Fundamentals of Soil Science

Contents: 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. Soil is a finite resource and its loss and degradation is not recoverable within a human lifespan. Soils affect the food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe and our overall health and the health of all organisms on the planet. Without healthy soils, we would not be able to grow our food, or meet our fibre and fodder requirements. It is estimated that 95 per cent of our food is directly or indirectly produced on our soils. The book provides the basic understanding of the soil, its nature, properties and functions. It has been attempted to present in a logical sequence all basic information about soils, from the definition of soil to how they are formed, the factors and processes governing their formation, their intrinsic properties, classification, functions, and the role they play in the global environment today and for a sustainable tomorrow. Emphasis on soil quality and soil health care has been laid as it is the order of the day. The 32 chapters of the book will provide a wealth of information for those looking to take their first deep dive into the realm of soils.…