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Title: THE CONSERVATION AND IMPROVEMEMT OF SLOPING LAND, VOL. 1: PRACTICAL UNDERSTANDING (A BOOK REVIEW)

Author
item Karlen, Douglas

Submitted to: Journal of Environmental Quality
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/15/2004
Publication Date: 8/1/2004
Citation: Karlen, D.L. 2004. The Conservation and Improvememt of Sloping Land, Vol. 1: Practical Understanding (a book review). Journal of Environmental Quality. 33:1577-1578.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The book entitled 'The Conservation and Improvement of Sloping Land' was reviewed and found to be an interesting presentation that conveys the author's passion for sustainability and improved soil and water conservation on sloping land. The book is divided into 20 chapters and includes nine appendices providing information the author anticipates will be useful for people working in rural development and similar projects in developing countries. The author stresses the connection between soil and water conservation and is very critical of the technological advances (e.g., new fertilizers, pesticides, and plant varieties) that simply mask declines in productivity caused by soil erosion. The author discusses soil resources, plant nutrition, soil management, erosion, conservation theory, and methods of soil conservation. He also includes information related to his experiences in Taiwan and Nepal with regard to water conservation, forestry, and agroforestry. Unfortunately, the author attempts to cover so many different topics that none are fully explored and for the novice who knows very little about soil and water conservation, better textbooks are available.