Soil in the Environment: Crucible of Terrestrial Life

Soil in the Environment is key for every course in soil science, earth science, and environmental disciplines. This textbook engages students to critically look at soil as the central link in the function and creation of the terrestrial environment.

For the first time, Dr. Hillel brilliantly discusses soils as a natural body that is engaged in dynamic interaction with the atmosphere above and the strata below that influences the planet's climate and hydrological cycle, and serves as the primary habitat for a versatile community of living organisms.

The book offers a larger perspective of soil’s impact on the environment by organizing chapters among three main processes: Physical, Chemical, and Biology. It is organized in a student-friendly format with examples, discussion boxes, and key definitions in every chapter.

The book provides students of geology, physical science, and environmental studies with fundamental information and tools for meeting the natural resource challenges of the 21st century, while providing students of soil science and ecology with the understanding of physical and biological interactions necessary for sustainability.

First textbook to unite soil science and the environment beyond what is traditionally taughtIncorporates current knowledge of such hot topics as climate change, pollution control, human expropriation of natural resources, and the prospects for harmonious and sustainable developmentOrganized in a student-friendly format with examples, discussion boxes, and key definitions in every chapterFull color throughout

1. Soil as a Living Body: Its Dynamic Role in the Environment
2. Soil Formation
Weathering, Soil-Forming Factors, Soil Profile, Pedogenesis
3. Soil Classification
Attributes and Criteria, Orders and Global Distribution
4. Soil Physical Attributes
Texture, Specific Surface, Clay, Ion Exchange, Soil Structure, Soil Air
5. Soil-Water Statics
Water Content, Energy Potential, Matric and Osmotic Effects
6. Soil-Water Dynamics
Water Flow in Saturated and Unsaturated Soils, Solute Transport
7. Soil-Water Cycle
Infiltration, Runoff, Redistribution, Drainage, Evapotranspiration, SPAC
8. Soil-Water and Soil-Energy Balances in the Field
Water and Energy Budgets, Atmospheric Greenhouse Effect
9. Soil Chemical Attributes and Processes
Organic Matter, Acidity, Oxidation-Reduction, Salinity, Sodicity
10. Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition
Essential Macro and Micro Nutrients, Fertilizers, Soil Amendments
11. Soil Biodiversity
Forms and Functions of the Soil Community, Sustaining Biodiversity
12. Soil and Water Management
Origin of Agriculture, Tillage, Irrigation, Water-Use Efficiency
13. Soil Erosion and Conservation
Water Erosion, Wind Erosion, Desertification, Soil Conservation
14. Soil Pollution and Remediation
Waste Disposal on Land, Inorganic and Organic Pollutants, Soil Remediation
15. Current Perspectives, Future Prospects
The Population-Food Dilemma, Water Resources, Climate Change