Submitted to: Soil Science
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: May 27, 2004
Publication Date: August 1, 2004
Citation: Karlen, D.L. 2004. Soil Degradation in the United States: Extent, Severity, and Trends (A Book Review). Soil Science. 169(8):609-611. Technical Abstract: The book entitled 'Soil Degradation in the United States: Extent, Severity, and Trends' was reviewed and found to be very interesting, easy to read, and an excellent summary of massive amounts of data associated with the Natural Resources Inventory (NRI) evaluations. The book is divided into four sections focusing on basic processes associated with soil degradation, wind and water erosion, other forms of soil degradation (e.g. desertification, salinization, mining, or draining wetlands), and policy/conservation programs. The authors stress that to control soil degradation and to restore degraded soils, credible data on the extent and severity of soil degradation must be available and easily accessible. This information is needed to change public behavior, attitudes, and perceptions regarding how natural resources should be managed. The authors are commended for producing a very useful resource for all soil scientists, agronomists, and land use planners.