Product Description
Nagatsuka Takashi's novel The Soil, published in Japan in 1910, provides a moving and sensitive but unsentimental portrait of rural peasant life in Japan during the Meiji era. The community described is the author's native place, and the characters whose lives are described in vivid detail over a period of years are drawn from life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A Classic that Transcends Culture
Takashi's The Soil is an enrapturing gallery of tribulation, pathos, and the fortitude of the human spirit. It does not merely have value as an educational tool for the Japanese historian, but also as an inspirational primer on humanity and mortality. Takashi's vivid portrayal of Meiji Era Japanese culture ties seamlessly with his seemingly effortless chronicles of nature to create a world where mankind is religiously tied to the ground he stands on.

I purchased this book for a Japanese history course, and it is the only one that I refused to sell back to the campus bookstore at the end of the semester.

Moving, Sensitive, but Pragmatic
Takashi's portrayal of the rigorous life lead by Meiji-era Japanese farmers is so vivid and realistic that this book was selected by the University of Maryland, Asian Division history department as a supplemental text in the Japanese history class. The professor promised it would be a excellent read. He was right! Emotional and visual, the book makes the reader a part of the Meiji world. Yet, as sublime as the work is at moments, there are other moments when it is suprisingly harsh in the presentation of life's hard realities. After I returned the text to the university, I had to buy a copy for my own library. ... Read more

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Suitable for children, this title helps them find out about different types of soils from different climates, what animals and plants live in these different soils, and just how valuable soil is to human life. ... Read more

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Land degradation from soil erosion has been considered by many to be a problem of significant proportion, affecting some 30-50% of the earth's land surface. At the time of the first publication of this book in 1993, estimates indicated that 10-15 million hectares of land were being lost each year through erosion and salinisation from irrigation and that at such a rate of loss, topsoil reserves on most sloping lands would be depleted within two hundred years. Since humankind's dependency on the land for food is almost total, soil erosion represents a real threat to the security of our food supply. The need for the immediate conservation of the world's soil resources is therefore clear. As part of the response to this need, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's Commission on Ecology convened a special working group to consider the problem of world soil erosion and to propose practical solutions for soil conservation. This important book presents the outcome of their work. ... Read more

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Soil ecology is the study of interactions between the physio-chemical components of the soil and organisms living within the soil.Humans are highly dependent upon the soil ecosystem, which provides food, fiber, fuel and ecological services, such as the recycling of atmospheric gases.It is therefore important to understand the function and nature of the soil ecosystem in order to predict and mitigate the long term consequences of present day actions. Soil Ecology and Management describes the organisms inhabiting the soil, their functions and interactions and the dimensions of human impact on the activity of soil organisms and soil ecological function. Chapters discuss basic soil characteristics and biogeochemical cycling, key soil flora and fauna, community-level dynamics (soil food webs) and the ecological and pedological functions of soil organisms.Unlike other soil biology and ecology textbooks, the authors also convey a better understanding of how human activities impact upon soil ecology in a section on ecosystem management and its effects on soil biota and provide a unique perspective on the utility of soil organisms. ... Read more

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One of the most influential works by a world authority on soils and their formation. This advanced treatise on theoretical soil science, long considered a masterpiece of scientific methodology offers pedologists, geologists and geophysicists both a detailed discussion of the nature of the earth’s terrestrial environment, and a method of subdividing and studying it. 1941 edition.
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Customer Reviews (2)

This is the "Darwin" of Soil Science.
Browsing from another field of geoscience, Jenny's book formulates and describes the paradigm of the field.I have never filled the margins of any book with so many thoughts and speculations.And yes, I even went out into the field to look at dirt as a result.

Jenny's theorem is an elegant expression of math so complex that it is doubtful that any solution can ever by achieved to precisely describe the geochemical environment at any moment.Yet is describes the tendency for soil forming factors to reach equilibrium, an equilibrium dependent ultimately on climate.

Any geoscientist or scientific minded individual should read The Principia, The Origin of Species, The Structure of a Scientific Revolution and -- Hans Jenny's book on Factors of Soil Formation.

