Features
- Cover Type: Paperback with 208 pages
- Published by: Wiley-Blackwell
- Edition: 1st Edition June 15, 2002
- Written in: English
- ISBN 10 Number: 0632048859
- ISBN 13 Number: 978-0632048854
-
Book Dimensions:
9.4 x 6.8 x 0.6 inches
- Weighs: 12.6 ounces
Product Review
"It is rare that texts are found combining ease of understanding with a solid scientific foundation. The subtitle of this text 'a clear and concise introduction to soil science' does indeed sum up this book. Its clarity of production and focus on key aspects of science and human interaction make it a great guide for the beginner and a 'must-buy' for the library." British Ecological Society, Teaching Ecology Group Newsletter
"I can wholeheartedly recommend this book to students whose course includes a section of soil science, and indeed recommend it to students on soil science degrees as a general introduction or a last minute revision guide." John S. Conway, Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester
Product Review
"It is rare that texts are found combining ease of understanding with a solid scientific foundation. The subtitle of this text 'a clear and concise introduction to soil science' does indeed sum up this book. Its clarity of production and focus on key aspects of science and human interaction make it a great guide for the beginner and a 'must-buy' for the library."
British Ecological Society, Teaching Ecology Group Newsletter <!--end-->
"I can wholeheartedly recommend this book to students whose course includes a section of soil science, and indeed recommend it to students on soil science degrees as a general introduction or a last minute revision guide."
John S. Conway, Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester
Reader ReviewsAre you concerned about the amount of damage to your hedges, your roses, your flowers, your trees and other plants? Have you automatically reached for your organic or chemical pesticides, herbacides, fertilizers, and anything else to use to salvage what is left of your plants? Do you advise others on their problems with plants? In solving these problems, does your solution address the root cause or merely the symptoms? In seven chapters of 185 pages, the authors take the reader from the question "What are soils made from?" to a thorough discussion of "soil contamination and erosion." The topic of each chapter and sub-chapter is presented in question form: "How does water act in the soil?" "What is soil acidity?" and the questions are answered: "Instinctively we all know what is meant when we say something is acidic--we automatically think about lemon juice or vinegar..." The authors use a substantial number of charts, graphs, drawings, and black and white pictures to achieve their stated purpose: "Every attempt has been made to assume no previous scientific knowledge, to insure new concepts are explained simply, often using examples of everyday items, and anything considered too detailed for the average undergradate course has been ruthlessly cut from the text." Relying on my recollection of various undergraduate college survey or introduction courses to biology, botony, chemistry, and my experiences of growing roses, flowers, shrubs and vegetables, I gained a basic understanding of the science of soils, and the impact errors in soil management have on plants. Too many times I have attempted to treat the symptoms of sick plants and not the root causes: "Chapter 6: How can we optimize the physical condition of the soil for plant growth?" "What can we do to remediage a polluted site?" When the authors conclude their presentation on page 185, we are presented five pages of other references including numerous internet web pages more than seven pages of index. The cost of the book is a lot, and in my opinion, worth every cent!
Search for books at
