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Purchase includes free access to book updates online and a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Excerpt: Richard Buckminster Bucky Fuller (July 12, 1895 July 1, 1983) was an American architect, author, designer, inventor, and futurist. Fuller published more than 30 books, inventing and popularizing terms such as "Spaceship Earth", ephemeralization, and synergetics. He also developed numerous inventions, mainly architectural designs, the best known of which is the geodesic dome. Carbon molecules known as fullerenes were later named by scientists for their resemblance to geodesic spheres. Fuller was born on July 12, 1895, in Milton, Massachusetts, the son of Richard Buckminster Fuller and Caroline Wolcott Andrews, and also the grandnephew of the American Transcendentalist Margaret Fuller. He attended Froebelian Kindergarten. Spending much of his youth on Bear Island, in Penobscot Bay off the coast of Maine, he had trouble with geometry, being unable to understand the abstraction necessary to imagine that a chalk dot on the blackboard represented a mathematical point, or that an imperfectly-drawn line with an arrow on the end was meant to stretch off to infinity. He often made items from materials he brought home from the woods, and sometimes made his own tools. He experimented with designing a new apparatus for human propulsion of small boats. Years later, he decided that this sort of experience had provided him with not only an interest in design, but also a habit of being familiar with and knowledgeable about the materials that his later projects would require. Fuller earned a machinist's certification, and knew how to use the press brake, stretch press, and other tools and equipment used in the sheet metal trade. Fuller was sent to Milton Academy, in Massachusetts, and after that, began studying at Harvard. He was expelled from Harvard twice: fir... More: http://booksllc.net/?id=4031 ... Read more

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The content and profile of fatty acids in the eggs can be modified by changes in the diet of hens. Flaxseed is used as a feed ingredient in layers? diets to incorporate omega-3 fatty acids into eggs, but its use as a poultry feed ingredient is associated both with detrimental health effects in hens and production of off-flavours in eggs. Pearl millet appears to be a satisfactory alternative feed grain for laying hens for production of ?Omega Eggs?. It contains higher levels of n-3 fatty acids compared with corn, the common energy source in current poultry diets. Therefore replacing corn with pearl millet can reduce the requirement for flaxseed in hens? diets for the purpose of ?Omega-3? egg production. Hence the adverse effects of flaxseed are diminished without any negative effect on flock performance and egg characteristics, except for a depressed egg pigmentation resulted from feeding pearl millet to hens, which is recoverable by supplementing the hens? diet with natural pigments. ... Read more

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For anyone who is trying to keep up with the extremely rapid developments in the biodiesel industry, the second edition of Biodiesel: Growing a New Energy Economy is an invaluable aid. The breathtaking speed with which biodiesel has gained acceptance in the marketplace in the past few years has been exceeded only by the proliferation of biodiesel production facilities around the United States--and the world--only to confront new social and environmental challenges and criticisms.

The international survey of the biodiesel industry has been expanded from 40 to more than 80 countries, reflecting the spectacular growth of the industry around the world. This section also tracks the dramatic shifts in the fortunes of the industry that have taken place in some of these nations. The detailed chapters that cover the industry in the United States have also been substantially rewritten to keep abreast of its many new developments and explosive domestic growth. An expanded section on small-scale, local biodiesel production has been added to better represent this small but growing part of the industry. Another new section has been added to more fully explore the increasingly controversial issues of deforestation and food versus fuel, as well as GMO crops. The second edition concludes with updated views on where the industry is headed in the years to come from some of its key players. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Great Book on Biodiesel Although not very Technical
The author does a great job explaining what biodiesel is and how it compares to petroleum based diesel fuel.A major portion of this book reviews the biodiesel production / outlook in other countries which I was less interested in. Unfortunately, this book is not very technical and and only briefly goes through the process of making biodiesel...mainly referring to another book for that information.All in all, a great book that someone with no technical background could pick up and learn alot about the subject.

