Fundamentals of Soil Science

Contents: 1. Concepts of Soil. 2. Origin and Theories of Earth Crust. 3. Types of Rocks. 4. Mineralogical Composition of Rocks. 5. Soil Forming Primary Minerals. 6. Secondary Minerals. 7. Weathering of Rocks and Minerals. 8. Soil Profile. 9. Factors of Soil Formation. 10. Soil Forming Processes. 11. Basics of Soil Properties. 12. Soil Texture. 13. Soil Structure. 14. Soil Consistence. 15. Soil Density and Porosity. 16. Soil Colour. 17. Soil Temperature and Soil Air. 18. Soil Water. 19. Soil Colloids. 20. Phyllosilicate Minerals. 21. Sources and Charges in Clay Minerals. 22. Ion Exchange Reactions. 23. Soil Reaction. 24. Soil Electrical Conductivity. 25. Soil Organic Matter. 26. Carbon Cycle and Carbon Trading. 27. Humus Formation. 28. Soil Organisms. 29. Soil Enzymes. 30. Impact of Soil Properties on Crop Growth. Soil is a basic and fundamental component of agriculture which performs multifaceted functions like providing food, fuel, feed and fibre needs to the burgeoning population, regulating the quality of the atmosphere and water, decomposing organic waste, recycling nutrients and filtering pollutants. This natural resource base needs to be explored with respect to its physical , chemical and live components and this implications and manifestation in isolation or in combination. The huge hidden treasure present in soil has yet remained a great mystery through several folds of complexity, versatility and functions. As a matter of fact, these revelations are going to help the mankind in improving its standard and quality of living with best management practices. …