Organic Farming, Pest Control and Remediation of Soil PollutantsOrganic Farming, Pest Control and Remediation of Soil Pollutants. Lichtfouse, Eric (Ed.) 2010, X, 418 p., Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-4020-9653-2.
Sustainable way for humans and their children. Sustainable agriculture is a discipline that addresses current issues such as climate change, increasing food and fuel prices, poor-nation starvation, rich-nation obesity, water pollution, soil erosion, fertility loss, pest control, and biodiversity depletion. Novel, environmentally-friendly solutions are proposed based on integrated knowledge from sciences as diverse as agronomy, soil science, molecular biology, chemistry, toxicology, ecology, economy, and social sciences. Indeed, sustainable agriculture decipher mechanisms of processes that occur from the molecular level to the farming system to the global level at time scales ranging from seconds to centuries. For that, scientists use the system approach that involves studying components and interactions of a whole system to address scientific, economic and social issues. In that respect, sustainable agriculture is not a classical, narrow science. Instead of solving problems using the classical painkiller approach that treats only negative impacts, sustainable agriculture treats problem sources. Because most actual society issues are now intertwined, global, and fast-developing, sustainable agriculture will bring solutions to build a safer world. This book series gathers review articles that analyze current agricultural issues and knowledge, then propose alternative solutions. It will therefore help all scientists, decision-makers, professors, farmers and politicians who wish to build a safe agriculture, energy and food system for future generations.
Landform – Structure, Evolution, Process ControlLandform – Structure, Evolution, Process Control. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Landform organised by the Research Training Group 437. Series: Lecture Notes in Earth Sciences, Vol. 115 Otto, Jan-Christoph; Dikau, Richard (Eds.) 2010, XII, 258 p. 134 illus., 14 in color., Hardcover ISBN: 978-3-540-75760-3.
The book presents a selection of papers given at the International Symposium on ‘Landform’ structure, evolution process control, Bonn, June 2007. The meeting brought together senior experts and young researchers from various disciplines working on landform related issues in order to discuss the crucial role played by landform as a boundary surface between atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, pedosphere and lithosphere. The book combines introductory/overview papers and case studies. The case studies present various new approaches towards a better understanding of the role of landform as a boundary surface. Additionally, new methods of handling, modelling and visualisation of landform data (incl. digital elevation models, weather forecasting models, hydrological models, and ecological models) are presented.
An Introduction to Soil DynamicsAn Introduction to Soil Dynamics. Series: Theory and Applications of Transport in Porous Media , Vol. 24 . Verruijt, Arnold. 2010, XIV, 434 p. 201 illus., 6 in color. With CD-ROM. Hardcover ISBN: 978-90-481-3440-3
This book presents the basic principles of soil dynamics, and a variety of solutions of practical interest for geotechnical engineering, geophysics and earthquake engineering. Emphasis is on analytical solutions, often including the full derivation of the solution, and giving the main parts of computer programs that can be used to calculate numerical data. Reference is also made to a website from which complete computer programs can be downloaded. Soil behaviour is usually assumed to be linear elastic, but in many cases the effect of viscous damping or hysteretic damping, due to plastic deformations, is also considered. Special features are: the analysis of wave propagation in saturated compressible porous media, approximate analysis of the generation of Rayleigh waves, the analysis of the response of soil layers to earthquakes in the deep rock, with a theoretical foundation of such problems by the propagation of Love waves, and the solution of such basic problems as the response of an elastic half space to point loads, line loads, strip loads and moving loads.
Carbon Sequestration in Forest EcosystemsCarbon Sequestration in Forest Ecosystems Lorenz. Klaus, Lal, Rattan 2010, XIX, 277 p. 19 illus. in color. Hardcover ISBN: 978-90-481-3265-2.