Biodiesel
Good history on biodiesel development, less on technical.
It gives a good chapter on the development/adoption of biodiesel around the world.

The best biodiesel primer available
Interest in alternative motor fuels has been rising even faster than the cost of gasoline.Biodiesel, a drop-in replacement for diesel fuel, is widely seen as one of the best renewable energy sources.Unfortunately, there is a good deal of misinformation and just plain nonsense out there.As a former big-oil-company research chemist with some experience in alternative fuels, I am often asked where good, reliable information can be found.I use and recommend Pahl's book as a source for trustworthy information written for the non-technical reader. In addition, his information about Rudolph Diesel is a very interesting introduction.
Readers should know (and Pahl in fact tells them)that his book is not neutral:he is an unabashed biodiesel proponent.That's not a problem; there is a lot to be excited about when discussing biodiesel.Another warning:if you want to make your own biodiesel (easy to do, actually), go to the Internet, as Pahl concentrates on larger-scale operations. The book's biggest drawback is that the field is changing so rapidly that some of the information (particularly relating to political and commercial developments) is already out of date, even though it was published in 2005.
Nevertheless, Pahl has written what I consider to be the best primer on biodiesel available.Anyone interested in learning about biodiesel should own or have access to a copy.

Great overview of biodiesel in practice
Pahl's book on Biodiesel is a great introduction to the basics and some of the more thought-provoking possibilities of how to create this biofuel.Though biodiesel is given much media attention, it is barely in use at all in the US, and this book tells it like it is.I particularly liked the fact that it shows the efficiencies of different feedstocks, pointing out that plant oils might not be the best resource (particulary soybeans), much like corn is a terrible feedstock for ethanol.What I did find amazing is how great of a feedstock brown grease and algae are....the latter has tremendous possibilities, especially when coupled with carbon sequestration in applications such as coal plants.It's a great book that will get you thinking, if not running out to get another book on how to apply some of these ideas at home or in the business world.

Great resource on Biodiesel and other alt. fuels
Greg does a great job of explaining what biodiesel is, how/where it came about, and why it is a good additive to our current petrodiesel.He also writes about what other countries are doing with and how they are (currently) ahead of the US in utilizing it.He also discusses other forms of alternative/renewable sources of energy.I would recommend this book as good reading, but I would probably recommend 'Biodiesel America' first....as it has a bit more current info than Biodiesel: Growing A New Energy Economy.But good reading nontheless. ... Read more

Product Description
The successful use of plant biomass for the sustainable production of energy and co-products such as chemicals is critically important for the future of humanity. Large scale exploitation of biomass is needed to decrease the production of greenhouse gases and help mitigate global warming, to provide energy security in the face of declining petroleum reserves, to improve balance of payment imbalances, and to spur local economic development.This volume discusses such uses of plant biomass as well as ways to improve the productivity and composition of plant species, including trees, perennial and annual grasses, oil-producing plants and algae, that have the potential to produce substrates such as sugar, starch, oil and cell walls, as well as energy and co-product substrates. The problems of invasiveness and gene dispersal are discussed, as are ways to mitigate these. Among the topics covered are models for integrated biorefineries to produce many co-product chemicals, the use of corn stover to power ethanol plants, life cycle analysis of biofuels, and criteria for biomass sustainability and certification. This is indeed an exciting and fast-moving time for advocates of plant biomass-based technology. ... Read more

Product Description
In this readable, easy-to-understand handbook the authors successfully integrate the diverse techniques and technologies of classical organic farming, Albrecht-style soil fertility balancing, Reams-method soil and plant testing and analysis, and other alternative technologies applicable to commercial-scale agriculture.

By understanding all of the available non-toxic tools and when they are effective, you will be able to react to your specific situation and growing conditions. Covers fertility inputs, refractometers, weeds, insects, tillage, livestock nutrition, Moon cycles and subtle energies, and more. Extensive discussions of what’s wrong with conventional agriculture, and the importance of proper soil testing and analysis and foliar feeding.

