Litter Decomposition describes one of the most important processes in the biosphere - the decay of organic matter. It focuses on the decomposition process of foliar litter in the terrestrial systems of boreal and temperate forests due to the greater amount of data from those biomes. The availability of several long-term studies from these forest types allows a more in-depth approach to the later stages of decomposition and humus formation. Differences between the decay of woody matter and foliar litter is discussed in detail and a different pattern for decomposition is introduced.
While teachers and students in more general subjects will find the most basic information on decomposition processes in this book, scientists and graduate students working on decomposition processes will be entirely satisfied with the more detailed information and the overview of the latest publications on the topic as well as the methodological chapter where practical information on methods useful in decomposition studies can be found. Abundant data sets will serve as an excellent aid in teaching process and will be also of interest to researchers specializing in this field as no thorough database exists at the moment.
* Provides over 60 tables and 90 figures
* Offers a conceptual 3-step model describing the different steps of the decomposition process, demonstrating changes in the organic-chemical structure and nutrient contents
* Includes a synthesis of the current state of knowledge on foliar litter decomposition in natural systems
* Integrates more traditional knowledge on organic matter decomposition with current problems of environmental pollution, global change, etc.
* Detailscontemporary knowledge on organic matter decomposition

Litter Decomposition describes one of the most important processes in the biosphere - the decay of organic matter. It focuses on the decomposition process of foliar litter in the terrestrial systems of boreal and temperate forests due to the greater amount of data from those biomes. The availability of several long-term studies from these forest types allows a more in-depth approach to the later stages of decomposition and humus formation. Differences between the decay of woody matter and foliar litter is discussed in detail and a different pattern for decomposition is introduced.
While teachers and students in more general subjects will find the most basic information on decomposition processes in this book, scientists and graduate students working on decomposition processes will be entirely satisfied with the more detailed information and the overview of the latest publications on the topic as well as the methodological chapter where practical information on methods useful in decomposition studies can be found. Abundant data sets will serve as an excellent aid in teaching process and will be also of interest to researchers specializing in this field as no thorough database exists at the moment.
* Provides over 60 tables and 90 figures
* Offers a conceptual 3-step model describing the different steps of the decomposition process, demonstrating changes in the organic-chemical structure and nutrient contents
* Includes a synthesis of the current state of knowledge on foliar litter decomposition in natural systems
* Integrates more traditional knowledge on organic matter decomposition with current problems of environmental pollution, global change, etc.
* Detailscontemporary knowledge on organic matter decomposition

The Ecology of Building Materials explores key questions surrounding sustainability of building materials. It provides technical data to enable design and building professionals to choose the most appropriate materials for a project: those that are least polluting, most energy efficient, and from sustainable sources. The book also gives information and guidance on a wide range of issues such as recycling, detailing for increased durability and Life Cycle Analysis. Berge's book, translated from the Norwegian by Chris Butters and Filip Henley, offers safe and environmentally friendly material options. It provides an essential and easy-to-use reference guide to this complex subject for the building industry professional. New to this edition: Thorough exploration of building materials in relation to climate change issues; Extensive updating of basic data, as well as the introduction of a wide range of new materials; Methods for recycling and reuse of materials; More information on the interaction between materials and the indoor environment, ventilation and energy use; Full colour text and user-friendly larger format. Bjorn Berge is a practicing architect, researcher and lecturer. Since the 1970s, he has written several books on building ecology for the Scandinavian public. He is one of the founders of Gaia Architects who have developed a wide range of pioneering techniques in sustainable building.

The Ecology of Building Materials explores key questions surrounding sustainability of building materials. It provides technical data to enable design and building professionals to choose the most appropriate materials for a project: those that are least polluting, most energy efficient, and from sustainable sources. The book also gives information and guidance on a wide range of issues such as recycling, detailing for increased durability and Life Cycle Analysis.

Berge’s book, translated from the Norwegian by Chris Butters and Filip Henley, offers safe and environmentally friendly material options. It provides an essential and easy-to-use reference guide to this complex subject for the building industry professional.

New to this edition:

• Thorough exploration of building materials in relation to climate change issues

• Extensive updating of basic data, as well as the introduction of a wide range of new materials

• Methods for recycling and reuse of materials

• More information on the interaction between materials and the indoor environment, ventilation and energy use

• Full colour text and user-friendly larger format

Bjørn Berge is a practicing architect, researcher and lecturer. Since the 1970s, he has written several books on building ecology for the Scandinavian public. He is one of the founders of Gaia Architects who have developed a wide range of pioneering techniques in sustainable building.

Table of Contents

Part 1 Eddies and Water-Level Markers: Environmental Profiles and Criteria for Assessment; Chapter 1 Resources; Chapter 2 Pollution; Chapter 3 Local Production and the Human Ecological Aspect; Chapter 4 The Chemical and Physical Properties of Building Materials; Further Reading for Part 1; Part 2 The Flower, Iron and Ocean: Raw Materials and Basic Materials; Chapter 5 Water and Air; Chapter 6 Minerals; Chapter 7 Stone; Chapter 8 Soil Materials; Chapter 9 Fossil Oils; Chapter 10 Plants; Chapter 11 Materials of Animal Origin; Chapter 12 Industrial By-Products; Further Reading for Part 2; Part 3 The Construction of a Sea-Iron-Flower: Building Materials; Chapter 13 Structural Materials; Chapter 14 Climatic Materials; Chapter 15 Surface Materials; Chapter 16 Windows, Doors and Stairs; Chapter 17 Fixings and Connections; Chapter 18 Paint, Varnish, Stain and Wax; Chapter 19 Impregnating Agents, and How to Avoid Them Further Reading for Part 3;