Carbon Sequestration in Forest Ecosystems is a comprehensive book describing the basic processes of carbon dynamics in forest ecosystems, their contribution to carbon sequestration and implications for mitigating abrupt climate change. This book provides the information on processes, factors and causes influencing carbon sequestration in forest ecosystems. Drawing upon most up-to-date references, this book summarizes the current understanding of carbon sequestration processes in forest ecosystems while identifying knowledge gaps for future research, Thus, this book is a valuable knowledge source for students, scientists, forest managers and policy makers. It is written for: Graduate and undergraduate students, scientists, forest managers, policy makers
Digital Airborne CameraDigital Airborne Camera – Introduction and Technology. Sandau, Rainer (Ed.) Original German edition published by Wichmann Verlag. 2010, XII, 343 p. 215 illus., Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-4020-8877-3. Digital airborne cameras are now penetrating the fields of photogrammetry and remote sensing. Due to the last decade’s results in research and development in the fields of for instance detector technology, computing power, memory capacity position and orientation measurement it is now possible with this new generation of airborne cameras to generate different sets of geometric and spectral data with high geometric and radiometric resolutions within a single flight. This is a decisive advantage as compared to film based airborne cameras. The linear characteristic of the opto-electronic converters is the basis for the transition from an imaging camera to an images generating measuring instrument. Because of the direct digital processing chain from the airborne camera to the data products there is no need for the processes of chemical film development and digitising the film information. Failure sources as well as investments and staff costs are avoided. But the effective use of this new technology requires the knowledge of the features of the image and information generation, its possibilities and its restrictions. This book describes all components of a digital airborne camera from the object to be imaged to the mass memory device. So the image quality influencing processes in the nature are described, as for instance the reflection of the electromagnetic sun spectrum at the objects to be imaged and the influence of the atmosphere. Also, the essential features of the new digital sensor system, their characteristics and parameters, are addressed and put into the system context. The complexity of the cooperation of all camera components, as for instance optics, filters, detector elements, analogue and digital electronics, software and so forth, becomes transparent.
Soils, Plants and Clay Minerals. Mineral and Biologic Interactions. Velde, Bruce, Barr, Pierre. 2010, X, 349 p. 106 illus., Hardcover ISBN: 978-3-642-03498-5.
This book considers the inter-relations between plants and minerals in an entirely new way, in that it introduces the notion of eco-engineering: i.e. the manipulation of the mineral world by the living world to the ends of the living world. These inter-relations are the basis for traditional agriculture and should be the basis for new, ecologically oriented land management disciplines, including agriculture itself. These relations also have an impact on surface geochemistry and determine pollution problems. A better understanding of this concept will lead to a renewed consideration of surface environmental problems.
Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT): Global Application. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) is one of the most widely used and flexible watershed-scale water quality models in the world, as chronicled in the sixteen chapters included in the three main sections of this informative volume. Part 1 of the book provides both an overview of the model components as well as a comprehensive review of over 200 SWAT applications that were reported in the peer-reviewed literature by early 2007. Part 2 presents 10 key SWAT studies that span a wide range of different regions, application scales, environmental problems, and data availability issues. These studies range from a SWAT application for a small 200 ha watershed on the Filipino Island of Mindanao to the entire African continent and cover topics such as blue and green water availability in Iran and Africa, supporting needs within the European Water Framework Directive, simulating the hydrologic balance of the conterminous United States, and other applications for watersheds in Chile, China, India, Japan, Philippines, and South Korea. Part 3 is split into four chapters that provide descriptions and application guidance for several key SWAT support software including MWSWAT, a public domain interface that is particularly attractive for regions with limited data. The book, published as the Special Publication No. 4 of WASWAC (World Association of Soil and Water Conservation http://waswac.soil.gd.cn/) and supplied with a DVD that contains necessary software and other SWAT and WASWAC information, is available from Manuel Reyes ( mannyreyes@nc.rr.com) for readers in USA/Canada and from Samran Sombatpanit ( sombatpanit@yahoo.com) for orders from the rest of the world.
Soil and Culture. Landa, Edward R.; Feller, Christian (Eds.) Springer 2010, 524 p. Hardcover. ISBN: 978-90-481-2959-1.
