Methods for Assessment of Soil Degradation

Series:
Advances in Soil Science
Published:
September 26, 1997 by CRC Press - 576 Pages
Author(s):
Rattan Lal, The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA ; Winfried E. H. Blum, University of Agricultural Sciences, Vienna; C. Valentin, Inst. Francais de Recherche; Bobby A. Stewart, West Texas A&M University, Canyon, USA

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$165.95
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ISBN 9780849374432
Cat# 7443
 

Features

  • Describes methods of assessment of soil degradation by different processes in relation to their impact on agronomic productivity and environmental quality
  • Addresses the agronomic and economic impacts of soil degradation
  • Considers research and development priorities
  • Presents material suitable for use as an undergraduate or graduate level textbook for students of soil science, agronomy, and geography or natural resources management

    • Summary

    Soil degradation has serious global impacts on agronomic, economic, and sociopolitical conditions, however, statistics regarding the degree of these impacts has been largely unreliable. This book aims to standardize the methodology for obtaining reliable and objective data on soil degradation. It will also identify and develop criteria for assessing the severity of soil degradation, providing a realistic scenario of the problem.

    Table of Contents

    INTRODUCTION
    Basic Concepts (Degradation, Resilience, Rehabilitation), R. Lal, W.H. Blum, C. Valentin, and B.A. Stewart
    SOIL DEGRADATION PROCESSES
    Soil Erosion Processes
    Water Erosion, J. Laflen and E. Roose
    Wind Erosion, E. Skidmore
    Erosion Modeling, C. Rose and G. McTainsh
    Physical Degradation
    Soil Structure, D. Gabriels and R. Horn
    Crusting, C. Valentin
    Hard Setting, C. Mullins
    Soil Compaction, I. Hakansson and W. Voorhees
    Chemical Degradation
    Soil Organic Matter and Nutrient Depletion, E. Paul
    Acidification, M. Sumner
    Salt Buildup, I. Szabolcs
    Sodic Soils, P. Rengasamy
    Soil Pollution and Contamination, T.J. Logan and B.R. Singh
    Acid Sulphate Soil, D. Dent and M.E.F. Van Mensvoort
    Mineland Degradation, W. Dick et al.
    Biological Degradation
    Soil Organic Matter and Biomass Carbon, J. Berthelin
    DYNAMICS AND MAPPING
    Long-Term Characterization: Monitoring and Modeling, J. Bouma
    Scaling and Extrapolation, L.T. West
    Remote Sensing and GIS, G.W. Petersen
    Mapping Soil Degradation at Different Scales, M.R. Hoosbeek et al.
    Revisiting GLASOD Methodology, R. Oldeman
    Sociological Approach, H.E. Dregne
    IMPACT OF SOIL DEGRADATION
    Agronomic, R. Lal
    Economic, J. Sanders and D. Southgate
    Economic Impact of Soil Erosion, P. Crosson
    Greenhouse Effect, R. Lal and C. Valentin
    Water Quality, G.M. Pierzynski and J.K. Koelliker
    CONCLUSIONS
    Holistic Approach to Combat Soil Degradation, C. Valentin and R. Lal
    Research and Development Priorities, R. Lal, W.H. Blum, C. Valentin, and B.A. Stewart
    INDEX

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