Fundamentals of Soil Science

A Raja Rajan (Author)

9789390591442

Hardback, published 6 March 2021

230 pages
25 x 15 x 1.5 cm, 0.525 kg

Soil is a finite resource, and its degradation is irreversible within a human lifetime. The degradation of soils has a significant impact on the food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe, and the health of all living organisms on the planet. Approximately 95% of our food is produced on soils, directly or indirectly. Without healthy soils, we would not be able to meet our food, fiber, and fodder requirements.

The book provides a comprehensive understanding of soil, covering its nature, properties, and functions. It presents all basic information about soils in a logical sequence, from the definition of soil to its formation, the factors and processes governing its formation, its intrinsic properties, classification, functions, and the role it plays in the global environment today and for a sustainable future. Emphasis has been placed on soil quality and soil health care, as it is a critical issue facing society.

The 32 chapters of the book offer a wealth of information for those who are new to the study of soils and wish to gain a deeper understanding of the subject.

• 1. Introduction to Soil
• 2. Origin of Earth
• 3. Soil Forming Rocks
• 4. Minerals
• 5. Weathering of Rocks and Minerals
• 6. Soil Forming Factors
• 7. Soil Forming Processes
• 8. Soil Profile
• 9. Soil Taxonomy
• 10. Soil Texture
• 11. Soil Structure
• 12. Soil Consistence
• 13. Soil Density and Porosity
• 14. Soil Colour
• 15. Soil Temperature and Soil Air
• 16. Soil Water
• 17. Soil Water Potential
• 18. Soil Water Movement
• 19. Soil Colloids
• 20. Clay Minerals
• 21. Ion Exchange
• 22. Soil Reaction
• 23. Soil Electrical Conductivity
• 24. Soil Organic Matter
• 25. The Carbon Cycle
• 26. Humus Formation
• 27. Soil Organisms
• 28. Functions of Soil
• 29. Soil Pollution
• 30. Soils and The Environment
• 31. Soil Quality and Soil Health
• 32.Soils of India