Soil has been called the final frontier of environmental research. The critical role of soil in biogeochemical processes is tied to its properties and place porous, structured, and spatially variable, it serves as a conduit, buffer, and transformer of water, solutes and gases. Yet what is complex, life-giving, and sacred to some, is ordinary, even ugly, to others. This is the enigma that is soil. Soil and Culture explores the perception of soil in ancient, traditional, and modern societies. It looks at the visual arts (painting, textiles, sculpture, architecture, film, comics and stamps), prose & poetry, religion, philosophy, anthropology, archaeology, wine production, health & diet, and disease & warfare. Soil and Culture explores high culture and popular culture from the paintings of Hieronymus Bosch to the films of Steve McQueen. It looks at ancient societies and contemporary artists. Contributors from a variety of disciplines delve into the mind of Carl Jung and the bellies of soil eaters, and explore Chinese paintings, African mud cloths, Mayan rituals, Japanese films, French comic strips, and Russian poetry.
Trace Elements in Soils. P. Hooda (Ed). Hardcover.592 pages. April 2010, Wiley-Blackwell. ISBN: 978-1-4051-6037-7.
Trace elements occur naturally in soils and some are essential nutrients for plant growth as well as human and animal health. However, at elevated levels, all trace elements become potentially toxic. Anthropogenic input of trace elements into the natural environment therefore poses a range of ecological and health problems. As a result of their persistence and potential toxicity, trace elements continue to receive widespread scientific and legislative attention. Trace Elements in Soils reviews the latest research in the field, providing a comprehensive overview of the chemistry, analysis, fate and regulation of trace elements in soils, as well as remediation strategies for contaminated soil. Written as an authoritative guide for scientists working in soil science, geochemistry, environmental science and analytical chemistry, the book is also a valuable resource for professionals involved in land management, environmental planning, protection and regulation.
Soils, Plants and Clay Minerals. B. Velde & P. Barr . Springer. ISBN 978-3-642-03498-5. Harcover, 349 pp.
This book considers the inter-relations between plants and minerals in an entirely new way, in that it introduces the notion of eco-engineering: i.e. the manipulation of the mineral world by the living world to the ends of the living world. These inter-relations are the basis for traditional agriculture and should be the basis for new, ecologically oriented land management disciplines, including agriculture itself. These relations also have an impact on surface geochemistry and determine pollution problems. A better understanding of this concept will lead to a renewed consideration of surface environmental problems.
Soil Biology and Agriculture in the TropicsSoil Biology and Agriculture in the Tropics. Dion, Patrice (Ed.) Springer, 2010, XIII, 350 p., Hardcover ISBN: 978-3-642-05075-6.
The relationships between soils, microbes and humans are of crucial relevance in the tropics, where plant stress and microbial activity are exacerbated. This volume of Soil Biology presents the living component of tropical soils, showing how it is shaped by environmental conditions and emphasizing its dramatic impact on human survival and well-being. Following an introduction to the specificities of tropical soils and of their microbial communities, the biological aspects of soil management are examined, dealing with land use change, conservation and slash-and-burn agriculture, the restoration of hot deserts, agroforestry and paddy rice cultivation. As they are of particular relevance for tropical agriculture, symbioses of plants and microbes are thoroughly covered, as are the biodegradation of pesticides and health risks associated with wastewater irrigation. Lastly, traditional soil knowledge is discussed as a key to our sustainable presence in this world.
Nutrient Uptake, Removal and Recycling by Crops. by Dr HLS Tandon.and Dr Y. Muralidharudu. 2010. ISBN: 81-85116-61-X. Pages 167+xvi. Fertiliser Development and Consultation Organisation, India, Email: fdco@airtelmail.in or fdco@vsnl.net Price Price:US$ 60 (inclusive of airmail delivery).
