The Food-Energy-Water Nexus

The Food-Energy-Water Nexus
Author: Peter Saundry
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 686
Release: 2020-04-06
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 3030299147

This will be the first textbook on the integration of food, energy and water systems (FEWS). In recent years, the world has seen a dramatic rise in interdisciplinary energy and environmental courses and degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. In the US for instance, the number and variety of such programs has increased significantly over the past decade, Simultaneously, national and international initiatives that integrate food, energy and water systems have been launched. This textbook provides a substantive introduction to the food-energy-water nexus suitable for use in higher level undergraduate and graduate level courses and for scholars moving into the field of nexus studies without a strong background in all three areas and the many aspects of nexus studies.

Forgotten Grasslands of the South

Forgotten Grasslands of the South
Author: Reed F. Noss
Publisher: Island Press
Total Pages: 353
Release: 2012-12-03
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 159726489X

Forgotten Grasslands of the South is the study of one of the biologically richest and most endangered ecosystems in North America. In a seamless blend of science and personal observation, renowned ecologist Reed Noss explains the natural history of southern grasslands, their origin and history, and the physical determinants of grassland distribution, including ecology, soils, landform, and hydrology. In addition to offering fascinating new information about these little-studied ecosystems, Noss demonstrates how natural history is central to the practice of conservation. Although theory and experimentation have recently dominated the field of ecology, ecologists are coming to realize how these distinct approaches are not divergent but complementary, and that pursuing them together can bring greater knowledge and understanding of how the natural world works and how we can best conserve it. This long-awaited work sets a new standard for scientific literature and is essential reading for those who study and work to conserve the grasslands of the South as well as for everyone who is fascinated by the natural world.

Tamarix

Tamarix
Author: Anna Sher
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Total Pages: 513
Release: 2013-03-21
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 0199898200

Few plant species have had as much combined scientific, public, and political attention as exotic Tamarix spp (tamarisk, saltcedar). 24 essays by 44 authors explore its biology, ecology, politics, history, and management, reflecting the controversy that has arisen around its "invasion" and what should (or should not) be done.

The Soils of the USA

The Soils of the USA
Author: L.T. West
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 398
Release: 2016-09-19
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 331941870X

This book provides an overview of the distribution, properties, and function of soils in the U.S., including Alaska, Hawaii, and its Caribbean territories. It discusses the history of soil surveys and pedological research in the U.S., and offers general descriptions of the country’s climate, geology and geomorphology. For each Land Resource Region (LRR) – a geographic/ecological region of the country characterized by its own climate, geology, landscapes, soils, and agricultural practices – there is a chapter with details of the climate, geology, geomorphology, pre-settlement and current vegetation, and land use, as well as the distribution and properties of major soils including their genesis, classification, and management challenges. The final chapters address topics such as soils and humans, and the future challenges for soil science and soil surveys in the U.S. Maps of soil distribution, pedon descriptions, profile images, and tables of properties are included throughout the text.

Bovids of the World

Bovids of the World
Author: José R. Castelló
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Total Pages: 665
Release: 2016-04-12
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 1400880653

The most comprehensive guide to the bovids of the world Bovids are a diverse group of ruminant mammals that have hooves and unbranched hollow horns. Bovids of the World is the first comprehensive field guide to cover all 279 bovid species, including antelopes, gazelles, cattle, buffaloes, sheep, and goats. From the hartebeest of Africa and the takin of Asia to the muskox of North America, bovids are among the world's most spectacular animals and this stunningly illustrated and easy-to-use field guide is an ideal way to learn more about them. The guide covers all species and subspecies of bovids described to date. It features more than 300 superb full-color plates depicting every kind of bovid, as well as detailed facing-page species accounts that describe key identification features, horn morphology, distribution, subspeciation, habitat, and conservation status in the wild. This book also shows where to observe each species and includes helpful distribution maps. Suitable for anyone with an interest in natural history, Bovids of the World is a remarkable and attractive reference, showcasing the range and beauty of these important mammals. The first comprehensive field guide to all 279 bovid species 337 full-color plates, with more than 1,500 photographs Detailed species accounts describe key identification features, distribution, subspeciation, habitat, behavior, reproduction, and conservation status Fully updated and revised taxonomy, with common and scientific names Easy-to-read distribution maps