Factors of Soil Formation : A System of Quantitative Pedolog
This book by Jenny is the basis for soil formation theory.

Jenny's State Factor Function model consists of the effect of Climate, Organics, Relief, Parent Material and Time on the formation of soils.

It may be easilyremembered by:

Cl,O,R,P,T.

I feel that this book is invaluable toanyone studying soils at higher education level. ... Read more

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Experience the terror of the fighting and the determination to endure as you stake a claim alongside the women caught in the bloody conflicts of Kansas in the 1850s.
Follow the widowed Margaret Ralston Kennedy (a relative of the author) in this second book of the Trail of Thread series, as she travels with eight of her thirteen children from Ohio to the Territory of Kansas in 1855. Thousands of American headed west in the decade before the Civil War, but those who settled in Kansas suffered through the frequent clashes between proslavery and free-state fractions that gripped the territory.
Margaret was dedicated to the cause of the North, and while the male members of her family were away fighting for a free state, she valiantly defended t heir homestead and held their families together through the savage years of Bleeding Kansas.
Told through her letters, Thimble of Soil describes the prevalent hardships and infrequent joys experienced by the hardy pioneer women of Kansas, who struggled to protect their families from terrorist raids while building new homes and new lives on the vast unbroken prairie.
Watch for the twelve quilt patterns mentioned in the letters. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Thimble of SoilAwoman's quest for land
What an inspiring book.The facts and history of our country are extraordinary.I could have never lived as Margaret lived, what a strong woman.She was also a quilter, which I find important, since I am also! Itwas inspiring to read in a diary format. It seemed so real. ... Read more

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Soils play a central role in the conversion of organic matter and element fluxes because of the large number of microorganisms present in the soil. In this book the more important processes that are driven by microbiological activity are discussed. It will be of interest to students of chemistry, biology, ecology, soil science and related areas. Researchers from these fields will profit from extended literature surveys in each chapter comprising important findings from early as well as the most recent investigations. ... Read more

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Greatly expanded for this thrid edition, this book will be a valuable source of information for professionals and students alike. Unlike most texts on soil mechanics or rock mechanics, it provides a wealth of numerical data relating to the various engineering properties of individual soil or rock types. ... Read more

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This book is unique in providing a comprehensive, up-to-date synthesis of what is known about soil biodiversity and the factors that regulate its distribution, as well as the functional significance of below-ground biodiversity for ecosystem form and function. It describes the vast diversity of biota that live in the soil environment - the most complex habitat on Earth - and discusses the factors that act as determinants of this diversity across different spatial and temporal scales. The Biology of Soil also considers how biotic interactions in soil influence the important soil processes of decomposition and nutrient cycling . It demonstrates how interactions and feedbacks between diverse plant and soil communities act as important drivers of ecosystem form and function. The importance of these relationships for understanding how ecosystems respond to global change phenomena, including climate change, is discussed in depth. Much is still to be learned about the soil biota and their roles in ecosystems, and the author highlights some of the many challenges that face ecologists in the exploration of soil.Richard Bardgett has wide experience in soil and terrestrial ecology, and his background of research in many ecosystems is reflected in this book which is the most comprehensive, up-to-date volume currently available in soil ecology.It provides an introduction to the biology of soil, and it also discusses the most recent developments in this progressive field of ecology. The importance of soil biotic interactions for community and ecosystem ecology is illustrated through the use of numerous examples and case studies. The Biology of Soil provides an excellent, easy to read introduction for anyone working in the field of soil ecology and related disciplines, and will be ideal for students taking undergraduate and postgraduate courses in soil ecology, plant-soil relationships, ecosystem ecology, and land management. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The best dirty book I've seen!!
Excellent tour of the belowground environment, but Bardgett doesn't stop there.This book includes several insightful chapters linking the underworld with terrestrial flora and fauna.This is a must read for anyone considering a future in ecology. The Biology of Soil belongs in the hands and on the shelves of leading professionals.
... Read more

Product Description
This volume, the first in a set of three, is a vital working manual that covers the basic tests for the classification and compaction characteristics of engineering soils. It will therefore be an essential practical handbook for all engaged on the testing of soils in a laboratory for building and civil engineering purposes.

