Ecology and Management of Forest Soils

Forest soils are the foundation of the entire forest ecosystem and complex, long–term interactions between trees, soil animals, and the microbial community shape soils in was that are very distinct from agricultural soils.    The composition, structure, and processes in forest soils at any given time reflect current conditions, as well as the legacies of decades (and even millennia) of interactions that shape each forest soil.  Reciprocal interactions are fundamental; vegetation alters soil physical properties, which influence soil biology and chemistry, which in turn influence the growth and success of plants.  These dynamic systems may be strongly influenced by intentional and unintentional management, ranging from fire to fertilization.  Sustaining the long–term fertility of forest soils depends on insights about a diverse array of soil features and changes over space and time.  Since the third edition of this successful book many new interests in forest soils and their management have arisen, including the role of forest soils in sequestering carbon, and how management influences rates of carbon accumulation.  This edition also expands the consideration of how soils are sampled and characterized, and how tree species differ in their influence on soil development.  Clearly structured throughout, the book opens with the origins of forest soil science and ends with the application of soil science principles to land management.  This new edition provides : A completely revised and updated Fourth Edition of this classic textbook in the field A coherent overview of the major issues surrounding the ecology and management of forest soils   Global in scope with coverage of soil types ranging from the tropical rainforest soils of Latin America to the boreal forest soils of Siberia New chapters on Management: Carbon sequestration; Evidence–based approaches and  applications of geostatistics, GIS and taxonomies A  clear overview of each topic, informative examples/case studies, and an overall context for helping readers think clearly about forest soils An introduction to the literature of forest soil science and to the philosophy of forest soil science research This coherent overview of the major issues surrounding the ecology and management of forest soils will be particularly useful to students taking courses in soil science, forestry, agronomy, ecology, natural resource management, environmental management and conservation, as well as  professionals in forestry dealing with the productivity of forests and functioning of watersheds.

Preface, ix Acknowledgments, xi In Memoriam, xiii PART I INTRODUCTION TO FOREST SOILS, 1 1 History of Forest Soil Science and Management, 3 2 Global Patterns in Forest Soils, 8 PART II COMPOSITION OF FOREST SOILS, 21 3 Soil Formation and Minerals, 23 4 Soil Organic Matter, 39 5 Water, Pore Space, and Soil Structure, 58 PART III LIFE AND CHEMISTRY IN FOREST SOILS, 75 6 Life in Forest Soils, 77 7 Forest Biogeochemistry, 99 8 Chemistry of Soil Surfaces and Solutions, 138 PART IV MEASURING FOREST SOILS, 157 9 Sampling Soils Across Space and Time, 159 10 Common Approaches to Measuring Soils, 175 PART V DYNAMICS OF FOREST SOILS, 189 11 Influence of Tree Species, 191 12 Soil Management – Harvesting, Site Preparation, Conversion, and Drainage, 213 13 Fire Influences, 235 14 Nutrition Management, 254 15 Managing Forest Soils for Carbon Sequestration, 276 PART VI THINKING PRODUCTIVELY ABOUT FOREST SOILS, 289 16 Evidence–Based Approaches, 291 References, 305 Index, 343

Dan Binkley Colorado State University, USA Richard F. Fisher

“This coherent overview of the major issues surrounding the ecology and management of forest soils will be particularly useful to students taking courses in soil science, forestry, agronomy, ecology, natural resource management, environmental management and conservation, as well as professionals in forestry dealing with the productivity of forests and functioning of watersheds.”  ( Biotechnol. Agron. Soc. Environ , 1 March 2013 “Overall, a useful book for students in soil science, forest sciences, and ecology, as well as practicing foresters involved with forest management and research.  Summing Up: Recommended.  Lower–division undergraduates through professionals.”  ( Choice , 1 September 2013)