Soil and Recycling Management in the Anthropocene Era

Soil and recycling management are crucial in the Anthropocene era, as nitrogen shortage is a major productivity regulator. Monoculture grass, arable lands, and forests are often over-fertilized with TNF, animal slurries, sewage sludge, or municipally produced composts, leading to the disappearance of flora and fauna that have adapted to a nitrogen shortage.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 172 pages
Publication date: 17 March 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate realm of soil and recycling management in the Anthropocene era, a period marked by significant environmental challenges and unprecedented changes. One of nature's most vital productivity regulators, nitrogen, has assumed a paramount role in shaping the Earth's ecosystems. However, the advent of technical nitrogen fixation (TNF) has brought about a remarkable transformation, with biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) input nearly doubling, particularly in grass and arable lands spanning an expansive 13 million km2. This book takes a deep dive into the phenomenon of overfertilization, where monoculture grass, arable lands, and forests are subjected to excessive applications of TNF, animal slurries, sewage sludge, and municipally produced composts. This practice leads to a surplus of nitrogen in the soil, forcing flora and fauna that have adapted to a nitrogen-deficient environment to adapt to a new reality. While some species may be able to thrive in this altered landscape, others will face extinction, highlighting the delicate balance and adaptability of life on our planet.

The consequences of overfertilization extend beyond the immediate impact on flora and fauna. It disrupts the intricate web of soil microorganisms, altering the balance of nutrient cycling and potentially leading to soil degradation. The excessive application of nitrogen fertilizers can also contribute to water pollution, as nitrogen compounds leach into waterways and promote the growth of harmful algae. Moreover, the reliance on TNF and other synthetic inputs undermines the long-term sustainability of agricultural practices, as they rely on finite resources and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

To address these challenges, the book proposes a multifaceted approach. It emphasizes the importance of promoting diverse agricultural practices, including crop rotation, cover cropping, and integrated pest management, to maintain soil health and biodiversity. Additionally, it advocates for the development of sustainable nitrogen management strategies, such as precision agriculture, nutrient recycling, and the use of organic fertilizers. By adopting these approaches, we can strive to strike a balance between the demands of agriculture and the preservation of our natural ecosystems.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable insights into the complex dynamics of soil and recycling management in the Anthropocene era. It highlights the challenges posed by overfertilization and the need for sustainable practices to ensure the long-term health and productivity of our planet. By adopting a multidisciplinary approach and promoting a harmonious relationship between humans and nature, we can pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future.

Weight: 296g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030518882
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021