This compilation and analysis is probably the first one which is exclusively devoted to nutrient uptake, removal and recycling by crops. All major and micro plant nutrients are covered for over 180 crops. These include cereals, millets, grain legumes, crops yielding oils, sugar, fibre , fruits and nuts, vegetables, fodders and forages, pastures, stimulants, plantation crops, tubers, edible roots, those used as spices and for garnishing, medicinal and aromatic plants, industrial crops such as mulberry, cluster bean and rubber and finally, some forest tree species. The impact of soil-climate conditions, crop cultivar, season and soil fertility level/fertiliser application on nutrient uptake in relation to economic yield is discussed in relation to absolute yield, per tonne yield production basis and the N:P:K ratios in which these are absorbed with and without fertiliser application Where information is available, partitioning of the absorbed nutrients into various plant parts (both removed from the field and recycled) and their fate is dealt with. Two conclusions drawn are that (i) nutrient uptake estimated at harvest is not necessarily the maximum nutrient uptake by the crop and (ii) nutrient uptake cannot be equated with nutrient removal in most cases.
Soil and Water Conservation Advances in the United States. Ted M. Zobeck and William F. Schillinger, editors. ISBN 978-0-89118-852-0. Harcover, 320 pp.
Have agricultural management efforts begun in the desperation of the Dust Bowl brought us to where we need to be tomorrow? Questions about the environmental footprint of farming make this book required reading. Approximately 62% of the total U.S. land area is used for agriculture, and this land also provides critical ecosystem functions. Authors from each region of the continental United States describe the progress of soil and water conservation to date and visualize how agricultural production practices must change in future years to address the newest challenges. Available here.
Roadmap for Terrestrial Carbon Science: Research Needs for Carbon Management in Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Uses. In April 2010, the Terrestrial Carbon Group released the Roadmap for Terrestrial Carbon Science: Research Needs for Carbon Management in Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Uses. This work represents a partnership among the Terrestrial Carbon Group, the UN-REDD agencies, the World Bank, and the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) institutions to identify scientific and technical advancements needed to accelerate avoided emissions and sequestration of terrestrial carbon. The full report is available at: www.terrestrialcarbon.org
Synchrotron-based Techniques in Soils and Sediments, 34Synchrotron-based Techniques in Soils and Sediments, Development in Soil Science 34, Edited By Balwant Singh, Markus Grafe. Elsevier, Amsterdam. 2010 ISBN-13: 978-0-444-53261-9.
Over the past 20 years, synchrotron-based research applications have provided important insight into the geochemical cycling of ions and the chemical and crystallographic properties of minerals in soils and sediments. Of particular significance is the understanding of local coordination environments with the use of X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The high flux and brightness of the X-ray beams have allowed researchers to work at environmentally relevant concentrations. The use of focusing mirrors and apertures which allow for mapping and trace particle surfaces, microbes, roots, channels and elements at the micron and at a nano-meter scale in 2 and 3D have also been a great enhancement to science. This book provides the most up-to-date information on synchrotron-based research applications in the field of soil, sediment and earth sciences. Invited authors provide chapters on a wide range of research topics including multiphase flow and transport processes (physical aspects), rhizosphere and microbial life (biological aspects), and dynamics of C, N, S, P and heavy metals and metalloids (chemical aspects). In addition, perspectives on the impact of synchrotron based applications, particularly X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and the role of synchrotron applications in remediation, regulatory, and decision making processes are considered.
Keys to soil taxonomy, 11th edition. By Soil Survey Staff. USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, Washington, DC. The 11th edition of Soil Taxonomy is now available. For decades, NRCS has worked with soil scientists from around the world to increase awareness and expand knowledge concerning the importance of soil and its impact on all aspects of life. The ‘Keys’ have been translated into Spanish. Soil scientists and other professionals from Latino America, the United States, and other countries will benefit from this effort for years to come. While soils differ globally, the ability to apply a system that is universally understood and accepted is a goal shared by many soil scientists. As the world struggles with global warming and other environmental challenges, having a universally accepted method that can be applied when addressing soil problems will contribute to successful outcomes. To download the 11th edition click here; the Spanish version (2006) of the 10th edition is available here.
