Advances in Soil Science : Soil Degradation
The purpose of Advances in Soil Science is to provide a forum for leading scientists to analyze and summarize the available scientific information on a subject, assessing its importance and identifying additional research needs. A wide array of subjects has been addressed by authors from many countries in the initial ten volumes of the series. The quick acceptance of the series by both authors and readers has been very gratifying and confirms our perception that a need did exist for a medium to fill the gap between the scientific journals and the comprehensive reference books. This volume is the first of the series devoted entirely to a single topic soil degradation. Future volumes will include both single-topic volumes as well as volumes containing reviews of different topics of soil science, as in the case of the first ten volumes. There are increasing concern and attention about managing natural re sources, particularly soil and water. Soil degradation is clearly one of the most pressing problems facing mankind. Although the spotlight regarding soil degradation in recent years has focused on Africa, concern about the degradation of soil and water resources is worldwide. The widespread con cern about global environmental change is also being linked to severe problems of soil degradation. Therefore, we are indeed pleased that the first volume of the series devoted to a single topic addresses such an impor tant issue. The current volume is also the first of the series involving a guest editor
1 online resource (xvii, 345 pages 74 illustrations)
9781461233220, 1461233224
853270757
Print version:
Soil Compaction in Agriculture: A View Toward Managing the Problem
I. Introduction
II. The Machine-Soil-Crop System
III. Establishing a Decision Framework
IV. Summary and Conclusions
Acknowledgments
References
Hardsetting Soils: Behavior, Occurrence, and Management
I. Introduction
II. Scientific Basis for Hardsetting Behavior
III. Soil Classification and Occurrence of Hardsetting Soils
IV. Management and Amelioration of Hardsetting Soils
V. Research and Development Priorities
Acknowledgments
References
Role of Plinthite and Related Forms in Soil Degradation
I. Introduction
II. Definition of Plinthite and Associated Forms
III. Processes Leading to Accumulation of Sesquioxides
IV. Occurrence and Distribution
V. Management Implications
VI. Conclusion
References
Soil Erosion and Land Degradation: The Global Risks
I. Introduction
II. Technical Data on Soil Erosion
III. Soil Erosion by Water
IV. Wind Erosion
V. Soil Erosion in the Tropics versus Temperate Regions
VI. Soil Erosion and Food Production in the Tropics
VII. Soil Erosion in Different Geographic Regions
VIII. Conclusions
References
Soil Wetness and Anaerobiosis
I. Introduction
II. Causes of Soil Wetness
III. Effects of Soil Wetness
IV. Reclaiming Wet Soils
V. Conclusions
References
Chemical Degradation of Soil
I. Introduction
II. Chemical Processes in Soil
III. Examples of Chemical Soil Degradation
IV. Prevention and Restoration of Chemically Degraded Soils
V. Conclusions
References
Salt-Affected Soils: Their Reclamation and Management for Crop Production
I. Introduction
II. Classification of Salt-Affected Soils
III. Measuring Salinity, Alkalinity, and Sodicity; Some Interrelationships and Influences on Soil Properties
IV. Reclaiming Alkali Soils
V. Crop Management in Alkali Soils
VI. Reclamation of Saline Soils
VII. Conclusions
VIII. Perspective
Acknowledgments
References
Biological Degradation of Soil
I. Introduction
II. Microbial Communities in Soil
III. Aspects of Soil Biology Affected by Land Degradation
IV. Effects of Toxic Substances on Microorganisms
V. Effects of Mining Operations on Soil Biology
VI. Effects of Land Management Practices on Soil Biology
VII. Microorganisms as Pollutants
VIII. Conclusions
References
Need for Action: Research and Development Priorities
I. Introduction
II. Resource Inventory
III. Separating Emotions from Facts
IV. Restoring Productivity of Degraded Lands
V. Reaching Out
VI. Conclusions
References
English