Book Description

Chlorinated Solvent and DNAPL Remediation addresses remediation of chlorinated solvents and dense nonaqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs) in groundwater and discusses remedial alternatives that are available for subsurface cleanup. Chlorinated Solvent and DNAPL Remediation: Innovative Strategies for Subsurface Cleanup focuses primarily on current technological developments and innovative applications for in situ remediation of chlorinated solvents including DNAPLs in soil and groundwater.However, this book also provides a general overview of all of the physical, chemical, and biological processes available for in situ remediation of groundwater contaminated with chlorinated solvents and DNAPLs. Chapters discuss surfactant flushing to enhance DNAPL removal; in situ chemical destruction by reduction processes involving zero valent iron or related metals; in situ chemical destruction by advanced oxidation processes; and in situ biological destruction by enhanced anaerobic bioremediation or natural bioattenuation.This book also emphasizes zero valent iron-based strategies, including reaction geochemistry, permeable reactive barrier longevity, rejuvenation of iron walls, and emplacement technique. One chapter summarizes 10 years of permeable reactive barrier development and application.The controversial issues related to DNAPL remediation, including the concept that remediation of sites affected by DNAPL could be technically impractical, are reviewed. Another chapter focuses on the evolution of DNAPL remediation practice. ... Read more

Book Description

The soil is more than just a substrate that anchors crops in place. An ecologically balanced soil system is essential for maintaining healthy crops. This is a comprehensive manual on soil management. The "whats and whys" of micronutrients, earthworms, soil drainage, tilth, soil structure and organic matter are explained in detail. Kinsey shows how working with the soil produces healthier crops with a higher yield drawing on his wide range of experience as a master consultant. Learn how to balance soil nutrients for maximum yield. Discover why simple N-P-K fertilization isn't enough. Understand the proper use of manures, compost, tillage, micronutrients and more. Kinsey gives first-rate science that brings organiculture and conventional farming together on speaking terms and indicts toxic rescue chemistry at the same time. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

It makes sense!
At a guess the reviewer "A reader from New York" has never had anything to do with soils and farming. He/she just eats the end products.
I am a farmer in Australia dealing with some of the hardest yet some of the most potentially productive soils as any in the USA. This book was recommended to me by a fellow farmer. After reading it I was stunned as to how much sense it made. I can now relate soil test data to what I see in the field and understand why some areas always produce more than others. It's not "quackery" when you can understand how mother nature and basic chemistry allow some areas of a field to outperform others by sometimes 3-1.
Readers of this book should be farmers who are willing to take a close look at their soils, work the numbers, think about it and then be prepared to accept what they WILL see in it all.
I am by no means an organic farmer, I still use some commercial fertilizers and spray about as much as anyone. After reading this book I have started working on balancing the soil because I see from experience the most balanced soils producing the best crops.
I don't really care if Neal Kinsey has a consulting practice on soils. And as far as the book being a bit "light on" for detail is concerned, well it's not. It is a great first step to understanding the soil we grow things in. Fertilizer brouchures are light on for detail.
Happy reading and I hope the little light bulb gets turned on in your head like it did in mine.

Mr. Kinsey gets it right
Attending one of Mr. Kinsey's seminars and visiting with the farmers who have implemented his programs will convince the most staunch skeptic. His concept of "Feeding the soil and let the soil feed the plant" makes perfect sense. All elements in the soil must be within specific parameters for any plant to grow and produce to its full potential. Too much of the research results and recommendations that are available are tied to some corporate sponsorship that is ultimately tied to a product they wish to sell whether it is needed or not. Mr. Kinsey's success in 50 states and 50 countries speaks for itself. If you are a serious steward of the land and intend to stay in business in agriculture this book will help you get the not only more yield but higher quality products from your operation.

Agonomy or info-mmercial?
The author has a soil consultation service, and one does not have to read too many pages before one realizes that all that has been read so far is self-aggrandizment, and this continues throughout the book. The author makes the same claims that are heard or read in advertisments for quack products: State and/or university soil testing facilities produce inaccurate results because they cut corners in testing or return stock answers to stock analyses; but; the lab the author uses is 100% accurate. Growers who use the author's recommendations have increased crop yields by X%, with X depending upon the crop in question. All claimed increases are substantial.

