"Sterner and Elser provide the definitive text on ecological stoichiometry. This is a fundamental advance in unifying ecology across levels of organization."--Simon A. Levin, Princeton University

""Ecological Stoichiometry" is a monumental undertaking without ecological precedent. Sterner and Elser offer a majestic and novel synthesis of a broad and diverse field of study that ranges from chemistry to metabolism to global ecology. These two world-class scientists have singlehandedly created a brand-new subdiscipline, one that will likely spawn new research foci, and have done so in a captivating manner. This precedent-setting treatise will be the 'go-to' reference in this poorly consolidated but relevant field of physiological ecology."----David M. Karl, University of Hawaii

"This is a work of enormous synthetic power that practically defines the field of ecological stoichiometry. It is certainly the most significant contribution to the field. Each chapter follows a logical progression, and the style is informal and very readable."--Donald L. DeAngelis, University of Miami

"A truly outstanding book. Sterner and Elser provide extremely convincing evidence in support of their hypothesis that elemental stoichiometry is a key to many central issues in ecology. The writing style is unusually clear and concise. The book is exceptionally well conceived, has eminently valuable goals, and will definitely serve a strong need in the scientific community."--Val H. Smith, University of Kansas

"This very readable, well-organized book will broaden the purview of food-web and trophodynamic studies and have a similar impact as did ecological energetics decades ago. It offers an opportunity tomerge the hitherto separate fields of community ecology and biogeochemistry."--Ulrich Sommer, University of Kiel

Phosphorus is essential to all life. A critical component of fertilizers, Phosphorus currently has no known substitute in agriculture. Without it, crops cannot grow. With too much of it, waterways are polluted. Across the globe, social, political, and economic pressures are influencing the biogeochemical cycle of phosphorus. A better understanding of this non-renewable resource and its impacts on the environment is critical to conserving our global supply and increasing agricultural productivity. Most of the phosphorus-focused discussion within the academic community is highly fragmented. Phosphorus, Food, and Our Future will bring together the necessary multi-disciplinary perspectives to build a cohesive knowledge base of phosphorus sustainability. The book is a direct continuation of processes associated with the first international conference on sustainable phosphorus held in the United States, the Frontiers in Life Sciences: Sustainable Phosphorus Summit, though it is not a book of conference proceedings; rather, the book is part of an integrated, coordinated process that builds on the momentum of the Summit. The first chapter will introduce the biological and chemical necessity of phosphorus. The subsequent ten chapters will explore different facets of phosphorus sustainability and the role of policy on future global phosphorus supplies. The final chapter will synthesize all of the emerging views contained in the book, drawing out the leading dilemmas and opportunities for phosphorus sustainability.