Promotions - Choice's Outstanding Academic Titles 2019 -

Writing for medium- to large-scale commercial worm growers of all types, Sherman (North Carolina State Univ.) presents information on the techniques and systems needed to successfully run a vermicomposting operation. Vermicomposting includes using earthworms and microorganisms to breakdown organic wastes, which creates a product that combines worm castings and decomposed organic matter. This material is called vermicast, and is similar to compost but is a much richer soil amendment that improves soil fertility, structure, and drainage. Sherman identifies how vermicast benefits soils and plants, then follows with detailed information on earthworm physiology, feeding requirements, disease and pest control, vermicomposting system setup and design, worm bed monitoring, vermicast harvesting practices, local and state regulations, and how to prepare business, marketing, and education plans. Sidebar discussions and excellent color photographs and figures support the narrative. An excellent resource section, bibliography, and index are also included. The real value of this work is the applicability of the national and international information brought together in one resource for use by vermicompost operators.Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers.

Is there such a thing as a farming gene? Is it true that Indigenous agriculture grew up around the river valleys of the world? Why would South Asians and Northeast Africans adopt agriculture from the Near East and rely on expert farmers from different ecosystems and environmental complexes? How precarious is it to have all genomic research findings emanate from a single laboratory and a single institution? Is genetic research value free? These are among the innumerable questions Reich (Harvard) generates in this important contribution to genomic studies. The text is organized into three segments, with an initial focus on Neanderthals. In the second segment, Reich examines the genetic histories of Europeans, South Asians, Native Americans, and East Asians. The third and final segment plunges into sociological discourse. Some may argue that this work is hard-core, cutting-edge science trapped within a Eurocentric paradigm and that the author casts away the mono-regional thesis of human origins and opens Pandora's box. What is indisputable, however, is that this distinguished scientist enriches the understanding of some technical aspects of genetic research and Harvard's role in the unfolding revolution.Summing Up: Essential. All readers.