The Architecture and Biology of SoilsThe Architecture and Biology of Soils : Life in Inner Space. Edited by K Ritz, Cranfield University, UK, I M Young, University of Abertay, Dundee, July 2010. Hardback, 400 Pages. 9781845935320UK $95.00, $135.00.
Soil is a fundamental and critical, yet often overlooked, component of terrestrial ecosystems. It is an extremely complex environment, supporting levels of diversity far greater than any ecosystem above ground. This book explores how soil structure develops and the consequences this has for life underground. The effects of spatial arrangement, of soil’s physical and biological components on their interaction and function are used to demonstrate their roles in ecosystem dynamics. Bringing together existing knowledge in the areas of soil biology and physics, this book explores the key characteristics of soil spatial architecture.
Cover image for product 0470714344Radionuclides in the Environment. David Atwood (Editor). ISBN: 978-0-470-71434-8. Hardcover, 522 pages. Wiley, May 2010 $150.00 / $172.50.
The global growth of the nuclear power industry will require a complete understanding of the impact of radionuclides in the environment. A great deal is known about the sources of radionuclides and their occurrence in the environment. However, the basic chemistry of these elements is a continually growing area of research. There is no single resource for obtaining a holistic understanding of radionuclide environmental chemisty. The proposed book will provide this resource with an element-specific coverage of the occurrence, chemistry, and speciation of environmental radionuclides written by experts in the area. The coverage for each element will be presented in a standard format, which will make it easier for the user to find all relevant information: 1. Occurrence. 2. Chemistry and Speciation with regards to: a) soil (with adsorption or reactions on humic matter and mineral phases); b) water (may include biological uptake where this information is known); c) air 3. Separation Techniques; 4. Analytical Characterization Techniques; 5. Remediation (potential techniques or existing technologies).
Introduction to Process Geomorphology. Vijay K. Sharma. CRC Press, 2010. 435 pp. ISBN: 9781439803370. Price: $119.95.
Introduction to Process Geomorphology provides an integrative approach to the process dynamics and the origin of landforms by the contemporary processes involved in their evolution. The author highlights the physical and chemical laws governing the activity of the earth-surface processes in specific environmental stress conditions and puts forward competing hypotheses on the evolution of landforms, and discusses the bases of internal geologic processes for the explanation of the tectogenic features of the earth. Landforms also evolve over a long period of cyclic and geologic time, inheriting the imprints of past process rates and/or process domains. The principles and methods of evaluating the signature of environmental change are highlighted in the text by citing suitable studies. The process-form relationships provide the building blocks also for the optimum utilization of the land resources of the earth, and quantitative assessment of the stability of geomorphic systems and the quality of environment. The approach in this part of the text enables readers to gain an in-depth understanding of the application of the principles of geomorphology to the evaluation, planning and management of the earth’s resources for sustainable development.
Soil Physics with HYDRUS: Modeling and Applications. David E. Radcliffe and Jiri Simunek. CRC Press, 2010. 388 pp. ISBN: 9781420073805 Price: $99.95.
Numerical models have become much more efficient, making their application to problems increasingly widespread. User-friendly interfaces make the setup of a model much easier and more intuitive while increased computer speed can solve difficult problems in a matter of minutes. Co-authored by the software’s creator, Dr. Jirka imunek, Soil Physics with HYDRUS: Modeling and Applications demonstrates one- and two-dimensional simulations and computer animations of numerical models using the HYDRUS software. Classroom-tested at the University of Georgia by Dr. David Radcliffe, this volume includes numerous examples and homework problems. It provides students with access to the HYDRUS-1D program as well as the Rosetta Module, which contains large volumes of information on the hydraulic properties of soils. The authors use HYDRUS-1D for problems that demonstrate infiltration, evaporation, and percolation of water through soils of different textures and layered soils. They also use it to show heat flow and solute transport in these systems, including the effect of physical and chemical nonequilibrium conditions. The book includes examples of two-dimensional flow in fields, hillslopes, boreholes, and capillary fringes using HYDRUS (2D/3D). It demonstrates the use of two other software packages, RETC and STANMOD, that complement the HYDRUS series.
