Soil is the most important resource of the solid earth that humans use. It is the source of most of our food and fiber, much of our building materials, and the repository of most of our wastes. Over the last 10,000 years we have learned to manipulate it for our purposes to such a degree that our ecological footprint has notably modified about two thirds of the soils of the Earth. The Encyclopedia of Soil Science provides a comprehensive, alphabetical treatment of basic soil science in a single volume. It constitutes a wide ranging and authoritative collection of some 160 academic articles covering the salient aspects of soil physics, chemistry, biology, fertility, technology, genesis, morphology, classification and geomorphology. With increased usage of soil for world food production, building materials, and waste repositories, demand has grown for a better global understanding of soil and its processes. Longer articles by leading authorities from around the world are supplemented by some 430 definitions of common terms in soil sciences.
Rezensionen / Stimmen
From the reviews:
"The encyclopedia contains about 190 academic articles . . All items are illustrated with many tables, graphs, figures and colour photographs. . a summary of the present knowledge in the field of soil science, authored by internationally well known scientists. It is a remarkable tool, not only for soil scientists, but also for agronomists, geologists and even archeologists dealing with soils. Especially for the already somewhat older soil scientists it is an excellent way for updating in an easy way their knowledge and references." (G. Stoops, PEDON Newsletter, Issue 19, February, 2008)
"A nice addition to the numerous encyclopedias that have come recently. . The topics overlap several other encyclopedias as well. There are many tables and figures, including a few color figures. The authors of the entries are international in scope, and well-respected soil scientists. . the audience to include scientists, engineers, technology experts, as wellas environmental and land use planners. Most full entries are geared toward college or higher level, including students and scientists who are not soil scientists . ." (Sally Logsdon, Soil Science Society of America Journal, Vol. 72 (3), 2008)
"Encyclopedia of Soil Science is an updated version of R. W. Fairbridge and C. W. Finkl Jr.'s edited encyclopedia . . It contains both lengthy research articles and shorter glossary definitions . . This useful combination of research articles and definitions makes this title invaluable for users . . Libraries . will be interested in this volume edited by Chesworth. . highly useful resource for both students and researchers in major programs in agriculture, geology, and environmental science. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-level undergraduates and above." (J. K. Oleen, CHOICE, Vol. 45 (11), 2008)
"This book is well worth reading because it puts the content in wider context. . The book is well produced. Even with 900 pages it can beheld in one hand, and can be used as a stand up reference book. The illustrations are excellent, and nearly all in colour. The diagrams, maps and statistical presentations are clear. . The market for this book will be for higher education and research, and for science based companies involved in agriculture."(John Goodier, Reference Reviews, Vol. 22 (6), 2008)
