This book, first published in 1978, provides a comprehensive guide to soil properties in any major world region. It emphasizes the significance of the spatial changes in soil patterns, the environmental influence on soils, and their temporal changes, but focuses attention on the systematic examination of soil properties and their reciprocal effects. It covers such important topics as the mineral composition of different soils, their organic matter, structure and porosity, chemical make-up and mechanical properties.

"Soils is a practically focused soil science text, designed to give a sound understanding of soils for those studying or working in environmental management, soil conservation or natural resource management. The authors put soils and soil management into a natural resource management context at the broadest level, providing a practical description of soils and their properties. The book examines the different kinds of degradation soils are susceptible to and describes the available soil management and conservation methods." "Land management in Australia has undergone significant changes in recent years. New approaches and concerns have emerged in response to environmental issues and the development of new methodologies. This text explores the relevance of soils to the ecological sustainability of land-use practices, catchment management and the management of water resources."--BOOK JACKET.

An illustrated overview of the sustainability of natural resources and the social and environmental issues surrounding their distribution and demand.

Soil Carbon Storage: Modulators, Mechanisms and Modeling takes a novel approach to the issue of soil carbon storage by considering soil C sequestration as a function of the interaction between biotic (e.g. microbes and plants) and abiotic (climate, soil types, management practices) modulators as a key driver of soil C. These modulators are central to C balance through their processing of C from both plant inputs and native soil organic matter. This book considers this concept in the light of state-of-the-art methodologies that elucidate these interactions and increase our understanding of a vitally important, but poorly characterized component of the global C cycle. The book provides soil scientists with a comprehensive, mechanistic, quantitative and predictive understanding of soil carbon storage. It presents a new framework that can be included in predictive models and management practices for better prediction and enhanced C storage in soils. - Identifies management practices to enhance storage of soil C under different agro-ecosystems, soil types and climatic conditions - Provides novel conceptual frameworks of biotic (especially microbial) and abiotic data to improve prediction of simulation model at plot to global scale - Advances the conceptual framework needed to support robust predictive models and sustainable land management practices

Fundamentals of Soil provides a comprehensive and engaging introduction to soils and the workings of soil systems. This text is the only one of its kind to provide an attractive, lively and accessible introduction to this topic. Featuring learning tools within each chapter, such as summaries, essay questions and guides for further reading, the text is also highly illustrated with useful tables, boxes and figures. Covering all key areas of study at an introductory level, subjects covered include: · Soil properties · Soil processes · Controls on soil formation · Soil classification · World soils · Soil patterns · Soil degradation.