Pollution Processes in Agri-Environment [antikvár]

The history of mankind is closely entwined with the history of environmental pollution. Throughout history humán activities have had environmental effects, the most durable of which is pollution. Agriculture has a special place in humán activities since it is closely linked to nature and wildlife. For many centuries pollution was considered solely as the presence of unfavourable alien matter in the environment, but in reality pollution is far more than that. A basic characteristic of agri-environmental pollution is that, unlike industrial or úrban pollution, it is largely independent of mankind, since many pollution or degradation processes may begin with no direct relationship to humán activities. Examples of this are soil erosion, or irreversible damage to natural ecosystems by climatic factors (drought, flood, water logging, salinity induced by irrigation in desert areas, etc.). There is a need to introduce a new technical term: "biological pollution". Somé examples to support this idea are weed infestation in agricultural fields; epidemics and gradations from abandoned or set-aside areas, which may alsó be a source of humán ailments like pollen allergy; the poisonous effect of mycotoxins on farm animals and humans; new pests and diseases (e.g. the recent spread of northern root worm Diabrotica virgifera in South Eastern Europe); the emission of greenhouse gases (methane) by soils and ruminants; and biological factors which cause quality deterioration. An overview of the present state of classical pollution problems in agriculture may alsó be of practical value. Such problems include mineral and organic fertilisers; chemical means of plánt protection; chemisation and medication in animal husbandry; pollution induced by storage and transport; pollution risks related to rural settlements, etc. These are all dealt with in this book. The first chapter gives an introduction to the problem, while Chapters two to five deal with pollution problems in production practice. Further chapters (6-15) provide information on special pollution problems, and the final chapter discusses the social aspects of pollution related to the agri-environment. The authors of this book feel, that the organized presentation of all information on this subject, whether it be new or known for a long time, may be of use to the reader and to humán society as a whole. Budapest, 13* November 2004