Soil Biology and Agriculture in the Tropics
Soil Biology and Agriculture in the Tropics

Author: Patrice Dion

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2010-02-04

Total Pages: 322

ISBN-13: 364205076X

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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.

Recarbonization of the Biosphere
Recarbonization of the Biosphere

Author: Rattan Lal

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-03-30

Total Pages: 578

ISBN-13: 9400741588

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Human activities are significantly modifying the natural global carbon (C) cycles, and concomitantly influence climate, ecosystems, and state and function of the Earth system. Ever increasing amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) are added to the atmosphere by fossil fuel combustion but the biosphere is a potential C sink. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of C cycling in the biosphere is crucial for identifying and managing biospheric C sinks. Ecosystems with large C stocks which must be protected and sustainably managed are wetlands, peatlands, tropical rainforests, tropical savannas, grasslands, degraded/desertified lands, agricultural lands, and urban lands. However, land-based sinks require long-term management and a protection strategy because C stocks grow with a progressive improvement in ecosystem health.

Principles, Application and Assessment in Soil Science
Principles, Application and Assessment in Soil Science

Author: Burcu E. Ozkaraova Gungor

Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand

Published: 2011-12-22

Total Pages: 410

ISBN-13: 9533077409

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Our dependence on soil, and our curiosity about it, is leading to the investigation of changes within soil processes. Furthermore, the diversity and dynamics of soil are enabling new discoveries and insights, which help us to understand the variations in soil processes. Consequently, this permits us to take the necessary measures for soil protection, thus promoting soil health. This book aims to provide an up-to-date account of the current state of knowledge in recent practices and assessments in soil science. Moreover, it presents a comprehensive evaluation of the effect of residue/waste application on soil properties and, further, on the mechanism of plant adaptation and plant growth. Interesting examples of simulation using various models dealing with carbon sequestration, ecosystem respiration, and soil landscape, etc. are demonstrated. The book also includes chapters on the analysis of areal data and geostatistics using different assessment methods. More recent developments in analytical techniques used to obtain answers to the various physical mechanisms, chemical, and biological processes in soil are also present.

World reference base for soil resources 2014
World reference base for soil resources 2014

Author: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.

Published: 2018-07-20

Total Pages: 203

ISBN-13: 925108369X

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This publication is a revised and updated version of World Soil Resources Reports No. 84 and 103 and presents the international soil classification system. Every soil in the world can be allocated to one of the 32 Reference Soil Groups as defined in this document, and can further be characterized by a set of qualifiers. The resulting soil name provides information on soil genesis, soil ecological function and soil properties relevant for land use and management. The same system, refined slightly, may be used to name the units of soil map legends, thereby providing comprehensive spatial information. By accommodating national soil classification systems, the World Reference Base facilitates the worldwide correlation of soil information.

GlobalSoilMap
GlobalSoilMap

Author: Dominique Arrouays

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2014-01-27

Total Pages: 494

ISBN-13: 1315775581

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GlobalSoilMap: Basis of the global spatial soil information system contains contributions that were presented at the 1st GlobalSoilMap conference, held 7-9 October 2013 in Orl‘s, France. These contributions demonstrate the latest developments in the GlobalSoilMap project and digital soil mapping technology for which the ultimate aim is to produce a

Handbook of Soil Sciences (Two Volume Set)
Handbook of Soil Sciences (Two Volume Set)

Author: Pan Ming Huang

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2018-10-03

Total Pages: 2272

ISBN-13: 1439803048

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An evolving, living organic/inorganic covering, soil is in dynamic equilibrium with the atmosphere above, the biosphere within, and the geology below. It acts as an anchor for roots, a purveyor of water and nutrients, a residence for a vast community of microorganisms and animals, a sanitizer of the environment, and a source of raw materials for co