The author includes just enough factual material on soils to give the book an air of authority, but is very short on any explanation or reason for the importance of these soil factors (other than humus). The whole book seems to be a many-paged advertisement for people to use his service.

Those interested in the subject might better spend their money on a good soils textbook.

A serious work for farmers for understanding soil fertility.
An in depth discussion of soil fertility issues and how to use specific fertilizers to achieve balanced crop nutrtion. Excellent statagies for soil testing. Answers to soil problems not easily found. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Concise Reference
This is an excellent text and reference about the study and examination of soils. Some chapters are difficult to read but all are packed with great information about the study of soils. The classification of soils is covered in depth with the USDA Soil Taxonomy system and less throughly with other systems. The figures and tables included are pertinent and relevant. I'd ask for more figures and tables to help illustrate topics covered in the text. Additional comparisons and analysis between classification systems would also be welcome for advanced studies of soils and environmental issues.
Still 5 stars for it's class! ... Read more

Book Description

Introduces a new approach to rock mechanics called ``block theory,'' which formalizes procedures for selecting proper shapes and orientations for excavations in hard jointed rock. Applies block theory to rock slopes and underground excavations, and covers the Q theory of rock classification, the empirical criterion of joint shear strength, rock bolting, properties of weak rocks, statistical frequency of jointing, an empirical criterion of rock strength, and design of underground supports. Contains many new problems with worked-out solutions. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Prof. Goodman's Rock Mechanics
As a Ph.D student of Geotechnical Engineering at UC Berkeley, I recommend Prof. Goodman's "Introduction to Rock Mechanics". This book has been, and always is the kind of can't-afford-without reference book for every Engineer and Scientist in the field of Rock Engineering and Enginnering Geology.

This book treats many aspects of engineering properties of rock. Block Theory is actually the highlight of this book. By projecting 3D block pyramids into 2-D steronet, the stability of slope cut comprised of jointed rock blocks becomes quite evident, and the analysis method is straight-forward and can performed by hand. Key blocks (removable blocks) could be identified and so does the corresponding bolting forces and so on. As put in the comments of Prof. Goodman's 35th Rankine Lecture (1995), Block Theory initiated by Prof. Goodman and Dr. Shi here at Berkeley really makes the once impossible 3D rock slope problem completely POSSIBLE. Block Theory maybe one of the most elegant theories of this kind in Rock Engineering, and this book will give you the best introductory insight you could expect.

Kowning Prof. Goodman personally very well, I could say that he is really a "good man" , actually, one of the most distinguished figures in acadamics. His talent in both academics and musics makes this book very easy to read. Thus I strongly recommend this book to you, and hope to share with you the exciting world of ROCK.

The best primary book in rock mechanics
I am a student of geotechnical engineering. I am reading this book as the text book of rock mechanics course and I think this is the best book for learning rock mechanics.It describes Rock Mechanics in the easiest way and with the easiest words. I read the 1989 second edition of this book and unfortunetly I can't buy new version because it is so expensive for me!

A great resource for both students and professionals
This is a great text which introduces all of the fundmental aspects of rock mechanics, including the use of block theory. It is a great resource for both students and professionals. ... Read more

Book Description

The present book gives a modernized and comprehensive overview of the degradation of major litter components as well as the sum of processes when forest plant litter decomposes, releases nutrients and turns into humus. Covering mainly boreal and temperate forests, the book gives a synthesis of the different sub-processes on the basis that decomposition is microbially mediated and develops a system in the decomposition processes leading to chemical changes in litter. Further, it introduces a conceptual model for litter transformations from litter fall until the decomposing litter accumulates as humus. The effects of substrate quality, climate, and their interactions on decomposition are presented as well as examples of litter types that break the basic pattern. A system is suggested for humus accumulation rates among forest systems, a system that may be a starting point for estimates of carbon sequestration in forest systems. ... Read more

Book Description

Healthy soils are key to producing good harvests with minimal pest problems. How to create that balanced soil ecosystem, however, remains a challenge for even the most experienced growers.

