Land is a finite resource and is the basis for 90% of all human food, livestock feed, fibre, and fuel - and we are running out of it. Even worse, large amounts are degraded with only a third showing no signs of degradation, and a quarter being severely or very severely degraded.
The economic implications of land degradation are vast and closer investigation of the costs involved in remediating degraded and contaminated industrial wasteland may reveal significantly higher costs, especially since large areas of industrial degradation have not yet been assessed.

This book addresses the fundamental science and engineering of land degradation and rehabilitation from a multi-disciplinary perspective. The first part of the book discusses natural ground profiles dealing with soil science and the underlying geology, the functions of natural ground and ground engineering properties.

In the second part three basic mechanisms of ground degradation are introduced: erosion, chemical degradation and physical degradation. The third part addresses remediation, including strategies and techniques to investigate the ground and remediation measures. Finally, issues of land protection are outlined and a general strategy of sustainable land management discussed.

With a firm basis in soil science and allied subjects, this book provides an eminently readable and thoughtful introduction for anyone in the area of land remediation, whether as a professional seeking an overview or a student requiring a broad perspective.

Introduction. Part I: Natural Ground: Profiles; Functions; Properties. Part II: Degraded Land: Erosion; Chemical degradation; Physical degradation. Part III: Remediation of Land: Investigation; Remediation; protection. References. Index

Academics and students in regional and urban planning, environmental and geotechnical engineering, soil and environmental science and professionals dealing with the investigation and remediation of contaminated land will all find this book of great interest.

'... a good point where to start and a sounding bell for those who are or will be in the position to act directly on the land. It bridges the gap between different subjects, different technical subjects and scientific knowledge. ... the book can be quite useful in introducing researchers and professionals, and especially students in engineering and environmental geology to the concepts of sustainability.' Science Direct

'... one of the book's positive features is its 'reader-friendly' approach. It provides clear explanations of the situation; describes the problems; provides breif summaries of the fundamentals of soil mechanics and hydraulic properties; and gives some useful information on rocks. ... provides the reader with valuable background information... A wide selection of case studies ... the author has excelled in giving symptomatic examples ... The readable case histories ... make the book pleasant reading, and bring scientific and engineering knowledge close to the reader...' Land Contamination & Reclamation

'...this most interesting book... ...is a window that should bring light and fresh air to our community of professional environmental and engineering geoscientists. ...the material is well illustrated with schematic figures... ...it is well written...' Environmental & Engineering Geoscience