Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
strong leaching. Organic matter decomposes rapidly, so its maintenance at suitable
levels is one of the key problems of tropical soil utilization.
3
Tropical rain forest is diverse in species composition and structure. Yet at the same
time it exhibits a fragile system. There are complex relationships within the ecosystem
which can easily be disturbed or broken. Many forests have been severely degraded in
many parts of the world. Commercial and population pressures have led to large areas
being converted to agricultural use, though it is difficult to sustain because of poor soil
fertility. As well as removal of timber and species, the clearance of forest has many
environmental impacts at the local, regional and perhaps even global scales. The
problem of managing the tropical forests in those areas where they survive is
becoming a global concern. Countries want to maximize the utilization of their natural
resources, but they need to be sustained for the future. How this can best be done has
yet to be resolved.
FURTHER READING
Goodman, D., and Hall, A., eds (1990)
The Future of Amazonia: destruction or sustainable
development?
London: Macmillan. A thorough survey of Amazonian development edited by
two economists. Fifteen authors cover current development of the forest, problems of
environmental destruction and social conflict, and how sustainable development may be
achieved.
Longman, K. A., and Jenik, J. (1987)
Tropical Forest and its Environments
, second edition,
Harlow: Longman. A biological text on the nature of tropical forest, with some indication of the
practical implications for anyone using or managing tropical forest land.
Park, C. C. (1992)
Tropical Rain Forests
, London: Routledge. A review of the problems and
prospects of the tropical rain forest ecosystem. Consequences of clearance are examined at the
local, regional and global scales.
Whatmore, T. C. (1998)
An Introduction to Tropical Rain Forests
, second edition, Oxford: Oxford
University Press. A revised edition of an introductory text that aims to demonstrate the
importance and fascination of tropical rain forests, the challenges they face and current
happenings. A well illustrated topic.
