This compilation has been designed to provide a comprehensive source of theoretical and practical update for scientists working in the broad field of soil science. The book explores all possible mechanisms and means to improve nutrient use efficiencies involving developing and testing of nanofertilizers, developing consortia based microbial formulations for mobilization of soil nutrients, and engineering of nutrient efficient crops using molecular biology and biotechnological tools. This is an all-inclusive collection of information about soil science. This book is of interest to teachers, researchers, soil scientists, capacity builders and policymakers. Also the book serves as additional reading material for undergraduate and graduate students of soil science, quantitative ecology, earth sciences, GIS and geodetic sciences, as well as geologists, geomorphologists, hydrologists and landscape ecology. National and international agriculture and soil scientists, policy makers will also find this to be a useful read.

Publisher Description

This textbook is aimed at the majority of students, who need to quickly acquire a concise overview of soil science. Many current soil science textbooks still cater for a traditional student market where students embark on three years study in a narrow discipline. The growth in modular degree schemes has meant that soil science is now often taught as self-standing unit as part of broad based degree program. Students pursuing this type of course are increasingly reluctant to purchase expensive textbooks that are too detailed and often assume a scientific background. For those opting to specialise in soil science there are a variety of good textbooks to choose from. This short informative guide, will be particularly useful for students who do not possess a traditional scientific background, such as those studying geography, environment science, ecology and agriculture. Only textbook to cater for introductory courses in soil science. Provides an affordable concise overview of soil science. Learning exercises and chapter summaries enhance usability. Annotated suggestions for further reading. Based on proven and successful modular course structure. Emphasis on readability and interactive learning. No scientific background assumed.

This study looks at the fundamentals of soil science and soil biology, encompassing topics such as the building blocks of the soil system and bioremediation of contaminated soils.

The fourth edition of Soil Microbiology, Ecology and Biochemistry updates this widely used reference as the study and understanding of soil biota, their function, and the dynamics of soil organic matter has been revolutionized by molecular and instrumental techniques, and information technology. Knowledge of soil microbiology, ecology and biochemistry is central to our understanding of organisms and their processes and interactions with their environment. In a time of great global change and increased emphasis on biodiversity and food security, soil microbiology and ecology has become an increasingly important topic. Revised by a group of world-renowned authors in many institutions and disciplines, this work relates the breakthroughs in knowledge in this important field to its history as well as future applications. The new edition provides readable, practical, impactful information for its many applied and fundamental disciplines. Professionals turn to this text as a reference for fundamental knowledge in their field or to inform management practices. - New section on "Methods in Studying Soil Organic Matter Formation and Nutrient Dynamics" to balance the two successful chapters on microbial and physiological methodology - Includes expanded information on soil interactions with organisms involved in human and plant disease - Improved readability and integration for an ever-widening audience in his field - Integrated concepts related to soil biota, diversity, and function allow readers in multiple disciplines to understand the complex soil biota and their function

"'Published by the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, with funding from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture."

