 contains contributions on subjects including soil structure, Azospirillum inoculation, clay mineralogy analyses, and evaporation from soil.

Détails de l'édition

• Éditeur: Springer New York
• Date d'édition: 1989
• Langue: anglais
• ISBN 10: 146138849X
• ISBN 13: 9781461388494
• Reliure: Broché
• Nombre de pages: 216
• Coordonnées du fabricant: Springer Nature Customer Service Center GmbH; ProductSafety@springernature.com; ; Europaplatz 3; Heidelberg; 69115; Allemagne