Building Soils for Better Crops unlocks the secret of maintaining a diverse ecosystem below ground to foster healthy crops above. Ecological soil management, as detailed by the soil experts who wrote the book, can raise fertility — and yields —while reducing environmental impacts. The 240-page Building Soils contains detailed information about soil structure and the management practices that affect soils, as well as practical information like how to interpret soil test results.

Some of the soil-building strategies include:

• Increasing soil organic matter• Using appropriate tillage• Incorporating animal manures• Making and using composts• Integrating cover crops into rotations• Reducing erosion• Methods to avoid and decrease soil compaction ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Importance of healthy soils
This is the best, practical guide to understanding how whole soil systems work that I have read. Written in clear, illustrative language, it makes the world of soils accessible to farmers and beginning students, as well as soil science professionals. ... Read more

Book Description

Carbon Isotope Techniques is a hands-on introduction to using carbon isotope tracers in experimental biology and ecology. It provides an easy bench-top reference with many simple-to-follow protocols for studying plants, animals, and soils. The ¹¹C, ¹²C, ¹³C, and ¹⁴C carbon isotopes are considered and standard techniques are described by established authors. This is a synthetic compilation of well-established techniques.
Researchers and students in a wide range of disciplines spanning plant and soil science, agricultural chemistry, forestry, ecology, oceanography, limnology, biogeochemistry, anthropology, and archaeology will find Carbon Isotope Techniques a valuable resource.

Key Features
* Features isotopes in ecological research
* Highlights specific user-oriented techniques
* Considers carbon cycle in plants, soils, animals, air, and water
* Provides examples and sample calculations for radioisotopes in plant, soil, and aquatic biology ... Read more

Book Description

The aim of this book is to encourage students to develop an understanding of the fundamentals of soil mechanics. It builds a robust and adaptable framework of ideas to support and accommodate the more complex problems and analytical procedures that confront the practising geotechnical engineer. ... Read more

Book Description

A comprehensive presentation reflecting the author's experience as a consultant on hundreds of projects, the book provides a perfect balance between theory and practical application. The study of the physical properties of soils is highlighted, focusing on the relevance of these properties and their effect upon soil strength, compressibility, stability and drainage. Incorporates new topics not found in current books such as geoenvironmental, geosynthetics and legal aspects. Includes scores of photographs, example problems and several case studies. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A lucid presentation
Geotechnical engineering can be a difficult subject. With Cernica's book, the subject becomes a bit easier to learn. What I like about the book is the author's down-to-earth practical approach. The book is curently being used at Virginia Tech as a required text. Students seem to like it.

Generally, a decent soil mechanics text.
This book covers all basic aspects of soils engineering. It is fairly easy to understand and the book itself is a decent reference. ... Read more

Book Description

Soil Science and Management, 4E emphasizes the human interaction with and affect on soils, rather than treating the soil as an independent element.Comprehensive, yet not intimidating, you will find this text has been revised to encompass more ecological themes within the established topics of soil science and use.Non-technical, and easy-to-understand, the fourth edition of this popular text teaches the essentials of soils from the perspective of farmers, horticulturists, environmentalists, and others who are concerned about how soils work and how they are used most effectively.An emphasis on management and the sustainable use of soils and water resources make it especially relevant to these audiences.Nutrient management, best practices and relevant legal issues and government programs make this text a practical application for agricultural and horticultural students. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

This is an excellent book!
What a boring topic, you may think. Who could write a thick book about soil? And who possibly can read it? You may be surprised! If your interest is in the field of landscape architecture, horticulture, forestry, gardening, site engineering e.g. this book will give you a professional knowledge, in a very systematic, approachable way. I will keep Soil Science in my professional library as a reference book. ... Read more