Designed As A Text Book, But Equally Useful As A Reference Source For Scholars And Others, This Book Offers All The Necessary And Desired Information About Soils And Their Culture. Beginning With Classification Of Soils And Their Physical And Chemical Properties, It Deals Systematically With All Such Topics As Soil Acidity, Soil Moisture, Soil Organisms, Accumulation Of Organic Matter In Soils, Effect Of Manures And Fertilizers On Soil, Soil Fertility Maintenance And Development And Management Of Alkali Soils. Soil Requirements For Specific Fruit Crops Have Also Been Discussed. On The Whole The Book Introduces The Reader To Soil As Natural Entities And Their Inherent Characteristics; Explains The Basic Relationship Between Soils And Plants; And Gives A Clear Understanding About The Fundamental Principles Involved In The Use Of Soil Management Practices. An Exhaustive Subject Index For Easy Reference Hunting And A Detailed Glossary Of Terms Are Other Attractions Of The Book. Chapter 1: Soil Development; Sources Of Material From Which Soils Are Developed, Characteristics Of Rocks And Minerals From Which Soils Are Derived, Chemical And Physical Processes Active In Soil Development, Biological Agencies Which Aid In Soil Formation, Products And Results Of Mineral-Decomposing Processes, Constructive Processes Of Soil Development, The Soil Profile, Chapter 2: Classification Of Soils; A Textural Classification Of Soils, A Systematic Classification Of Soils, Soil Mapping And The Soil Survey, Soil Groups In Relation To Climatic Conditions, Age Relief And Parent Material In Relation To Soil Groups, Soil Groups In Relation To Vegetative Cover, Soil Groups In Relation To Population Density And Production Of Agricultural Products, Chapter 3: Physical And Chemical Properties Of Soils; Making A Mechanical Analysis, Properties Of Soil Separates, Soil Structure, Tillage Operations And Soil Properties, Porosity And Weight Of Soil, Soil Color, Soil Temperature, Chapter 4: Soil Reaction; Soil Acidity And Conditions Giving Rise To Acid Soils, Conditions In Acid Soils Which Are Beneficial Or Detrimental To The Growth Of Plants, Conditions Of Development And Effect On Plants Of Neutral And Alkaline Soils, Chapter 5: Lime And Its Use; The Need Of Soils For Lime, Functions Of Lime In The Soil, Forms Of Lime, Lime Guarantees, Sources Of Lime, The Use Of Lime, Chapter 6: Soil Moisture; Soil Water Which Yields To The Pull Of Gravity, Soil Water Which Is Retained Against The Pull Of Gravity, Water In Relation To Plant Growth, Loss Of Moisture From The Soil, Runoff Water, Chapter 7: Soil Organisms: Their Relation To Soils And Soil Productivity; Nature And Extent Of The Soil Population, Activities Of Soil Microbes In Relation To The Growth Of Higher Plants, The Role Of Microorganisms In The Development Of Soils, Interrelationship Between Higher Plants And Soil Microorganisms And Among Soil Microorganisms Themselves, Chapter 8: Soil Organic Matter: Organic Matter Accumulation In Soils, Effects Of Organic Matter On Soil Productivity, The Decomposition Of Organic Matter And Humus Formation, Loss And Restoration Of Soil Organic Matter, Chapter 9: Cover And Green-Manure Crops; The Effects Of Cover And Green-Manure Crops, The Principal Cover And Green-Manure Crops And Their Regional Distribution, The Utilization Of Cover And Green-Manure Crops, Effect Of Green Manre On Yield Of Crops, Chapter 10: Farm Manures; The Production Of Manure, The Decomposition Of Manure, Losses Occurring With Manure, Methods Of Handling Manure, Field Management Of Manure, Fertilizing Properties Of Manure, Effects Of Manure Upon The Soil, Chapter 11: Nutrient Requirement Of Plants; Elements Used By Plants, Effects Of Nitrogen Phosphorus And Potassium On Plants And The Quantities Removed By Crops, Determining Soil-Nutrient Deficiencies, Chapter 12: Fertilizers And Fertilizer Materials; Fertilizing Materials Supplying Nitrogen, Phosphatic Fertilizer Materials, Potassium Fertilizers, Mixed Fertilizers, Chapter 13: Fertilizer Practices; Effects Of Fertilizers On Soils, Effects Of Fertilizers On Crops, Laws Controlling Fertilizer Sales, Home Mixing Fertilizers, The Purchase And Use Of Fertilizers, Chapter 14: Soil Fertility Maintenance And Productivity Rating Of Soil; Maintaining Soil Fertility, Soil Productivity Rating And Land Classification, Chapter 15: Soils And Agriculture Of Arid Regions; Characteristics And Utilization Of Soil In Arid Regions, Development And Management Of Alkali Soils, Chapter 16: Irrigation; Water Supply And Land For Irrigation, Irrigation Practice, Chapter 17: Fruit Soils; Selecting A Site For A Fruit Enterprise, Soil Requirements Of Specific Fruit Plants, Chapter 18: Lawn Soils; Soils And Soil Preparation, Grass Selection And Seeding, Fertilization And Liming, Moving And Watering, Chapter 19: Soil Resources; Acreage Of Farm Land In The United States, Acreages Of Aroble Land And Land Requirements, Land Policies Of The United States.