Based on the author's experience over many years managing large soil testing laboratories, the book places emphasis on ensuring that procedures are fully understood. Each test procedure is broken down into simple stages, describing each step in detail. The use of flow diagrams and the setting out of test data and calculations will be of great benefit, especially for the newcomer to soil testing. The book contains many numerical examples, which illustrate the methods of calculation and graphical presentations of typical results.
It also includes vital information on good techniques, laboratory safety, the calibration of measuring instruments, essential checks on equipment, and laboratory accreditation.

Volume 1: Soil Classification and Compaction Tests is an essential working manual for all those involved in geotechnical laboratory testing. The book assumes a basic knowledge of mathematics, physics and chemistry, though it explains some of the fundamental principles that are essential in soil testing where appropriate. ... Read more

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Learn the secret of maintaining a diverse ecosystem below ground to foster healthy crops above. Ecological soil management, as detailed by the soil experts who wrote the book, can raise fertility-and yields- while reducing environmental impacts. Topics explored include increasing soil organic matter, appropriate tillage, animal manures, making and using composts, integrating cover crops into rotations, reducing erosion, and avoiding soil compaction. Also includes practical information such as interpreting soil test results. 240 pages. 3rd edition, 2009. ... Read more

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This text is for the junior/senior core course in soil mechanics and foundations for civil engineering students. It presents the basic theories of soil mechanics in a clear, simple and up-to-date way, combining both classical and critical state theories. This is one of the only texts that adopts the critical state approach to soil mechanics at an undergraduate level. The treatment of soil mechanics is essentially theoretical, but is not highly mathematical and soil behavior is represented by relatively simple equations with clearly defined parameters. ... Read more

Product Description
This book teaches the principles of soil mechanics to undergraduates, along with other properties of engineering materials, to which the students are exposed simultaneously. Using the critical state method of soil mechanics to study the mechanical behavior of soils requires the student to consider density alongside effective stresses, permitting the unification of deformation and strength characteristics. This unification aides the understanding of soil mechanics. This book explores a one-dimensional theme for the presentation of many of the key concepts of soil mechanics - density, stress, stiffness, strength, and fluid flow - and includes a chapter on the analysis of one-dimensional consolidation, which fits nicely with the theme of the book. It also presents some theoretical analyses of soil-structure interaction, which can be analyzed using essentially one-dimensional governing equations. Examples are given at the end of most chapters, and suggestions for laboratory exercises or demonstrations are given. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

David Muir Wood. Need to say more?
When I saw this book I asked myself, can professor Wood write something simple like this. First thing that comes to me mind is his book Soil Behaviour and Critical State Soil Mechanics which is written for upper class of students and scientist. But this book is something completely different. Simple and direct. It has nice comparisons but with real data.
My recommendation to all students who listens something like soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering. This book has the most basic basics. ... Read more

Product Description
The Biochar Debate is the first book to introduce both the promise and concerns surrounding biochar (fine-grained charcoal used as a soil supplement) to nonspecialists. Charcoal making is an ancient technology. Recent discoveries suggest it may have a surprising role to play in combating global warming. This is because creating and burying biochar removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Furthermore, adding biochar to soil can increase the yield of food crops and the ability of soil to retain moisture, reducing need for synthetic fertilizers and demands on scarce fresh-water supplies.

Customer Reviews (18)

Charcoal to replenish the Earth
This is a fascinating book, about the process of using charcoal - Biochar - to build fertility in the soil and reverse climate change.

I had heard some conversations about this in my organic gardening group and was very curious to read the book. There are many things that we can do to increase soil fertility, compost and rotate grazing so that the soil can be fertilized by animals. Using charcoal to fertilize turns out to be a very old method and very useful in areas of sparse conditions.

The Biochar fund even developed a stove that can be used in countries where there is a shortage of firewood, such as desert areas of Africa. The stoves are very simply made, use less natural resources and have the added bonus of producing Biochar which can then be added to the soil to increase yields.

If you are interested in Permaculture, organic gardening or climate change you will find this book has some great new information.

