Reviews (2)

Great book
A complete review of advanced soil mechanics and soils and waves. Very dense information. Recommended for advanced studies.

Excellent book
This book has two main sections. One on soil behavior, the other on wave propagation through soils. The section on soil behavior is excellent. The clarity is crisp. It provides a true scientific description of soil behavior, highlighting the microscale: an approach to the study of soils that is hard to find (as complete) in other books. I truly recommend this book. It provides answers to so many questions, and with such conciseness and clarity! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Hartmann and Kester's Plant Propagation
This was one of my textbooks 15 years ago, and I have depended on it in various editions ever since. The information is very dependable and complete.

This book has lost its focus
I was looking forward to the new edition of this classic, but I have to say that I'm really disappointed. It's marketed as an undergraduate textbook in plant propagation (which is how I'm using it), but the content is more suited to students with a background including plant physiology and biochemistry, rather than just an introductory plant biology course, which is what my students have. I can understand the authors' desire to make this the definitive textbook on plant propagation, but including details on biochemistry and molecular biology most often obscures the important, basic points. For example, the whole-page figure (p. 17) on the stages of meiosis shows the stages of meiosis, but does not specify that the reduction division is the first division (the information is there, but you have to read closely to find it). Contrast that with the 5th edition, which states outright that the reduction division occurs first and skips details of anaphase I, etc. This may seem petty, but in my class, students got lost in the details and missed the major point of meiosis. Worse, when it comes to growth regulators, the students simply lost interest in wading through the details to get any information.

I think this edition would be improved by two things: first, skip the "lit review" style of the text and return to a simple narrative emphasizing the basic points of plant propagation. Second, move the details to a separate area of the book, either at the end of each chapter or as Part 2 of the book. For example, a short narrative section explaining each of the growth regulators might be followed by an "in depth" section which cites research relevant to growth regulators in plant propagation. Instructors who teach undergrads could assign reading based on the narrative sections, while instructors with more advanced classes (or students who are interested in learning more) could assign the more detailed sections as well. It's either that or create two books.

My students are simply not reading this book, which is a shame. My older edition is one of the most tattered books on my bookshelf because I reach for it so often. ... Read more

Book Description

This comprehensive work on all aspects of soils includes introductory chapters on soil morphology, physics, mineralogy and organisms in anticipation of the more advanced analysis of the subject that follows. Replete with hundreds of high-quality figures and a large glossary, its global perspective makes it an invaluable text for anyone studying soils, landforms and landscape change in middle to upper-level undergraduate and graduate courses. ... Read more

Book Description

In 1973 James Baker Hall photographed…these scenes and events of a Kentucky tobacco harvest. We look at them now with a sort of wonder, and with some regret, realizing that while our work was going on, powerful forces were at play that would change the scene and make "history" of those lived days, which were enriched for us then by their resemblance to earlier days and to days that presumably were to follow.—Wendell Berry, from the book

An insightful meditation on the shifting nature of humans’ relationships with the land and with each other, Berry’s essay laments the economic, political, and societal changes that have forever altered Kentucky’s rich agricultural traditions. Berry also adds a deeply personal perspective to Hall’s eloquent visual testimony. With a farm of his own nearby, Berry was a longtime friend and neighbor of the families shown in Hall’s pictures and took part in their work swapping. In addition to detailing the repetitive, strenuous labor involved in harvesting a tobacco crop, he relates memories of stories told, laughs shared, meals savored, and brief moments of rest and refreshment well earned.

Hall’s striking photographs illuminate the characters and events that Berry describes. During the 1973 harvest, he photographed the rows stretching toward the horizon while laborers cut a tobacco crop, one plant at a time, until the last row was cut, hauled, and housed in the barn. These photographs powerfully convey the physical experiences of a Kentucky tobacco harvest: the heat of the sun, the dirt, and the people hard at work. ... Read more

Book Description

Written by experts from across the globe, Herbicide Resistance and World Grains evaluates the weed and herbicide management systems in major world grain crops such as soybean, maize, rice, and canola. The book examines the impact of transgenic crops and new technology on resistance management. It provides background information and offers practical guidelines for the management of herbicide resistant weeds with an emphasis on a systems approach.This book provides the how-tos of managing herbicide resistant weed populations in the major grain crops. The authors also explore the sociological and agronomic factors affecting farmers' adaptation of herbicide resistance management systems. With this in mind, they suggest that the recommended guidelines be global in scope but also applicable at local levels.Containing the most up-to-date information on the genetics and mechanisms of resistance, the book also includes models that can be used to make informed decisions on management alternatives and financial analysis of the cost and an update of the regulatory aspects of resistance management. Other books on this subject merely document the extent and spread of resistance but provide little information on what to do about it. Herbicide Resistance and World Grains contains practical solutions that can be used by researchers and practitioners alike. ... Read more

Book Description

This how-to guide for novice cultivators explains the latest techniques using hydroponics for maximum yield. The book covers everything from starting out to harvesting and troubleshooting, ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Ghetto Gardening
I wouldn't even call this a book. It has great graphics and is very easy to read. It is a waste of money though. It is such a small "book" that I was shocked when it arrived in the mail. It is something that could be easily missed in a box of real books. Calling it a book is a joke. Also a change in the title to "Ghetto Gardening" would explain what you are in for if you purchase this so called book.

