Endorsements

This book was published by CABI on World Soil Day, 5 December 2014, ahead of the International Year of Soils.CABI is an international not-for-profit organisation that provides information and scientific expertise to solve problems in farming and the environment. This book tackles the key issue of soil carbon. It's an academic text of 31 chapters bringing together scientific evidence and policy opportunities regarding soil carbon and its role in sustaining Earth's life-support system. Starting with a look at the global challenges for soil carbon, the authors examine soil science and how the management of soil organic matter has the potential to reverse land degradation. There are several urgent short-term actions that need to be taken to achieve the long-term goals of climate change mitigation, improving farmland productivity and biodiversity, and improved local and global environments. The vital aspect of managing soil carbon is considered in detail and there is a fascinating section looking at positive examples from around the world, including the peatlands of Europe, the savannah of Kenya, and studies of paddy field soils in India. The final section considers soil carbon governance. It's a valuable reference book with all the latest evidence relating to soil carbon in one place and detailed references. An essential read for those involved in research and policy work relating to soil and the environment.