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Soil knowledge

Research output: Contribution in Book/Report/Proceedings - With ISBN/ISSNChapter (peer-reviewed)peer-review

Published
Publication date5/10/2018
Host publicationThe International Encyclopedia of Anthropology
EditorsR. Cox, Hilary Callan
PublisherWiley
ISBN (electronic)9781118924396
ISBN (print)9780470657225
<mark>Original language</mark>English

Abstract

This entry argues for a renewed anthropological engagement with local soil knowledge against a backdrop of industrial agriculture in crisis. It discusses the idea that one example of local soil knowledge, anthropogenic dark earths (ADE), could be a potential solution to this crisis. It argues that, while there is merit in this argument, ADE should be conceived of as a form of “limited good” and so cannot be simply scaled up under our current “unlimited growth” model of development.