A World Without Soil

“A manifesto for improved soil conservation and management. . . . What distinguishes Handelsman from her predecessors is her optimism about our ability to reverse the course of soil loss. . . . A book for a broad audience that will widen discussion and interest in soils and soil degradation.”—Daniel D. Richter, Science

“Microbiologist Jo Handelsman takes on the challenge of making readers care in A World Without Soil.”—Emma Marris, Nature

2022 PROSE award winner, Government and Politics category

Longlisted for the 2023 AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books in the Young Adult Science Book category

“Jo Handelsman is a national treasure, and her clarion call warning of a looming soil-loss catastrophe must be heard. Add her clearly written alarm to other future-shocks: climate change, pandemics, and mass extinctions.”—Laurie Garrett, Pulitzer Prize winner and author of The Coming Plague: Newly Emerging Diseases in a World Out of Balance

“The ground beneath our feet is slipping away as we lose the precious soil that sustains us. Jo Handelsman’s writing—as rich and life supporting as the soil itself—is a riveting warning. She tells us eloquently about the danger we’re in, but also what we can do about it.”—Alan Alda, actor, writer, and host of the podcast Clear+Vivid with Alan Alda

“A truly delightful book about soil! Jo Handelsman brilliantly describes in fascinating detail the origin, structure, and contributions to human health by the very ground of Planet Earth.”—Rita Colwell, Distinguished University Professor, University of Maryland, and former director, National Science Foundation

“A World Without Soil is an optimistic and compelling look at the challenges surrounding one of earth’s most vital natural resources. Jo Handelsman presents rigorously researched and compelling solutions to advance policy changes we need today—in order to ensure our future.”—Howard W. Buffett, coauthor of 40 Chances and Social Value Investing, and 2001 FFA State Soil Judging Champion

“A significant and inspirational book. Jo Handelsman richly narrates the integral connections and interdependencies of soil, a living entity which lies at the heart of our sustenance, survival and wellbeing.”—Garth Harmsworth, senior Indigenous Māori scientist (Toi Rangahau), Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research, New Zealand