New book by Ole K. Borggaard - 08.07.2008

The Department has published a new book that is particularly relevant as tropical countries experience increased pressure on land resources to improve agricultural production. To ensure sustainable land use, the potentials and limitations of different kinds of tropical soils must be known in relation to crop production and environmental protection. Tropical Soil Chemistry by Ole K. Borggaard provides an overview of the composition, occurrence, properties, processes, formation, and environmental vulnerability of various tropical soil types (using American Soil Taxonomy for classification).

 

The processes and the external factors that affect soil processes are the same in tropical soils as in temperate region soils, but because of high temperature year round and occurrence in very stable landscapes, some (but not all) tropical soils possess special composition and properties. These features are highlighted in the book, and general soil chemical issues are also presented to assess when, why, and how tropical soils differ from soils in other regions. This knowledge can help agricultural specialists in the tropics establish sustainable crop production.

 

Readers are assumed to be familiar with basic chemistry, physics, and mathematics at a level corresponding to introductory university courses. Knowledge of fundamental geology, geography, and soil science is also needed. The book can be purchased from the Department (DKK 200 plus mailing).

 

To order, send an e-mail to: