Land Resources

This book provides an authoritative review of the resources of soils, water, climate, forests and pastures on which agriculture depends. It assesses the interactions between land resources and wider aspects of development, including population and poverty. Unless action is taken, the developing world will face recurrent problems of food security and conflict. The book gives some forcefully-expressed criticisms of current methods of assessing land degradation and placing an economic value on land. It should be read by all involved in rural development, including scientists, economists, geographers, sociologists, planners, and students of development studies. It provides a summary and perspective of the field of land resources, and suggests improvements needed to conserve resources for future generations. The hardback edition of the book received excellent reviews.

'an authoritative interpretation … Dr Young has distilled wisdom from a great deal of information and opinion, much of it conflicting, into a coherent account of land resources in the developing world … His arguments are carefully weighed, cogent and lucid. The book deserves to be widely read, not only by soil scientists, indeed not mainly by soil scientists, but by the wider citizenry and especially its politicians and administrators.' European Journal of Soil Sciences, 'Young brings together the relationships between land use and development in the emerging world. … The style and tone of the book makes it accessible to both decision makers and scholars. … This excellent book sets the standard for land use studies.' Choice, 'This is an important authoritative study … The marshaling of facts and logical discussion of their consequences presents a picture of world renewable resources under severe stress … The book is entertainingly written and most carefully structured … Its message should be shouted from the rooftops.' Agricultural Association Newsletter, 'This book is a mine of information, full of facts and figures. The text is well supported with over 300 references and it deserves to be read widely.' Soil Use and Management, '[Young's] writings have always been clear, exciting and thought-provoking and this book is no exception. ... a major worldwide statement on the present and future management of land resources ... I shall be strongly recommending it to all my students studying land-resource management.' Area