Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations
Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations
Montgomery, David R.
product information
Condition: New, UPC: 9780520272903, Publication Date: Sun, April 1, 2012, Type: Paperback ,
join & start selling
description
t's everywhere we go. It is the root of our existence, supporting our feet, our farms, our cities. This fascinating yet disquieting book finds, however, that we are running out of dirt, and it's no laughing matter. An engaging natural and cultural history of soil that sweeps from ancient civilizations to modern times, Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations explores the compelling idea that we are--and have long been--using up Earth's soil. Once bare of protective vegetation and exposed to wind and rain, cultivated soils erode bit by bit, slowly enough to be ignored in a single lifetime but fast enough over centuries to limit the lifespan of civilizations. A rich mix of history, archaeology and geology, Dirt traces the role of soil use and abuse in the history of Mesopotamia, Ancient Greece, the Roman Empire, China, European colonialism, Central America, and the American push westward. We see how soil has shaped us and we have shaped soil--as society after society has risen, prospered, and plowed through a natural endowment of fertile dirt. David R. Montgomery sees in the recent rise of organic and no-till farming the hope for a new agricultural revolution that might help us avoid the fate of previous civilizations.
reviews

Be the first to write a review

member goods

No member items were found under this heading.

notems store

Communicating in Groups and Teams: ...

by Keyton, Joann

Paperback /Paperback

$93.95

Dolly: The Reno Story

by Hammer, Fern

Paperback /Paperback

$12.74

What's the Best That Could ...

by Miller, Debbie

Paperback /Paperback

$28.33

Why the Bible Began: An ...

by Wright, Jacob L.

Hardcover /Hardcover

$26.21

listens & views

DELTA FLORA

by HUGHSCORE

COMPACT DISC

$16.49

PLATINUM: GREATEST HITS (ARG)

by INXS

COMPACT DISC

out of stock

$12.99

BOLEROS

by SANABRIA,VICTORIA

COMPACT DISC

out of stock

$13.75

Return Policy

All sales are final

Shipping

No special shipping considerations available.
Shipping fees determined at checkout.