Book Description

Traditionally the study of chemical principles as they relate to soil has been limited to the field of agronomics. Soil and Water Chemistry: An Integrative Approach, stands alone because it balances agricultural and environmental perspectives in its analysis of the chemical properties and processes that affect organic and inorganic soil substances.Written for soil science practitioners, researchers, and students, this book provides a comprehensive treatment of soil composition and reactions. Topics include: clay mineralogy, soil organic matter, mineral weathering and stability, ion speciation, solubility, ion exchange, adsorption, oxidation-reduction, acidity, alkalinity, and salinity. Each chapter concludes with numerous exercises that emphasize concepts and have practical, real-world applications. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Good resource book
The first thing noticable about this book is the steep price. At almost a hundred dollars, you're going to think twice before you venture into buying another book about golf. This however is not just another book about golf, if you're looking for a pictorial about nice looking golf courses this is not what you need. If you're looking for information (and pictures) on how can a designer, planner or developer go wrong while planning, building or operating a golf course then you're going to find a lot of useful information and illustrations. I think this book is more about how not to do it. This really makes it different from other books available in the market. The audience for this will be golf course designers and managers and ennvironmentalists, and the theme is managing golf course developments with minimum environmental impacts. The book is written in an easy to read language, and is not made complicated, which is good, keeping in mind that its audience will probably come from different backgrounds. If I am teaching a course on environmental issues as they relate to golf courses this would be my pick. For this price however, I would have expected the illustrations and pictures inside to be in color! This is a new book so it reads and looks fresh, I will take one star off for the 100 dollar tag and keep 4 stars for the content. ... Read more

Book Description

Sustainability of agricultural systems is a major global concern due to population growth and a number of environmental factors. This book addresses the key to the development of sustainable agriculture-management of soil fertility. Combining data from temperate and tropical regions, it presents a complete picture of how various soils can best be managed under widely different environmental conditions. Soil Fertility Management for Sustainable Agriculture is an excellent reference for environmental and agricultural professionals as well as a textbook for undergraduate and graduate students preparing for a career in agriculture or soil fertility management. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Viktor Schauberger was a Genius!
Viktor not only knew about water, unlike most people today, but he was a genius in regards to farming as well. When you live close to Nature, like Viktor did, you uncover a lot of truths about the world around you. This book is well written and was a pleasure reading. Without the forests we have no water and with poorly treated soil we end-up with poor quality food and more illnesses. If you care about the earth buy this book and spread the word. Cheers to Viktor Schauberger and all his insights, and to Callum Coats for translating it into English

Are you trying to save Mother Earth?
If you are in any way interested in the environement, then this book will appeal to you. This is the third book in the highly acclaimed "Eco-Technology" series by Callum Coats. Not only does the book delve into what man is doing to harm the environement, it also offers "fresh" ideas on what we can and should DO about it. I can't believe "Green Peace" or some other pro-environmental group doesn't have this book as part of their by-laws! Fascinating. Of coarse, the entire book is based on the revolutionary work of Viktor Schauberger. This one, if you are into farming, just have a back-yard garden, or are a hard core pro-earth person, will keep you reading till the end...and want to read the entire series. A very well written and inspiring book. A differnent view of natural phenomena, the influence of temperature and water movement, forestry, agriculture, the energy industry, the dying forest, timber and water in the building industry, soil fertilisation, increased productivity...wow! Again, whether you are just into learning what's happening to the earth, and why, or you are serious about trying to DO something to stop the damage already done, this book will open your eyes. ... Read more

Book Description

Standard well logging technology was developed primarily to use measurements in liquid-filled boreholes to quantify the petroleum content in liquid-saturated sedimentary formations. By taking a fundamental approach to tool physics, this book enables readers to move beyond the standard situations and assumptions to use the technology under other conditions, such as air-filled boreholes and partially-saturated formations, and for other applications, such as the estimation of lithology type, shale fraction, mineral content, coal quality, total organic carbon, bedding dip and strike, and the movement of fluids in a borehole. This new edition explores the physical principles behind logging methods, including modern methods such as nuclear magnetic resonance, full-wave acoustic methods, and logging-while-drilling. No other book explains all of these new techniques. However, because log analysts must deal with logs run long ago, descriptions of the older technology are also retained. This comprehensive resource will help the log user review the results from the logging service companies, which run the logs and present the results. It will enable the user to understand the technology, to ask the right questions, and then to use the answers. Throughout the book, numerical values for the physical properties of fluids and minerals help the readers convert log values to actual formation properties. The explanations of technology, practical examples, and numerical data not only make this book an invaluable reference but also permit readers to improve and correct measurements made in the field. ... Read more