New Releases by Vaclav Smil

Presented here for the first time is a comprehensive, single-volume treatment of all the important aspects of biospheric civilizational energetics. The author uses measurements of energy and power densities and intensities throughout to provide an integrated framework of analysis. All segments of energetics are examined, including planetary energetics (solar radiation and geomorphic processes) and bioenergetics (photosynthesis) to human energetics (metabolism and thermoregulation) traced from hunting-gathering and agricultural societies through modern day industrial civilization. Concludes with general patterns, trends and socio-economic considerations of energy use today plus their impact on the environment.

Energy analysis and agriculture; U.S. grain corn environment and uses; Field operations; Energy for field operations; Machinery, draft animals, and labor; Chemical fertilizers, liming materials, and manure; Herbicides and insecticides; Transport of production inputs; Grain corn yields and drying operations; Energy and financial costs of grain corn; Energy conservation and future grain corn energy cost.

Monograph on power resources and energy policy in China - describes fossil fuel supplys (incl. Coal and petroleum resources, natural gas, the traditional plant fuels), petroleum imports and exports, energy consumption, etc., and includes international comparisons of energy resources and reserves, energy technology, production and use. Diagrams, maps and statistical tables.