The People and the State
The People and the State

Author: P.A.J. Attema

Publisher: Barkhuis

Published: 2021-05-15

Total Pages: 210

ISBN-13: 9493194248

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This volume is the fourth in the series Corollaria Crustumina and deals with the results of the project The People and the State, Material culture, social structure, and political centralisation in Central Italy (800-450 BC). This project of the Groningen Institute of Archaeology, carried out between 2010 and 2015 in close collaboration with the Archaeological Service of Rome, deals with the changing socio-political situation at ancient Crustumerium resulting from Rome's rise to power. The volume brings together data from the domains of geology, geoarchaeology, urban and rural settlement archaeology, funerary archaeology, material culture studies as well as osteological and isotope analyses. On the basis of these data, a relationship is established between changes in material culture on the one hand and developments in social structure and political centralisation in Central Italy on the other in the period between 850 and 450 BC.

Forest Monitoring
Forest Monitoring

Author: Nathalie Cools

Publisher: Elsevier Inc. Chapters

Published: 2013-03-16

Total Pages: 47

ISBN-13: 0128055286

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This chapter describes methods for long-term forest soil monitoring from the field design, to the laboratory analytical methods, and through to the data compilation and validation. Soil monitoring comprises two main pillars: the soil characterization, including a detailed soil profile description and classification; and the assessment of the physical and chemical status of the soil layers. Composite samples are taken at fixed-depth intervals, mainly for chemical analyses. Soil bulk density and soil water retention characteristics are measured using undisturbed core samples, in contrast to the other variables. Specific sampling techniques are employed for forest floors, peat soils, and fine-textured mineral and stony soils. The recommended laboratory methods are predominantly based on International Organization for Standardization methods. Results from the second European forest soil survey are presented to demonstrate the usefulness and implementation of the described methods.

Tropical Radioecology
Tropical Radioecology

Author: J.R. Twining

Publisher: Newnes

Published: 2012-12-31

Total Pages: 365

ISBN-13: 0080914306

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Tropical Radioecology is a guide to the wide range of scientific practices and principles of this multidisciplinary field. It brings together past and present studies in the tropical and sub-tropical areas of the planet, highlighting the unique aspects of tropical systems. Until recently, radioecological models for tropical environments have depended upon data derived from temperate environments, despite the differences of these regions in terms of biota and abiotic conditions. Since radioactivity can be used to trace environmental processes in humans and other biota, this book offers examples of studies in which radiotracers have been used to assess biokinetics in tropical biota. Features chapters, co-authored by world experts, that explain the origins, inputs, distribution, behaviour, and consequences of radioactivity in tropical and subtropical systems. Provides comprehensive lists of relevant data and identifies current knowledge gaps to allow for targeted radioecological research in the future. Integrates radioecological information into the most recent radiological consequences modelling and best-practice probabilistic ecological risk analysis methodology, given the need to understand the implications of enhanced socio-economic development in the world’s tropical regions.

Impact of Agriculture on Soil Degradation II
Impact of Agriculture on Soil Degradation II

Author: Paulo Pereira

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2023-05-12

Total Pages: 357

ISBN-13: 3031320522

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This is the second of two volumes that together provide a global overview of the impact of agriculture on soil degradation, tracing the most critical drivers like the use and abuse of agrochemicals, mechanization, overgrazing, irrigation, slash and burn agriculture, and the use of plastics. Soil degradation caused by agriculture practices is a complex issue which depends on the interaction of social, economic, political, and environmental aspects. In this book, expert contributors elucidate the extension of the effects of agriculture on soil degradation in Europe, a continent with different cultures and political backgrounds that affect agricultural practices. Readers will also find in this book authoritative solutions to minimize the effects of agriculture intensification and land-use in this continent. Divided into 12 chapters, the book offers a European perspective on soil quality and sustainable management, including case studies about the impact of chemical agents like fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and soil acidification and microplastics pollution in agriculture practices from countries such as Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, Germany, Portugal and Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Ukraine. Given the breadth and depth of its coverage, the book offers an invaluable source of information for researchers, students and environmental managers alike. Chapter “Agricultural Land Degradation in the Czech Republic” is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.