The Non-Toxic Farming Handbook presents a lifetime of eco-consulting knowledge. The result will be an ever-improving soil fertility, healthy crops that provide their own insect and disease resistance, fields without the curse of weeds, and the satisfaction that you are a true steward of the land. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

EXTREMELY INTERESTING AND INFORMATIVE!-THOUGHT PROVOKING
This book discusses how many current land management principles have created an imbalance in the soil, creating more problems than we realize.The authors discuss how we can use natural resources to deal with oreliminate soil erosion, and the need for herbicides and insecticides.Thebook explains how our soil is a living organism, and requires a goodbalance of nutrients to allow for proper energy transfer between nutrients,soil, and plants.The points that are brought up are very thoughtprovoking; things that we often overlook.One such point is that weeds andinsects are not so much pests, but indicators of soil and plant life. Being a cash crop farmer, wanting to know how to restore our depletedfarmland, and get away from "toxic" chemicals and fertilizers,this book has been a great teacher, and no doubt will be referenced in thefuture. ... Read more

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The North American Great Plains is a major global breadbasket but its agriculture is stressed by drought, heat, damaging winds, soil erosion and declining ground water resources. Biomass production and processing on the Plains would partially restore a perennial vegetative cover and create employment opportunities. This book explores the possibility that the ecology and economy of the Plains region, and similar regions, would benefit from the introduction of perennial biomass crops.

Customer Reviews (2)

A book about the North American Great Plains' and the Earth's Futures in the 21st century
To say that this book addresses a scientific-technological-political-economic-social issue of great contemporary importance and relevance is to state the obvious.Alternatives must be found to carbon-based fuels if catastrophic climate change and associated socio-economic-political chaos are to be mitigated in the 21st century.Energy from biomass is a possible alternative and it is in this context that Dr. Rosenberg's book outlines the case for biomass as the crop of choice for the North American Great Plains (NAGP) to produce ethanol and other alternative fuels.

The author's deep knowledge of and love for the NAGP come across clearly from the first few pages of the book.The history, geography, environment, economy, and sociology of the NAGP lay a fascinating background for subsequent discussions of potential climate change impacts on the NAGP and, in turn, the NAGP's potential role in mitigating climate change via soil carbon sequestration and biomass cropping for producing alternate fuels.

This is a well-researched book with cited references for further reading and should serve as a very good primer for those interested in the NAGP's future as well as in the Earth's future.

As timely a study as one can imagine
Multiple challenges confront researchers and policymakers in the area of energy and the environment.Perhaps foremost among these challenges is the problem of global warming and the security of the nation's liquid fuel supply.What unites these challenges is the importance of pursuing the twin goals of non-fossil energy and a significant displacement of conventional petroleum.To date, there has been an almost single-minded focus on corn-based ethanol -- in spite of substantial evidence that this route fails to be cost-effective, achieves questionable energy and greenhouse gas reductions, and inflicts significant damage to agriculture.

A viable longer-term biofuel scenario that an increasing body of researchers emphasize is cellulosic, as opposed to corn-based, ethanol.Though meeting that goal remains, for now, economically and technologically problematic, there is reason to be optimistic about achieving that objective within the next several decades.

In this context, Norman Rosenberg's meticulously researched and written study is precisely the kind of documentation that progress towards a meaninful biofuel future for the U.S. requires.

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Product Description
The CRC World Dictionary of Plant Names, a four volume set, is the most comprehensive work of its kind available today. The reader will find its coverage absorbing and useful.Umberto Quattrocchi, was awarded the prestigious Hanbury Botanical Garden Award for his studies on flowers and gardens. ... Read more

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Biological farmers work with nature, feeding soil life, balancing soil minerals and tilling soils with a purpose. The methods they apply involve a unique system of beliefs, observations and guidelines that result in increased production and profit. This practical how-to guide elucidates their methods and will help you make farming fun and profitable.