Download Image as PDFSoil Atlas of the Northern Circumpolar Region. Catalogue Number: LB-NA-23499-EN-C. ISBN: 978-92-79-09770-6, ISSN: 1018-5593. Euro 25. The atlas describes the origin and major characteristics of the different soil types that can be found in this environment. The atlas discusses the possible impacts of climate change on permafrost-affected soils and explains the critical role that they play in the global climate and global carbon cycles. The distribution of soil types for the entire northern circumpolar region can be visualised in a comprehensible manner by the lay-person. Information on the major soil types is presented in detail on twenty six map plates (the atlas has an A3 page size giving a dramatic A2 spread for maps). In a novel exercise, the World Reference Base for Soil Resources has been used as a framework for correlating knowledge from diverse national soil classification systems into a single, coherent, inter-continental product. The atlas illustrates the diversity of soil in the permafrost and seasonally frozen environments through a series of maps supported by explanatory and easily readable texts, high quality photographs and descriptive graphics. The atlas presents the reader with a series of maps that show the variation of soil properties in a circumpolar context and from a polar perspective, allowing comparisons to be made across international boundaries. In addition, larger scale maps show the distribution of major soil types by regions with descriptions of the major issues. http://eusoils.jrc.ec.europa.eu/library/maps/Circumpolar/Download.cfm
Land Degradation and Desertification: Assessment, Mitigation and Remediation. Pandi Zdruli, Marcello Pagliai, Selim Kapur, and Angel Faz Cano (Eds.). Springer, 2010. 490 pp. ISBN: 978-90-481-8656-3. Price: $179.00. This book reports research results in sustainable land management and land degradation status and mitigation in 36 countries around the world. It includes background papers with continental and international perspectives dealing with land degradation and desertification studies. It assembles various topics of interest for a large audience. They include carbon sequestration and stocks, modern techniques to trace the trends of land degradation, traditional and modern approaches of resource-base conservation, soil fertility management, reforestation, rangeland rehabilitation, land use planning, GIS techniques in desertification risk cartography, participatory ecosystem management, policy analyses and possible plans for action. Various climatic domains in Africa, Asia, Europe and The Americas are covered. The book will be of interest to a variety of environmental scientists, agronomists, national and international policy makers and a number of organizations dealing with sustainable management of natural resources. More on http://springer.com/978-90-481-8656-3
Nitrogen Assimilation in Plants. Takuji Ohyama and Kuni Sueyoshi (Editors). ISBN: 978-81-308-0406-4. Hardcover, 378 pages. Research Signpost, July 2010 US$ 165. In 20th century, the increase in crop production supported the world population mainly by the use of chemical nitrogen fertilizers. However, the production of nitrogen fertilizer requires a large amount of fossil fuels, and the excess or inappropriate use of chemical nitrogen fertilizers caused environmental problems such as nitrate accumulation in ground water, eutrophication of lakes, rivers, and oceans, as well as emissions of global warming gases. This book includes “Chapter 1: Nitrogen Nutrition in Plants and its Availability from Soil”, “Chapter 2: Nitrogen Absorption in Plants”, “Chapter 3: Nitrate Reduction”, “Chapter 4: Nitrogen Fixation”, and Chapter 5: Nitrogen Metabolism and Assimilation in Plants”. This book will provide many aspects of nitrogen assimilation in plants, including biochemistry, metabolism, transport, and crop phsiology.
Proximal Soil SensingProximal Soil Sensing. Progress in Soil Science, Vol. 1. Edited by: Viscarra Rossel, Raphael A.; McBratney, Alex B.; Minasny, Budiman. Springer, 2010, 468 p. Hardcover. ISBN: 978-90-481-8858-1.
