Soils An Introduction

For Introduction to Soil Science, Environmental Science, and Land Use Management courses at the undergraduate level. This text provides a fresh look at soil science. The goal is to help students understand the parts that contribute to the whole soil individual and then appreciate how those parts function together. It begins by assembling the parts (solid, liquid and gas phases) of a soil, followed by explaining the interactions among the parts. Subsequently, genesis, classification, and interpretation of soil properties are explained. The "building the pedon"* concept introduced in the first edition is continued in this latest edition. This edition also has a "western" perspective that emphasizes water management. *Pedon:"3-dimensional body of soil with lateral dimensions large enough to contain all soil properties."

Accessible to students with varying science backgrounds, this introduction to soil science offers solid coverage of all major topics. The authors use a unique "building the pedon" model to provide students with a single soil concept on which to build and learn. The text features diagrams and color photos with actual data, and provides optional chapter supplements for either review or enrichment, depending on individual needs. Soil parts are introduced systematically and in relation to one another, relating the complex soil body to it larger environment.