Ebook: Soil Restoration

Soil degradation is clearly one of the most pressing problems facing man­ kind. A continuation of soil degradation will eventually lead to a loss in crop productivity even though fertilizers and other inputs often result in increased yields in the short term. Soil degradation also leads to environ­ mental pollution. A decrease in soil quality invariably leads to a decrease in water quality, and often in air quality. While there is a clear consensus that soil degradation is a major problem, the literature on this subject leaves numerous baffling questions. If statis­ tics on land degradation are correct, there is a definite cause for concern, and present a mammoth challenge for agricultural scientists. There are those that say the scientific community has over dramatized this issue, and created a credibility problem. Consequently; Volume 11 of Advances in Soil Science was organized by Dr. Rattan Lal who is recognized as a lead­ ing authority on the subject. The objective of Volume 11 was to assess the types and processes of soil degradation and establish some of the major cause-effect relationships. Volume II documented the seriousness of soil degradation in many parts of the world. Therefore, it seemed immediately important to devote a volume to the principles and technologies for restor­ ing degraded soils to a productive status. While the land resources are limited, world population is rapidly increasing, particularly in developing countries. Dr.

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The degradation of soil through the action of man, such as in agriculture, chemical pollution and mining, and through natural systems of erosion and volcanic activity, is of serious concern throughout the world. This book examines both the mechanisms of soil degradation and the methods by which this soil can be restored to its original condition. Soil scientists, agronomists, and environmental scientists involved in the practice of soil restoration will find this book to be an invaluable reference.

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The degradation of soil through the action of man, such as in agriculture, chemical pollution and mining, and through natural systems of erosion and volcanic activity, is of serious concern throughout the world. This book examines both the mechanisms of soil degradation and the methods by which this soil can be restored to its original condition. Soil scientists, agronomists, and environmental scientists involved in the practice of soil restoration will find this book to be an invaluable reference.
Content:
Front Matter....Pages i-xii
Need for Land Restoration....Pages 1-11
Reclamation of Chemically Degraded Soils....Pages 13-35
Soil Fertility Restoration and Management for Sustainable Agriculture in South Asia....Pages 37-77
Reclamation of Acid Sulphate Soils....Pages 79-122
Restoring Land Degraded by Gully Erosion in the Tropics....Pages 123-152
Reclamation of Indurated, Volcanic-Ash Materials in Latin America....Pages 153-170
Soil Faunal Degradation and Restoration....Pages 171-215
Creation and Restoration of Wetlands: Some Design Consideration for Ecological Engineering....Pages 217-259
Bioremediation of Soils Contaminated with Selenium....Pages 261-310
Reclamation of Mine Tailings....Pages 311-350
Reclamation of Mine Land Using Municipal Sludge....Pages 351-431
Research and Development Priorities for Soil Restoration....Pages 433-439
Back Matter....Pages 441-456

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The degradation of soil through the action of man, such as in agriculture, chemical pollution and mining, and through natural systems of erosion and volcanic activity, is of serious concern throughout the world. This book examines both the mechanisms of soil degradation and the methods by which this soil can be restored to its original condition. Soil scientists, agronomists, and environmental scientists involved in the practice of soil restoration will find this book to be an invaluable reference.
Content:
Front Matter....Pages i-xii
Need for Land Restoration....Pages 1-11
Reclamation of Chemically Degraded Soils....Pages 13-35
Soil Fertility Restoration and Management for Sustainable Agriculture in South Asia....Pages 37-77
Reclamation of Acid Sulphate Soils....Pages 79-122
Restoring Land Degraded by Gully Erosion in the Tropics....Pages 123-152
Reclamation of Indurated, Volcanic-Ash Materials in Latin America....Pages 153-170
Soil Faunal Degradation and Restoration....Pages 171-215
Creation and Restoration of Wetlands: Some Design Consideration for Ecological Engineering....Pages 217-259
Bioremediation of Soils Contaminated with Selenium....Pages 261-310
Reclamation of Mine Tailings....Pages 311-350
Reclamation of Mine Land Using Municipal Sludge....Pages 351-431
Research and Development Priorities for Soil Restoration....Pages 433-439
Back Matter....Pages 441-456
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