Description
Book SynopsisDirt, soil, call it what you want - it's everywhere we go. It is the root of our existence, supporting our feet, our farms, and our cities. Offering a natural and cultural history of soil that sweeps from ancient civilizations to modern times, this book explores the idea that we are - and have long been - using up Earth's soil.
Trade Review"Anyone interested in environmental issues should read this book... Entertains and stimulates thought." Times Higher Ed Sup (Thes) "Fascinating insights into what be our most precious natural resource and gives important pointers toward sustainable land management." Bioscience "How societies fare in the long run depends on how they treat their soils. Simple. Concise. You are your dirt." -- Carol Ekarius Hobby Farms "Sobering... A timely text that will no doubt stimulate the discussion of this issue, and its potential solutions, for years to come." Environment & History "Strengthen[s] appreciation for how important the soil is to our existence." Great Plains Research "This book is a thorough and enlightening treatment of the topic." The Perennial Bookworm "Sounds an ever timely and necessary clarion call." Vadose Zone Journal
Table of ContentsPREFACE TO THE 20I2 EDITION
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I 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
IO LIFE SPAN OF CIVILIZATIONS
NOTES
BIBLIOGRAPHY
INDEX
