Dirt : the erosion of civilizations
Soil erosion Soil science Soils e-böcker
University of California Press
2012
[2012 ed., with a new preface]
EISBN 9780520952119
Cover; Title Page; Copyright Page; Dedication Page; Table of Contents; Preface; Acknowledgments; 1. Good Old Dirt; 2. Skin of the Earth; 3. Rivers of Life; 4. Graveyard of Empires; 5. Let them Eat Colonies; 6. Westward Hoe; 7. Dust Blow; 8. Dirty Business; 9. Islands in Time; 10. Life Span of Civilizations; Notes; Bibliography; Index;
Dirt, soil, call it what you want--it's everywhere we go. It is the root of our existence, supporting our feet, our farms, our cities. This fascinating yet disquieting book finds, however, that we are running out of dirt, and it's no laughing matter. An engaging natural and cultural history of soil that sweeps from ancient civilizations to modern times, Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations explores the compelling idea that we are--and have long been--using up Earth's soil. Once bare of protective vegetation and exposed to wind and rain, cultivated soils erode bit by bit, slowly enough to be ignored.
Dirt, soil, call it what you want--it's everywhere we go. It is the root of our existence, supporting our feet, our farms, our cities. This fascinating yet disquieting book finds, however, that we are running out of dirt, and it's no laughing matter. An engaging natural and cultural history of soil that sweeps from ancient civilizations to modern times, Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations explores the compelling idea that we are--and have long been--using up Earth's soil. Once bare of protective vegetation and exposed to wind and rain, cultivated soils erode bit by bit, slowly enough to be ignored.
