Erik Kristensen - Böcker

Microbes catalyze countless chemical reactions in nature which control the chemistry of the environment. Aquatic Geomicrobiology looks at these reactions and their effect on the aquatic environments from the perspective of the microbes involved. The volume begins with three introductory chapters outlining the basic principles of microbial systematics, microbial ecology, and chemical thermodynamics. These provide a framework for exploring the microbial control of elemental cycling in the remaining chapters. Readers will learn how microbes control the cycling of elements, the structure of the microbial ecosystems involved, and what environmental factors influence the activities of microbial populations.

Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Coastal and Estuarine Studies, Volume 60.Interactions between macroorganisms (benthic fauna and macrophytes) and the biogeo-chemistry and microbiology of aquatic sediments have proved essential for the functioning of most benthic marine ecosystems. While our knowledge of the biogeochemical consequences of macrobiological activity has grown considerably during the last two decades, the feedback mechanisms and physicochemical forces controlling the abundance and diversity of benthic animals and plants still elude definitive analysis. In order to clarify the state of the science and provide a framework for future research, we present in this volume a synthesis of latest developments in research on interactions between animals, plants, and microorganisms in marine sedimentary environments (including intertidal areas, continental shelves, deep-sea sediments, and cold seeps). Of particular importance are the new experimental (field studies, laboratory experiments) and theoretical (modeling) approaches, which we also discuss.

Modern agriculture and food systems, including organic agriculture, are undergoing a technological and structural modernisation and are faced with a growing globalisation. Organic agriculture (OA) can be seen as pioneering efforts to create sustainable development based on other principles than mainstream agriculture. There are however large differences between the challenges connected to, on one hand, modern farming and consumption in high-income countries and, on the other, smallholder farmers and resource poor consumers in low-income countries. The point of departure is the increasing globalisation and the production and trade of food and fodder and how this influences the role of OA. This book provides an overview of the potential role and challenges of organic agriculture in this global perspective, as seen from different perspectives such as sustainability, food security and fair trade.

This book presents a comprehensive overview and analysis of mangrove ecological processes, structure, and function at the local, biogeographic, and global scales and how these properties interact to provide key ecosystem services to society. The analysis is based on an international collaborative effort that focuses on regions and countries holding the largest mangrove resources and encompasses the major biogeographic and socio-economic settings of mangrove distribution. Given the economic and ecological importance of mangrove wetlands at the global scale, the chapters aim to integrate ecological and socio-economic perspectives on mangrove function and management using a system-level hierarchical analysis framework. The book explores the nexus between mangrove ecology and the capacity for ecosystem services, with an emphasis on thresholds, multiple stressors, and local conditions that determine this capacity. The interdisciplinary approach and illustrative study cases included in the book will provide valuable resources in data, information, and knowledge about the current status of one of the most productive coastal ecosystem in the world.