A safe and sustainable system designed to keep production up. Biological farming does not mean less production; it means eliminating obstacles to healthy, efficient production. Once the chemical, physical and biological properties of the soil are in balance, you can expect optimal outputs, even in bad years. Biological farming improves the environment, reduces erosion, reduces disease and insect problems, and alters weed pressure and it accomplishes this by working in harmony with nature.

A common-sense approach. Biological farming focuses on ways to reduce input costs and to increase profits while improving soil conditions and livestock health.

Taking care of the soil. Skilled biological farmers learn how to take care of soil life they nurture it, feed it a balanced diet, and use tillage tools and methods to enhance soil life.

Learn how to fertilize. Biological farmers learn proper fertilizer uses to correct mineral and nutrient imbalances and to feed plants and soil life.

This is the farming consultant's bible. It schools the interested grower in methods of maintaining a balanced, healthy soil that promises greater productivity at lower costs, and it covers some of the pitfalls of conventional farming practices. Zimmer knows how to make responsible farming work. His extensive knowledge of biological farming and consulting experience come through in this complete, practical guide to making farming fun and profitable. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great details
Gary Zimmer goes in depth,yet remains understandable in his description of biological farming.I say four stars, at least.

Accurate, scientific in a simple comprehensive manner
A book focusing in improving the soil quality in field farming. Very detailed but at the same time extremely coprehensible even for begginers in organic farming. Although the major reference of the book is concerning soils the writer offers a very practical approach to the whole aspect of sustainable organic farming.
It remains to me (an organic fruit farmer) to set all the knowledge offered in the book working in my tree farm.
Under the strictest examination it easily achieves 4 stars. ... Read more

Product Description
This publication consists of an annotated bibliography on soil and shifting cultivation in tropical countries, organized into three main categories: the effects of shifting cultivation, including studies on the cropping period, fallow period and deterioration of the system, as well as geographical, economic and anthropological aspects; sustainable low input alternatives to shifting cultivation, including alternative crops or cropping systems; and low input alternatives for the rehabilitation of degraded land. It should provide a valuable source of information for research workers concerned with agriculture, ecology and conservation of tropical ecosystems. ... Read more

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Pyramid Farm by Eric Ellingsen and Dickson Despommier	Urban Farm, Urban Epicenter by Jung Min Nam
The Dragonfly Tower by Vincent Callebaut	Harvest Green by Romses Architects

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Customer Reviews (8)

A must read!Nothing short of revolutionary.
A must read.Without a doubt, the ideas and concepts in The Vertical Farm are nothing short of revolutionary.Although much of the info has made it into talk shows, websites, and other media, I'd still recommend reading the book itself, as Dr. Despommier lays out a narrative that wraps up problem and solution in a comprehensive, easily digestible way.Part ecological manifesto, part vision statement, The Vertical Farm demonstrates the type of holistic thinking required to solve today's environmental challenges.The author focuses on the way in which human behavior -- namely food production -- impacts the environment, and how we can actually change it.Perhaps for the first time in this field, he truly melds such diverse disciplines as biology, ecological sciences, engineering and materials science, sociology, history, and politics, to show the sheer magnitude of the threats that modern human civilization has created for itself.This is the first half or so of the book, and it isn't until the second half that he offers a solution that appears tantalizingly achievable, using technology that to a large extent already exists, to create a man-made ecological system that could represent a breakthrough. Some of the latter part of the book rambles a bit as he goes off on some tangents (which are still relevant) on the potential benefits of the vertical farm concept.However, this is only a small observation; the book's power is its systems-level approach to provide a blueprint rather than a detailed way ahead.As he readily admits, much more actual work remains to be done to make the vertical farm a reality.The reader will probably finish the book wondering at least two things: what can we do to make this happen, and do we as a society have the political and collective will to realize his vision?

It's sociology.I thought it was going to be about gardening.
I guess I didn't read carefully enough.I thought it was going to be something a city person could do in their apartment.There is so much empty space where I live that this seems pretty sci-fi to me.
Though it could be the way things go, it wouldn't surprise me if life moves back toward decentralization /rural/human power for food production of the past.
Especially as oil runs out.
I guess I can see this method as a source of luxuries like lettuce and cucumbers, but hot house wheat seems over the top.

