Soil remains one of the most important, yet most abused, natural resources on the planet. Responsible management of soil and associated water resources plays a critical role in the survival and prosperity of many nations around the world.
Principles and Practice of Soil Science, Fourth Edition provides a current and comprehensive introduction to soil science for students in the fields of environmental and agricultural science, ecology, soil and land management, natural resource management and environmental engineering. The text focuses on the fundamental concepts of how soils function and how this functioning is vital to productive and environmentally benign soil use.
Although designed primarily for students, Principles and Practice of Soil Science, Fourth Edition is also an accessible reference for professional soil scientists, agronomists, ecologists, geomorphologists, engineers and land managers.

About the Author

Robert White holds degrees from the University of Queensland and the University of Oxford. He has extensive international experience in Australia, Southern Africa, England, New Zealand, China and the USA, focusing on soil, water and nutrient management in broad-acre cropping, grazing systems and vineyards for wine production. He is Emeritus Professor of Soil Science at the University of Melbourne and author of Soils for Fine Wines.

Table of Contents:
Preface. Part 1: The Soil Habitat. • Introduction to the Soil. • The Mineral Component of the Soil. • Soil Organisms and Organic Matter. • Peds and Pores. Part 2: Processes in the Soil Environment. • Soil Formation. • Hydrology, Soil Water and Temperature. • Reactions at Surfaces. • Soil Aeration. • Processes in Profile Development. • Nutrient Cycling. Part 3: Soil Management. • Maintenance of Soil Productivity. • Fertilizers and Pesticides. • Problem Soils. • Soil Information Systems. Index