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.

This edited volume covers all aspects of the latest research in the field of soil formation and its functioning, soil diversity, soil proteomics, the impact of anthropogenic activities on the pedosphere, plant-microbe interactions in the pedosphere, and factors influencing the formation and functioning of the soils. In the pedosphere, all forms of soils possess a particular type of structure and different organic and mineral components. Thus, the pedosphere as a whole plays a significant role in providing unique habitats for a vast diversity of life forms, developing a link between geological and biological substances circulation in the terrestrial ecosystems. In the processes making available vital mineral elements to plants and supporting human health as various trace elements in the lithosphere are accessed by people through the formation of soils and such soils are utilized for food production. With the depth of information on different aspects of soil, this extensive volume is a valuable resource for the researchers in the area of soil science, agronomy, agriculture, scientists in academia, crop consultants, policymakers, government from diverse disciplines, and graduate and post-graduate students in the area of soil and environmental science.

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)

Shale makes up about three-fourths of drilled formations. Even though the engineering properties of shale have been studied for several decades, shale engineering is still prone to unexpected instabilities and delays, representing a serious problem for the petroleum, mining and civil engineering industry. Distinct characteristics of shale make it exceptionally difficult to work with; three categories of potential stability problems in shale are mechanical problems, chemical reactivity and swelling, and thermal stimulation. When a number of these problems occur simultaneously, finding an optimized solution becomes even more challenging. Shale Engineering provides an integrative engineering approach to work towards practical solutions in handling shale. Accordingly, shale is defined and described from both an engineering and geological point of view. Elasticity and poroelasticity concepts, shale’s response to temperature changes, and finally chemical properties of shale and the impact thereof on the rock’s behavior are discussed in detail. In addressing the engineering aspects and parameters related to chemical, mechanical and thermal properties and integrating them into engineering models that can be applied in deep engineering projects, mining and other civil works, this book will serve as a reference to model designers and engineers working with shale in the petroleum industry and elsewhere. It is also suited for use in academic and professional courses in petroleum, mining, geological and civil engineering and drilling.