Includes bibliographical references (pages 209-233) and index.
The emergence of a biogeochemical cycle -- From adaption to innovation -- Innovation within an ecological limit -- N and the emergence of market capitalism -- N and the rise of science -- Bypassing an ecological limit -- Industrializing a biogeomical cycle -- N in the well -- N in the air -- N in the law -- N and the seeds of an ecological economy -- Conclusion: the challenge of sustainability