Biochar for the ordinary person
Biochar as an answer to the climate problem is an extremely important subject.The author makes the subject interesting and easy for the layman to understand.

What is this biochar of which you write?
I'd never heard of biochar before I saw this book, so what a surprise to find out humans have been creating it for at least 2500 years! This slim book contains a lot of interesting information, and could give you something to talk and sound smart about at a dinner party - but I was a bit disappointed to get 100 pages of history, politics and science but no real practical information on how I could apply any of this in my own backyard.

Worth a try!
I think biochar is a very interesting substance, and this "brief" convinced me that I'd like to give it a try if I could get a hold of some charcoal that has already been ground up. Although many of the messages in the book were redundant (it could have been half the length it is), the point comes across that biochar is something that every farmer/gardener should consider before planting (if materials and workload is affordable).

The author warns about potential industrialization of biochar (producing charcoal does, after all, require burning), but in some respects mass-producing charcoal specifically for farm usage seems like one of the only ways to really get enough people using it. That is basically the history (and popularity) of industrial fertilizers. Right now it seems as though the initiative is only being directed to farmers in developing nations; products such as cooking stoves that simultaneously produce charcoal are a good idea: I think something similar could be done for rural temperate areas with people who still heat their homes with wood.

Makes A Reasoned Case for Biochar Use
This book describes "biochar" (charcoal used to treat soil) and makes a reasoned case for its adoption to advance ecological and other interests.This title gives an introductory explanation of biochar, describing its manufacture and application, and makes the argument for its use for environmental and economic betterment using facts and figures.One may or may not agree with the author's conclusions, but the reasoning is even=handed. ... Read more

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Master the Latest Developments in Soil Testing and New Applications of Geotechnical Engineering

Product Description
The authoritative guide to landslide investigation, evaluation, and mitigation design
Landslides in Practice combines clearly written descriptions and real-life case histories in an authoritative, practical guide to landslide investigation, evaluation, and mitigation design. It presents state-of-the-art investigative techniques and practical information on proven remediation techniques and technologies, including handy checklists for undertaking an initial field examination of a landslide.
Landslides in Practice describes the technical tools needed to study landslides-site investigations, soil shear strength properties, and slope stability analyses-and details forty-five methods for stabilizing landslides or preventing instability in soils from occurring. Most remediation techniques are keyed to the ENR Construction Cost Index to help readers determine a rough estimate of the costs associated with the various techniques.
To-the-point summaries explain presented techniques without confusing jargon, and dozens of succinct case histories integrated throughout the book serve as useful examples. In addition, twelve expanded case histories illustrate in depth many aspects of the landslide events and remediation strategies covered.
Complete with hundreds of informative illustrations, Landslides in Practice is a valuable resource for engineers, geologists, consulting firms, and construction companies, as well as landscape architects, land developers, and trial lawyers in the construction industry. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Great Resource
The book is very well written. Attention to technical accuracy as well as the methods used to present the information make the book a very good resource.The author goes through the details of soil testing, monitoring, and analysis types and explains how each applies directly to the results of landslide/soil stability in a way I have not seen in any other reference that I have read.Graphics, figures, tables, etc. are well thought out and usefull.Case histories are used to explain many of the important issues.If you are a geotechnical engineer involved in slope stability problems I would definately recommend it.

fmr. Regional Director, FERC
This publication comprehensively covers both the art, and the science, of landslide causation, investigation, analysis, and remediation.It is the one book that a practitioner should have when dealing with landslide issues.The quality of the figures, the procedures for making preliminary cost estimates, and the detailed case histories substantially add to the value of the book.

Review by Practicing Geotechnical Engineer Seattle WA
Without question on of the most comprehensive texts about landslides to date.The text is full of practical and helpful case histories which are invaluable and set this book apart from the rest.Chapters on slope stability anaylses and dewatering alone are worth the price of admission.A must reference for all practicing geotechnical engineers.

Review by ex-Corps of Engineer Geologist
I can't imagine a clearer, more comprehensive or better organized treatment of this subject.This is a "must have" text for practicing engineering geologists and geotechnical engineers.It contains a wealth of information and many good case histories, and is far superior to anything else I've seen on this subject.I only wish it had been available earlier in my career.

