The University of Alberta (Canada)'s Soil Science Server supplies this excellent site on the Pedosphere, "the part of the Earth's environment in which soils are found." A dozen sections provide illustrated information on the basics of soil; ecological functions of soil; soil texture color, and structure; soil formation; soil classification systems in Canada; mineralogy; soil reactions and chemistry; soil water; soil air; soil ecology; soil organic matter; and soil survey. In addition five tutorials and numerous "self tests" allow readers to maximize their learning about the soils of Alberta, soil water calculations, and soilorganic matter dynamics, among other topics.

Aimed at taking the mystery out of soil science, Soils: Principles, Properties and Management is a text for undergraduate/graduate students who study soil as a natural resource. Written in a reader-friendly style, with a host of examples, figures and tables, the book leads the reader from the basics of soil science through to complex situations, covering such topics as: the origin, development and classification of soil physical, chemical and biological properties of soil water and nutrient management management of problem soils, wetland soils and forest soils soil degradation Further, the ecological and agrological functions of soil are emphasized in the context of food security, biodiversity and climate change. The interactions between the environment and soil management are highlighted. Soil is viewed as an ecosystem itself and as a part of larger terrestrial ecosystems.

Environment and Development: Basic Principles, Human Activities, and Environmental Implications focuses on the adverse impact that human activities, developments, and economic growth have on both natural and inhabited environments. The book presents the associated problems, along with solutions that can be used to achieve a harmonic, sustainable development that provides for the co-existence of man and natural life. Chapters provide detailed information on a range of environments including: atmospheric, aquatic, soil, natural, urban, energy, and extraterrestrial, as well as the relationship between the environment and development. In addition, this comprehensive book presents the latest research findings and trends in global environmental policy for each issue. Offers a discussion of the extraterrestrial environment and waste in earth orbit as one of the distinctive topics of the book Addresses global environmental policy issues and policies Presents tabulated data to support the analysis and explain the issues presented Includes case studies covering many topics of current interest Analyzes environmental issues and proposes solutions grounded in recent research findings Discusses the various interpretations of the development concept as well as alternative pathways to sustainable development

This teacher resource offers a detailed introduction to the Hands-On Science and Technology program (guiding principles, implementation guidelines, an overview of the science skills that grade 3 students use and develop) and a classroom assessment plan complete with record-keeping templates. It also includes connections to the Achievement Levels as outlined in The Ontario Curriculum Grades 1-8 Science and Technology (2007). This resource has four instructional units: Unit 1: Growth and Changes in Plants Unit 2: Strong and Stable Structures Unit 3: Forces Causing Movement Unit 4: Soils in the Environment Each unit is divided into lessons that focus on specific curricular expectations. Each lesson has curriculum expectation(s) lists materials lists activity descriptions assessment suggestions activity sheet(s) and graphic organizer(s)

Principles of Soil Physics examines the impact of the physical, mechanical, and hydrological properties and processes of soil on agricultural production, the environment, and sustainable use of natural resources. The text incorporates valuable assessment methods, graphs, problem sets, and tables from recent studies performed around the globe and offers an abundance of tables, photographs, and easy-to-follow equations in every chapter. The book discusses the consequences of soil degradation, such as erosion, inhibited root development, and poor aeration. It begins by defining soil physics, soil mechanics, textural properties, and packing arrangements . The text continues to discuss the theoretical and practical aspects of soil structure and explain the significance and measurement of bulk density, porosity, and compaction. The authors proceed to clarify soil hydrology topics including hydrologic cycle, water movement, infiltration, modeling, soil evaporation, and solute transport processes. They address the impact of soil temperature on crop growth, soil aeration, and the processes that lead to the emission of greenhouse gases. The final chapters examine the physical properties of gravelly soils and water movement in frozen, saline, and water-repellant soils. Reader-friendly and up-to-date, Principles of Soil Physics provides unparalleled coverage of issues related to soil physics, structure, hydrology, aeration, temperature, and analysis and presents practical techniques for maintaining soil quality to ultimately preserve its sustainability.