Soils of the World
Description
This book describes and comprehensively illustrates the soils of the world in accordance with the worldwide WRB classification. The structure of the book follows the ecozone concept. For every ecozone, location, climate and vegetation as well as soil formation and distribution are presented. All soils representative of the corresponding ecozone are then described in detail: definition, properties, distribution, use, classification, genesis. Over 260 photographs illustrate soil profiles, soil details and landscapes. Instructive maps and graphs help understand soil properties and soil-forming processes and make the publication an excellent reference book about the world's soils.
Reviews / Votes
"By any standard, Soils of the World is a superb volume. . With increasing global change, the natural system of soil types will become more and more determined by anthropogenic forces, requiring greater flexibility in understanding and classification. The authors can be proud of having created such an inclusive and systematic survey, while retaining an appreciation (in their own words) of the essential 'beauty and importance of this precious natural resource'." (Matthew Canti, Archaeological Prospection, January 24, 2023)More details
Other editions
Additional editions
Persons
Peter Schad
is a lecturer for Soil Science at the Technical University of Munich (Germany) and the lead author of the present English edition of this book. He is the Chair of the Working Group World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB) of the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) and the lead author of the current edition of the WRB.
Gerd Hintermaier-Erhard is a geologist and soil scientist. Together with Wolfgang Zech he published in 1997 a 'Soil Science Dictionary' and in 2002 the first edition of 'Soils of the World' (both in German).