Applied ecology and environmental management : a scientific basis for management of biological resources

This book explains ways that ecological science can be applied to solving some of the most crucial problems facing our world today. A major theme is how resources can be effectively managed and exploited in as near a sustainable manner as possible. The author draws together, in a single volume, major topics in environmental and resource management that have traditionally been dispersed among several different books. Applied Ecology starts with an analysis of our planet's basic natural resources - energy, water and soil; it moves on to the management of biological resources - fish, grazing lands and forests, and then to pest control and pollution. Finally, the book tackles conservation and management of wild species and the restoration of ecological communities. The second edition of this text has been radically redesigned and rewritten. Each chapter starts with a list of questions, setting out the various fundamental problems to be considered. Interwoven with these practical problems is a clear explanation of the underlying basic science - ecology - studied at scales ranging from global, landscape and ecosystem, down to the population and individual (and even their physiology and genetics). The science is illustrated by examples from every major geographic area of the world. This book is aimed primarily at undergraduate students taking courses in applied ecology, environmental science, environmental management and natural resources management. The author has extensive experience as a university teacher. Like his lectures, this book is scientifically rigorous yet clear and easy to understand. Draws together major topics in environmental and resource management, usually dispersed over many separate books. Questions, summaries and clearly structured chapters enhance usability. Emphasis on clarity and accessibility. Based on a proven and successful course. Cover Page 1 Title Page 3 ISBN 0632042656 4 Contents (with page links) 5 Preface 6 Acknowledgements 7 Chapter 1:Introduction 8 How this is organized 12 Further reading and reference 13 Chapter 2: Energy, Carbon Balance and Global Climate Change 14 Questions 14 Background science 14 Solar radiation and primary production 15 Fossil fuels and the carbon balance of the world 21 The greenhouse effect and climate change 25 Can living things be used to reduce atmospheric CO2? 29 Response of plants to increased atmospheric CO2 36 Response of living things to future climate change 39 Conclusions 53 Further reading 54 Chapter 3:Water 55 Questions 55 Background science 55 If people alter vegetation, can that result in reduced rain fall? 57 Food production where water supplies are limited 69 Conclusions 84 Further reading 84 Chapter 4: Soil 86 Questions 86 Background science 86 Erosion 87 Mineral nutrients 101 Conclusions 122 Further reading 122 Chapter 5: Fish from the Sea 124 Questions 124 Basic science 124 Productivity and food chains 126 Managing fisheries sustainably:predicting how much to catch 131 Management:how to control fishing 141 Collapse of the Newfoundland cod stock a case study 143 Is there a future for ocean fishing? 145 Aquaculture (fish farming) 147 Conclusions 150 Further reading 150 Chapter 6: Management of Grazing Lands 152 Questions 152 Background science 152 Interactions of primary production and animal consumption 154 Food selection by animals 157 Effects of the animals on the vegetation 163 Grazing management and biodiversity 174 Conclusions 177 Further reading 178 Chapter 7: Management of Forests 179 Questions 179 Background science 179 Management systems 181 Can worldwide tree growth supply world timber needs? 185 Deforestation 186 Tree population dynamics and forest structure 189 Fire in forests 193 Implications for forest management 196 Conclusions 210 Further reading 210 Chapter 8: Pest Control 212 Questions 212 Basic science 212 Chemical pesticides 214 Diseases and pest insects in natural ecosystems 218 Mathematical models of host-parasite population dynamics 225 Making species less prone to attack by pests 229 Management for control of diseases, weeds and insect pests 230 Biological control 235 Finding and developing new biocontrol agents 238 Integrated pest management 250 Conclusions 250 Further reading 251 Chapter 9: Pollution 252 Questions 252 Background science 252 Measuring how toxic a chemical is 254 Pollutant concentrations within living organisms 270 Concentrations in animals and plants as indicators of pollution 278 Removing or degrading pollutants 279 Conclusions 286 Further reading 287 Chapter 10: Conservation and Management of Wild Species 288 Questions 288 Background science 288 How to decide aims in conservation 289 Conserving wild species in fragmented landscapes 296 Metapopulations 310 Migration between patches 313 Alternatives to natural migration 316 Managing for high biodiversity 317 Conditions that promote high diversity 322 Conclusions 327 Further reading 328 Chapter 11:Restoration of Communities 329 Questions 329 Background science 329 Natural succession on abandoned farmland 331 Actively promoting restoration 340 Sites with special problems 346 Conclusions 351 Further reading 351 Glossary 352 References 361 Subject Index (with page links) 394 Species Index (with page links) 400 Back Page 404 "This book explains ways in which ecological science can be applied to solving some of the most crucial problems facing our world today. A major theme is how resources can be managed effectively and exploited in as near a sustainable manner as possible. The author draws together, in a single volume, major topics in environmental and resource management that traditionally have been dispersed amongst several different books. Applied Ecology starts with an analysis of our planet's basic natural resources - energy, water and soil; it moves on to the management of biological resources - fish, grazing lands and forests, and then to pest control and pollution; finally, the book tackles conservation and management of wild species and the restoration of ecological communities." "This book is aimed primarily at undergraduate students taking courses in applied ecology, environmental science, environmental management and natural resources management. The author has extensive experience as a university teacher. Like his lectures, this book is scientifically rigorous yet clear and easy to understand."--Jacket. * Draws together major topics in environmental and resource management, usually dispersed over many separate books. * Questions, summaries and clearly structured chapters enhance usability. * Emphasis on clarity and accessibility. * Based on a proven and successful course. .