Landslides in Practice
"Landslides in Practice" is the best practitioner's book on landslides I've seen.This excellent book is complete, logically arranged and written with an economy of words that makes the book highly useful as a practical reference.The full discussion of remedial measures - when and when not to use them, and cost estimating will be particularly useful in my work.I know I'll use this book often. ... Read more

Product Description
There is currently great interest in the biology of soil, stimulated by increased concern to conserve natural resources, not only in agriculture, but also in natural ecosystems. Recent developments in molecular biology have raised the possibility of manipulating soil organisms in order to improve food production and the quality of the environment. This book provides an integrated account of the organisms in soil - from viruses to trees, the environments in which they live, and the ways in which they can modify soil by their biochemical processes. The ways in which organisms interact, particularly with plant roots, and the methods of manipulating soil organisms are also discussed. ... Read more

Product Description
Soil Erosion and Conservation provides a comprehensive treatment of the processes of soil erosion, the methods that can be used for their control, and the issues involved in designing and implementing soil conservation programmes.

Features include:

* new material on gully erosion, tillage practices, erosion risk assessment, use of erosion models, incentives for farmers and land users, and community approaches to erosion control

* updated sections on the mechanics of wind erosion, soil erodibility, use of vegetation in erosion control, traditional soil conservation measures, socio-economic issues and the role of government * descriptions of the methods used to assess the risk of erosion and predict rates of soil loss

* outlines of the social, economic, political and institutional constraints on implementing soil protection measures

* coverage of erosion and its control for agriculture, grazing, forestry, mining land, road banks, pipeline corridors and recreation

* worldwide coverage of the success and failure of erosion control using material from Europe, Africa, Australia, America and Asia.

The third edition of this internationally recognized textbook will be invaluable to upper-level undergraduate and graduate students studying soil conservation or soil erosion in earth science, environmental science and physical geography departments. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Best Erosion Information Book Written in Our Time
This book provided me with enough information to do a complete science report for my professor.It gives a complete description of soil erosion, and some of the best conservation topics I have ever read.I had to find many many books to do my report (around 29 before I came across this one) but as soon as I got this book I found it had all the information that every other book had, plus more.It had all i needed to complete my report.I recommend this book to anybody who needs information on these topics. ... Read more

Product Description
A clear and concise introduction to soil science. Aimed at the majority of students, who need to quickly acquire a concise overview of soil science. Useful for students who do not possess a traditional scientific background, such as those studying geography, environment science, ecology and agriculture. Softcover. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An outstanding reference
Are you concerned about the amount of damage to your hedges, your roses, your flowers, your trees and other plants?Have you automatically reached for your organic or chemical pesticides, herbacides, fertilizers, and anything else to use to salvage what is left of your plants?Do you advise others on their problems with plants?In solving these problems, does your solution address the root cause or merely the symptoms? In seven chapters of 185 pages, the authors take the reader from the question "What are soils made from?" to a thorough discussion of "soil contamination and erosion."The topic of each chapter and sub-chapter is presented in question form:"How does water act in the soil?" "What is soil acidity?" and the questions are answered:"Instinctively we all know what is meant when we say something is acidic--we automatically think about lemon juice or vinegar..."
The authors use a substantial number of charts, graphs, drawings, and black and white pictures to achieve their stated purpose:"Every attempt has been made to assume no previous scientific knowledge, to insure new concepts are explained simply, often using examples of everyday items, and anything considered too detailed for the average undergradate course has been ruthlessly cut from the text."
Relying on my recollection of various undergraduate college survey or introduction courses to biology, botony, chemistry, and my experiences of growing roses, flowers, shrubs and vegetables, I gained a basic understanding of the science of soils, and the impact errors in soil management have on plants.Too many times I have attempted to treat the symptoms of sick plants and not the root causes: "Chapter 6:How can we optimize the physical condition of the soil for plant growth?""What can we do to remediage a polluted site?"

When the authors conclude their presentation on page 185, we are presented five pages of other references including numerous internet web pages more than seven pages of index.The cost of the book is a lot, and in my opinion, worth every cent! ... Read more