Description

Soil - or topsoil - is everywhere you go. It is the root of our existence, the support for our feet, our farms and our cities.

This overwhelmingly provocative book combines natural science and cultural history to show how erosion caused the collapse of civilisations of the past and how contemporary agricultural societies face a similar fate unless they shift to more sustainable practices.

David R. Montgomery is Professor of Geomorphology at the University of Washington.

It studies landscape evolution and the impact of geological processes on ecosystems and human societies. He is the author of award-winning popular science books, has appeared in documentaries and numerous TV and radio programmes. His books have been translated into eleven languages. He lives in Seattle with his wife and co-author Anne Bikle.

"A fascinating study of soil: why we need it, how we have used it and misused it, how to protect it, and what happens when we let it get out of hand."
New Scientist

"A story that cannot be ignored......
Well told and illustrated."
Financial Times

"The book provides a wonderful insight into what should be our most precious natural resource and important guidance for sustainable land use."
Bisscience