This book reports on developments in Proximal Soil Sensing (PSS) and high resolution digital soil mapping. PSS has become a multidisciplinary area of study that aims to develop field-based techniques for collecting information on the soil from close by, or within, the soil. Amongst others, PSS involves the use of optical, geophysical, electrochemical, mathematical and statistical methods. This volume, suitable for undergraduate course material and postgraduate research, brings together ideas and examples from those developing and using proximal sensors and high resolution digital soil maps for applications such as precision agriculture, soil contamination, archaeology, peri-urban design and high land-value applications, where there is a particular need for high spatial resolution information. The book in particular covers soil sensor sampling, proximal soil sensor development and use, sensor calibrations, prediction methods for large data sets, applications of proximal soil sensing, and high-resolution digital soil mapping.
Digital Soil MappingDigital Soil Mapping – Bridging Research, Environmental Application, and Operation. Progress in Soil Science, Vol. 2. Edited by: Boettinger, J.L.; Howell, D.W.; Moore, A.C.; Hartemink, A.E.; Kienast-Brown, S. Springer, 2010, 473 p. Hardcover. ISBN: 978-90-481-8862-8. Digital Soil Mapping is the creation and the population of a geographically referenced soil database. It is generated at a given resolution by using field and laboratory observation methods coupled with environmental data through quantitative relationships. Digital soil mapping is advancing on different fronts at different rates all across the world. This book presents the state-of-the art and explores strategies for bridging research, production, and environmental application of digital soil mapping.It includes examples from North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The chapters address the following topics: – exploring new environmental covariates and sampling schemes – using integrated sensors to infer soil properties or status – innovative inference systems predicting soil classes, properties, and estimating their uncertainties – using digital soil mapping and techniques for soil assessment and environmental application – evaluating and using legacy soil data – protocol and capacity building for making digital soil mapping operational around the globe.
Amazon Forest and Savanna Lands. -A guide to the climates, vegetation, landscapes and soils of central Tropical South America. By Thomas T. Cochrane and Thomas A. Cochrane. ISBN 1452866376. 190 pp. This book provides an overview of the land resources of the Amazon in terms of the complex of climates, landscapes, vegetation and soils found throughout this vast, often misunderstood region. Section 1 is an updated sequel to the pioneering digital Land Systems study of the region carried by the senior author between 1976 and 1980. The authors have re-digitized that study as a Personal Computer Version with Database available free from their Web site. Section 2 summarizes 3 larger-scale Land Resource Studies of critical areas of Amazonia, “The Geo-economic Region of Brasilia”, “The Northern Amazon Region of Bolivia”, and “The Western Amazon State of Rondonia, Brazil”. Section 3 summarizes a series of findings from the land resource studies in the Amazon, including discussions of climate, deforestation, the “Paradox of Savannas in Amazonia” and “Leaching losses and the improvement of Amazon Forest and Savanna soils”. The main text is complemented with an extensive Appendix which, amongst other subjects summarizes the authors statistical procedure to enhance soil survey studies to help predict fertilizer needs, some novel analytical procedures, and other technologies.
Geostatistical Applications for Precision AgricultureGeostatistical Applications for Precision Agriculture. By Oliver, M.A. (Ed.). Springer, 2010, V, 295 p., Hardcover. ISBN: 978-90-481-9132-1.
This book brings together in one place two dynamic subjects, precision agriculture and geostatistics, that have spatial variation at their core. Geostatistics is applied in precision agriculture (PA) to sampling, prediction, mapping, decision-making, economics, designed experiments, variable-rate applications and so on. Contributions from experts in both fields illustrate how geostatistics can and has been used to advantage with PA data such as yield, soil, crop, pests, aerial photograph, remote and proximal imagery. Geostatistical techniques include variography, ordinary-, disjunctive-, factorial-, indicator-, regression-, simple-, space-time- and co-kriging, and geostatistical simulation. The link between geostatistics and PA will increase as more intensive information on the soil and crops becomes available from sensors and on-the-go technology. This is not a recipe book, but is intended to guide readers in the use of appropriate techniques for the types of data and needs of the farmer in managing the land.
