An Introduction To The Environmental Physics Of Soil Water And Watersheds

This introductory textbook describes the nature of the Earth's environment and its physical processes so as to highlight environmental concerns arising from human use and misuse of soil and water resources. The author provides a thorough introduction to the basic issues regarding the sustainable, productive use of land resources that is vital in maintaining healthy rivers and good groundwater qualities. He develops a quantitative approach to studying these growing environmental concerns in a way that does not require prior knowledge of the physical sciences or calculus. The straightforward writing style, lack of prerequisite knowledge and copious illustrations make this textbook suitable for introductory university courses, as well as being a useful primer for research and management staff in environmental and resources management organisations. Each chapter ends with a set of student exercises for which solutions are available from [email protected].

From reviews of the first edition: "well organized . . . Recommended as an introductory text for undergraduates" -- AAAS Science Books and Films "well written and illustrated" -- Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society

Water Interactions with Energy, Environment, Food and Agriculture is a component of Encyclopedia of Water Sciences, Engineering and Technology Resources in the global Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS), which is an integrated compendium of twenty one Encyclopedias. The theme discusses water's importance to energy generation, the environment, food, and agriculture. It begins with an analysis of the interrelations between water and the environment. Consideration is given to the relationship between water and human health. Water's dynamic role in the food production process; Ecosystem Character; Water Quality and Environment; Climate Change and Water Resources; Water Resources For Agricultural and Food Production; Water Balance in Agriculture Areas; Water Contamination from Rural Production Systems; Water Interactions with Human Development ;Economic Development; and Cultural Development are considered. These two volumes are aimed at the following five major target audiences: University and College students Educators, Professional practitioners, Research personnel and Policy analysts, Managers, and Decision makers and NGOs

This book is written for all those involved in measurement of soil water phenomena, whether they be environmental scientists, field technicians, agronomists, meteorologists, hydrogeologists, foresters, physical geographers, civil or water engineers or students in these subjects. It contains a comprehensive description of all the major methods used for measurement of soil water content and potential, solute concentration, transport and balance of water and solutes, including recharge to groundwater aquifers. The emphasis is firmly on techniques which can be applied in the field or on samples obtained from the field. The theory and practice of the workings of the main instruments and methods available is described, along with practical tips on surmounting some of the main difficulties and explanations of many commonly encountered jargon words.

Soil is the most important natural non-renewable resource developed over a longer period of time due to weathering of rocks and subsequently enrichment of organic matter. Soil provides habitat for numerous microorganisms and serves as a natural medium for plant growth, thereby providing the plants with anchorage, nutrients and water to sustain the growth. Soil also serves as a universal sink for all types of pollutants, purifies ground water and is a major reserve of carbon in the universe. The role of soils to provide ecosystem services, maintenance of environmental/human health and ensuring the food security makes it as the most important and basic natural resource. Soil Science helps us to elaborate and understand how the soils provide all these services. Soil Science also provides us the basic knowledge dealing with the origin of the soil parent material, weathering of parent material and the formation of soils, morphological, physico-chemical and biological features of soils, classification of soils and role of soils in the provision and maintenance of ecosystem services, food security and environmental quality. This book encompasses the various processes, functions and behaviour of soils very comprehensively to acquaint the students of soil, plant and environmental sciences about their role to perform different agricultural and environmental functions.

Principles and Practice of Soil Science, FourthEditionprovides a current and comprehensive introduction to soilscience for students in the fields of environmental andagricultural science, ecology, soil and land management, naturalresource management and environmental engineering. Covers all aspects of soil science including soil habitat,processes in the soil environment and soil management. Emphasizes the applications of soil science to the solution ofpractical problems in soil and land management. Highlights real world examples drawn from the author’sinternational experience in the field. Includes an expanded colour section of soil profiles and otherfeatures, and greater coverage of international soilclassification Features new problem sets and questions at the end of eachchapter, designed to reinforce important principles. An answer keyis provided at the end of the text. Artwork from the book is available to instructors online atwww.blackwellpublishing.com/white

In a modern society, it is easy to forget that our society depends largely on the environmental processes that govern our world. Environment refers to an aggregate of surroundings in which living beings such as humans, animals, and plants live and non-living things exist. It includes air, water, land, living organisms, and materials surrounding us. The environment is an important part of our daily lives. Environmental issues are now part of every career path and employment area. Environmental science is an interdisciplinary field that applies principles from all the known technologies and sciences to study the environment and provide solutions to environmental problems. It is the study of how the earth works and how we can deal with the environmental issues we face. There is an ever demanding need for experts in this field because the environment is responsible for making our world beautiful and habitable. For this reason, environmental science is now being taught at high schools and higher institutions of learning. Education on environmental science will empower the youths to take an active role in the world in which they live.

The new edition of Physicochemical and Environmental Plant Physiology uses elementary chemistry, physics, and mathematics to explain and develop key concepts in plant physiology. In fundamental ways, all physiological processes that occur in cells, tissues, organs, and organisms obey such relations. Topics include diffusion, membranes, water relations, ion transport, photochemistry, bioenergetics of energy conversion, photosynthesis, environmental influences on plant temperature, and gas exchange for leaves and whole plants. This new edition maintains the unparalleled commitment to clear presentation and improves upon the user friendliness of the previous versions. All illustrations have been redrawn, many in two-color New material includes: 14 new figures, 100 new references, 20 new equations and considerable new and revised text Extensive cross-referencing with a simpler system for chapter sections and subsections Easy-to-use format including major equations being presented at the beginning of each chapter, and calculations presented outside of the chapter text