Earth Matters: How soil underlies civilization

by Richard D. Bardgett

For much of history, soil has played a major, and often central, role in the lives of humans. Entire societies have risen, and collapsed, through the management or mismanagement of soil; farmers and gardeners worldwide nurture their soil to provide their plants with water, nutrients, and protection from pests and diseases; major battles have been aborted or stalled by the condition of soil; murder trials have been solved with evidence from the soil; and, for most of us, our ultimate fate is the soil.

In this book Richard Bardgett discusses soil and the many, and sometimes surprising, ways that humanity has depended on it throughout history, and still does today. Analysing the role soil plays in our own lives, despite increasing urbanization, and in the biogeochemical cycles that allow the planet to function effectively, Bardgett considers how superior soil management could combat global issues such as climate change, food shortages, and the extinction of species. Looking to the future, Bardgett argues that it is vital for the future of humanity for governments worldwide to halt soil degradation, and to put in place policies for the future sustainable management of soils.

Genres: Agriculture

224 pages, Hardcover

First published March 14, 2016

Reviews

[Agnes Goyvaerts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book very interesting. The author points out the various ways in which soil can be affected and has been during past and present times of war, nuclear tests, nuclear accidents, use of agent orange, deforestation, use and overuse of chemical fertilizers, urbanisation and many more reasons that severely affect the soil, to the detriment or not. He also explains the huge variety of microbes and creatures that live in the soil and make it work, make it fertile. A fertile soil depends on these biogeochemical processes, and we depend on fertile soil to prevent famine. It is a very important subject for scientists to study and much of this is done in these days of climate change.
I enjoyed this book, found it immensely interesting and would definitely recommend it.

[Elentarri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soil plays an important part in our daily lives. Entire societies have risen, and collapsed, through the management and mismanagement of soil. This book is for those who know little about soil and want to know more about soil and the ways that humans depend on it and transform it. The author takes a look at the diversity of life within the soil and the vast range of roles that life plays in maintaining the health and fertility of soil. The author also takes a look at how humans have modified the soil (agriculture, cities, war) and looks at the future, exploring ways to sustainably manage soils.

This is a short, interesting, basic introduction on how soil affects us and has been affected by us. I would have liked more diagrams would have been useful, as well as more details about the individual subjects, but this is specifically an introductory text so that is perhaps asking for too much. There are also too many long, run on sentences that could use an editor. There is minimal technical language in this book, making it ideal for non-scientists.

The author states that his goal is to "awaken awareness of the many ways that soil has, and continues to affect, our lives." I believe he may have accomplished this goal provided this book gains a wide readership - maybe part of a high school or collage recommended reading list?

[Eleni Mora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read. My undergraduate studies of environmental science and thesis about carbon and nitrogen storage in soil brought me to this book BUT this is a narrative that everyone should be aware of and Bardgett brings it to life with jovial and very accessible prose. I think dirt is fascinating. But even if you don't have much of an affinity for the stuff, it is undeniably essential to life and directly impacts your life. Best of all, this book is an entertaining introduction to the skin of the Earth. You will finish Earth Matters with a new appreciation for that "stuff people wipe of the bottom of their shoes".

[Semih · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative, clearly written short book for everyone.