Oops....Pay attention, now....
Oops. I should have paid more attention. I bought several books on hydroponics for my son's Science Fair project. I should've done a better job of reading between the lines on this one -- it's for growing, uh, less-than-legal, uh, weeds. Caveat emporum, dudes and dudettes.

What a rip off
Based on the previous reviews I bought the book blindly. What it is , in my mind is a tiny comic book, of roughly thirty pages that goes into minimal detail. I really wish I could demand a immediate refund. I felt totally ripped off. I'm embarassed to think I got hoodwinked into buying a book just because of previous reviews. I feel the other reviews were based on friendships with the author. This book was a total rip off, I am throughly upset I purchased it , and wish I could demand a immediate refund. I don't know Amazon's policy on returning books. Jacob Charts Salt Lake City Utah

Amazing
Wow. Out of all the books that High Times sell, this one is defiantly the best. Written well full of amazing techniques and tips, has a solution to everything that might happen, but best of all it worked and it was the cheapest set up ever. And every page has an illustration so you would know that you are doing everything right. Sweet. Thank you J.P.

TURBO GROW!
This system is fool proof! Well written with a minimum of fluff - Just the facts to get you started quickly! The best thing is the most exotic place you will need to go for anything is the pet store!

Don't waste your money on an expensive system just get this book! Hats off to High Times for providing me with this. It is so quick to read and easy and makes a handy quick reference book. Best of all it WORKS! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Good Introduction to Pruning
Although this book doesn't cover the most sophisticated aspects of pruning in detail (like grafting), it will give you a firm grasp of the basics, including when to prune, and how to do it. Various general types of trees are treated, like conifers, deciduous trees, fruits, bushes, etc. Simple yet attractive line drawings fill the book and are very helpful. ... Read more

Book Description

This introductory text aims to help students understand the behavior of soils in both the man-made and the natural environment. The book is structured in two parts: Part A is an introduction to general soil properties and processes, while Part B considers soil in relation to the environment, covering topics such as the role of soil in supporting plant growth, in maintaining a clean environment, and in the flux of atmospheric gases. Issues such as acidification, contamination, conservationand erosion are also considered. ... Read more

Book Description

This is one book no turf manager should be without! Turfgrass Soil Fertility and Chemical Problems is the best single-source, practical management tool that will help you overcome every fertility management challenge you face!

Fertilization is perhaps the key component of a successful turfgrass management program and yet few books, seminars or academic programs approach this critical topic from a field-application perspective. Until now! Turfgrass Soil Fertility and Chemical Problems addresses how to establish a sound fertilization program in a problem-solving manner that not only presents detailed scientific principles, but also applies them to practical management. ... Read more

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

Book Description

Western Corn Rootworm is a major pest of maize crops in the Americas, and is now invading Europe. There is therefore a great need for current information on the ecology and management of this species in order to limit the damage it may cause as it spreads into new agroecological areas.This book provides a comprehensive review of current knowledge of this insect pest and how it might be controlled. Comparisons are drawn between experiences in the U.S. and how this might be applied in Europe. Biological control measures and the use of natural enemies from their area of origin in Mexico are also addressed, as are topics such as population dynamics and pest behavior. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control
For those who have the need to determine erosion factors and soil loss this is an excellent book.I have used it to check the results of computer modeling programs for terrace and water impound srtuctures; the programswill only see what is placed in.Using the formulas longhand the flaws inthe imputes can be found.I like the book very well. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Exotic pest infestations -- important lessons from the past
This is in important publication in view of current pest introductions and eradication programs. This book serves as an invaluable resource to outline the biological significance of exotic pests as well as issues regarding public policy of eradication efforts.Failures and successes are discussed.

In 2000 we are revisiting many of these issues- the citrus canker eradication effort in Florida took 30 years... and now we are battling another infestation of this devastating plant disease.Fire ant has spread to California.Repeated infestations of exotic fruit flies are found in the US.

Dahlstein and Garcia's compilation of case histories can help the general public, eradication and regulatory personnel, policy makers and scientists to understand issues and concerns that also apply to our current problems. ... Read more