Concepts, principles, history, classification, structure and function analysis of various models in the same production sector and in different sectors, at different scales, in mountain and dryland ecosystems. The book is aimed primarily at young post-graduate scientists in the disciplines or at agronomy, forestry, animal husbandry, land use management and ecology experts.

Rooted firmly in the principles of econology, the agricultural enterprise, even though having been exposed to the impact of environmental problems arising from land degradation, soil erosion, groundwater depletion and pollution and loss of biological diversity, has so far stood firm and survived to meet the food requirements of the growing population, so much so that there have been some striking instances of food glut in several countires, including some that used to sufer famiens only half a century ago.

“[A] superb collection of essays . . . one of the wisest, sanest, most practical, and most trusted voices in the movement to reform the American food system.” —Michael Pollan, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of This is Your Mind on Plants Theologian, academic, and third-generation organic farmer Frederick L. Kirschenmann is a celebrated agricultural thinker who has tirelessly promoted the principles of sustainability for three decades. Cultivating an Ecological Conscience documents Kirschenmann’s evolution and his lifelong contributions to the new agrarianism in a collection of his greatest writings on farming, philosophy, and sustainability. Working closely with agricultural economist and editor Constance L. Falk, Kirschenmann recounts his intellectual and spiritual journey. In a unique blend of personal history, philosophical discourse, spiritual ruminations, and practical advice, Kirschenmann interweaves his insights with discussion of contemporary agrarian topics. This collection serves as an invaluable resource to agrarian scholars and introduces readers to an agricultural pioneer whose work has profoundly influenced modern thinking about food. “We’re past the moment when agriculture was something we could forget about?in a warming world, there's no more crucial topic, and here's the short course in how to think about it!” —Bill McKibben, author of Falter

Agricultural lands worldwide are deteriorating, becoming acidic and losing essential humus content. This impacts global food quality and nutrition. Causes include extreme natural events and harmful human activities like deforestation. The consequences are stark—shrinking agricultural land, reduced fertility, lower crop yields, and increased costs. Developing nations face food shortages, population decline, and shortened life expectancy. The urgency demands international cooperation, legislation, and technological advancements. Ecological Aspects of Soil and Land Preservation delves into this critical issue, emphasizing the need for collective action and sustainable solutions. Ecological Aspects of Soil and Land Preservation serves as a resource for scholars, students, and professionals committed to addressing the crisis. This book collects, summarizes, and analyzes the latest information on agricultural land and forest degradation. Beyond that, it introduces groundbreaking hypotheses, theories, and solutions, enriching the scientific community's understanding. The objective is clear: to be an informative resource that not only sheds light on the problem but also catalyzes actionable solutions.

Agriculture has been an enduring human tradition key to survival and civilization. However, after the advent of industrialization and agricultural growth, the industry has been met with several challenges including pollution, land use, and food insecurity. With the agricultural industry contributing to pollution and emissions, many have found it imperative to investigate the causes and seek out solutions. The Research Anthology on Strategies for Achieving Agricultural Sustainability discusses the issues that the agricultural industry currently faces and the technological opportunities that can be explored to help protect and predict crop growth and achieve more resilient agricultural processes. It analyzes the impact of agricultural pollution and food insecurity on a global scale, but also proposes solutions to promote agricultural sustainability. Covering topics such as bio-farming, smart farming, and population growth, this book is an indispensable resource for government officials, agricultural scientists, farmers, students and professors of higher education, activist groups, researchers, and academicians.

The depletion of South Africa’s (and in some cases the world’s) natural resources and the degradation of environmental sinks (including the atmosphere, lakes and rivers, and land) are continuing at such a rate that natural resource prices are climbing and many critical ecosystem services that underpin human welfare are increasingly threatened. The concept of the ‘green economy’ has gained increasing traction in South African policy discourses over the past few years. However, in much of this discourse it is viewed in a piecemeal way as one part or sector of the economy (e.g. an industrial sector dealing with manufacture and installation of renewable energy technologies and energy-efficient equipment and appliances). In the view of the authors, ‘greening the South African economy’ requires an application of sustainability principles and practices across the full range of primary, secondary and tertiary sectors of the economy in an integrated manner. The aim of this book is therefore to apply principles of sustainability and ‘green economics’ to the entire South African socio-economic system and its major elements in an integrated and comprehensive manner.