Out of the Scientist’s GardenOut of the Scientist’s Garden. A Story of Water and Food. By Richard Stirzaker. CSIRO Land and Water, 2010. 208 pages. Paperback – ISBN: 9780643096585 – AU $ 29.95.
Gives an in-depth understanding on how plants and soil work using stories more than the language of science. It is not a ‘how to’ book, but a framework over which to lay your own experience, to learn and reflect. Information for gardeners on the challenge of growing food and feeding a family in the city. Covers plants, soil and rivers and the journey from hunter-gatherer to modern agriculture. Reflects on the way scientists conduct their craft. A book for anyone interested in food, how it is grown and how the world feeds itself. Out of the Scientist’s Garden is written for anyone who wants to understand food and water a little better – for those growing vegetables in a garden, food in a subsistence plot or crops on vast irrigated plains. It is also for anyone who has never grown anything before but has wondered how we will feed a growing population in a world of shrinking resources. Although a practising scientist in the field of water and agriculture, the author has written, in story form accessible to a wide audience, about the drama of how the world feeds itself. The book starts in his own fruit and vegetable garden, exploring the ‘how and why’ questions about the way things grow, before moving on to stories about soil, rivers, aquifers and irrigation. The book closes with a brief history of agriculture, how the world feeds itself today and how to think through some of the big conundrums of modern food production.
Soils of South AfricaSoils of South Africa. By Martin Fey. Cambridge University Press, Cape Town, 2010. 287 pp. ISBN 9781107000506.
Soils of South Africa is the first book in seventy years that provides a comprehensive account of South African soils. The book arranges more than seventy soil forms into fourteen groups and then provides, for each group: maps showing their distribution and abundance throughout South Africa; descriptions of morphological, chemical and physical properties; a detailed account of classification and its correlation with international systems; a discussion of soil genesis which includes a review of relevant research papers; appraisal of soil quality from a land use perspective as well as for its ecological significance; illustrative examples of soil profiles with analytical data and accompanying interpretations. There is also a fascinating account of the special relationship that exists between South African animals and soil environments. Soils of South Africa should interest students and researchers in the earth, environmental and biological sciences, as well as environmental practitioners, farmers, foresters and civil engineers.
European Atlas of Soil Biodiversity. Catalogue Number: LB-NA-24375-EN-C. ISBN: 978-92-79-15806-3, ISSN: 1018-5593. Price: Euro 25.00
The European Atlas of Soil Biodiversity provides a comprehensive source of information for researchers, policy makers and teachers, and a contribution to the International Year of Biodiversity. It selects and ranks potential threats to soil biodiversity, including land use change, habitat disruption, intensive human exploitation, invasive species, soil compaction, erosion and pollution. The map provides an evaluation of the potential risk of soil biodiversity decline with respect to the current situation, showing that the risk of decline in soil biodiversity due to human-induced pressures tends to be highest in areas of high population density and/or intense agricultural activity. The 128-page atlas is the result of collaboration between the European Commission, partners from academia and industry, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
Interpretation of Micromorphological Features of Soils and Regoliths. Edited by: Georges Stoops, Vera Marcelino, and Florias Mees. Academic Press, 2010. 800 pp. ISBN: 9780444531568.
Covers the microscopic study of undisturbed soil and regolith samples, making use especially of thin sections and petrographic techniques. Incorporates more than 2,600 different references. Features contributions from 46 experts in the field. Micromorphology is a discipline used in several fields, such as pedology, quaternary geology, sedimentology, and archaeology. This book provides these researchers the state of the art in the field of genetic interpretation of micromorphological features, with coverage extending to processes of soil material formation, weathering, regoliths, as well as the results of human activities. The books is for: Postgraduate students and researchers in the fields of pedogenesis, soil classification, quaternary geology, sedimentology and archaeology.
Updated 18th January 2011