Soil Chemistry and its Applications

A concise and readable account of soil chemistry for students.

Malcolm Cresser (Author), Ken Killham (Author), Tony Edwards (Author)

9780521311342, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 6 May 1993

208 pages, 49 b/w illus. 19 tables
23.8 x 19.1 x 1.2 cm, 0.37 kg

' … well presented and is at a reasonable price … an attractive and stimulating introduction to soil chemistry.' Education in Chemistry

The central role of soil chemistry in the ecosystem and other disciplines is becoming increasingly important. For example the effects of the increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide, and accelerated use of pesticides, on soil fertility has been a focus of much high-level debate. This text begins by defining the relationship between soil chemistry and other fields such as plant science and pollution science. A detailed description of the components of soils follows, including inorganic, mineral and organic matter. The book addresses cogent issues such as soil fertility and soil pollution. In a concluding chapter, a review of future analytic advances in the study of soil chemistry is given, emphasising the importance of the soil chemist in equitable and sustainable land use and agricultural policy. The book is an ideal starting point for the student undertaking undergraduate study in the environmental and soil sciences.

1. Why study soil chemistry?
2. Inorganic and mineral components of soils
3. Soil organic matter
4. Soil chemical reactions
5. Soil fertility
6. Soil chemistry and freshwater quality
7. Soils and pollution
8. The future of soil chemistry
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Environmental science, engineering & technology [TQ]