Interesting Idea for High Tech Farming
The author posits an interesting idea for high tech farming closer to where food consumers live. The idea has applications for future space settlements as well.

The book is somewhat ruined by the evident attitude by the author that things began to go to hell when agriculture was invented to start with, though, hence only three stars.

The right direction and approach for sustainability
`The Vertical Farm' is probably the quintessential survey of an idea whose time will come at some point in the next century. That idea--the urbanization of farming through self-contained and self-sustaining multi-level buildings--is fascinating on many levels and will inevitably be pursued for a variety of reasons.

The author Dr. Dickson Despommier lists the benefits of vertical farms in his chapter on `Advantages'. To begin, the farms allow for year-round crop production (since it's basically a glorified greenhouse, it can manage this) and minimal weather-related crop failure; no agricultural runoff; ecosystem restoration (where horizontal farms used to be); elimination of pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers; a more efficient use of water (by 70-95 percent); reduction in distribution costs (economical and environmental); greater control of food production in the realm of safety and security. Despommier also lists new employment opportunities, the use of wastewater, and the use of post-harvest plant material, though these are not strictly limited to the vertical farm.

It is clear that Despommier's main goals lie in the reduction of pollution and sustainability. I don't think anyone can deny the validity of such goals, though the author will probably run into resistance from those who aren't concerned with pollution (for instance, those who drive Hummers just to spite Global Warming alarmists). For this reason, Despommier is satisfied with using the government and a large bureaucracy to fund the development of vertical farms, despite all the unintended costs that such a system brings.

But the concepts housed in this theory can be embraced by everyone for reasons not even enumerated in the book. The benefit this reader is most interested in, for example, is rather overlooked by Despommier, and that is increased autonomy and a detachment from the system. While the author's liberal inclinations lead him to take for granted interdependency and community, I would argue that the best rationale for the vertical farm is independence and the development of personal farming technologies. A book on that front has yet to be outlined.

The author is very credible and so his ideas are not easily dispatched by the ardent conventionalist. This study should be seen for what it is, however, and that is a theoretical survey, not an empirical study of vertical farms. The amount of research the author has amassed should suffice to satisfy the rigorous mind. The summary of logistical matters is very informative and seems to cover all the bases.

Now all that is needed is that our demand for efficiency and conservation rise to match our demand for delicious meals. Once it does, the vertical farm will be a matter of course.

A truly good scientific read!
I enjoyed the book immensely and found the concept timely, interesting and practical.In fact, I'm thinking about seeing whether my skeptics meetup will try to get the author to stop by while on his tour.Food insecurity is a worry for those of us living in cities.Here in mine, there was a gas shortage last year and grocery stores began running out of food in just a few days.I dutifully plant my little ornamental kale plants and summer tomatoes, but could never feed the family on what I can grow.This is a wonderful way to make food local, even in cities, and protect against some natural disasters that can emperil the food supply.

The author does repeat statistics and examples a few times in the book, which was mildly annoying but certainly not a frequent or serious issue.Other cons:I thought the projections of how goof-proof these vertical farms would be were a little rosy; nothing is ever foolproof.As the book points out, many of our most important food crops can no longer grow without human intervention; we've bred them for desirable traits and lost some of their hardiness in exchange.Growing all our food in large-scale greenhouses (a) makes the greenhouse owners very powerful; and (b) allows our food to be further modified and self-sufficiency even further out of reach.Still, faced with the environmental degradation caused by current farming methods, the self-contained, water conserving vertical farm is worth pursuing.But I was frustrated - this was a call to action, with no practical action I can take to achieve the ideal except perhaps to help it gain wider acceptance.This isn't the author's fault, of course.In a way, it's a compliment that my biggest complaint was a lack of avenues for putting this timely idea into practice. ... Read more