Focusing on the field of ecotoxicology, this handout aims to equip students with essential concepts to understand the impacts of pollutants on ecosystems. It addresses the toxic effects of both natural and synthetic pollutants and emphasizes the importance of assessing these risks at various scales—local, regional, continental, and global. The material is designed to foster awareness of ecosystem pollution issues and promote informed decision-making in environmental protection.
Focusing on the critical relationship between farming and geology, the book emphasizes the importance of understanding soil as a vital resource for plant growth. It explains how arable land not only supports plants but also provides essential minerals for their development. Each harvest depletes these minerals, necessitating the use of manure or fertilizers to replenish the soil. The text advocates for a thorough study of the soil's physical, chemical, and biological properties as foundational to effective agronomy practices.