Product Description

This textbook is aimed at the majority of students, who need to quickly acquire a concise overview of soil science. Many current soil science textbooks still cater for a traditional student market where students embark on three years study in a narrow discipline. The growth in modular degree schemes has meant that soil science is now often taught as self-standing unit as part of broad based degree program. Students pursuing this type of course are increasingly reluctant to purchase expensive textbooks that are too detailed and often assume a scientific background. For those opting to specialise in soil science there are a variety of good textbooks to choose from. This short informative guide, will be particularly useful for students who do not possess a traditional scientific background, such as those studying geography, environment science, ecology and agriculture.

• Only textbook to cater for introductory courses in soil science.
  
• Provides an affordable concise overview of soil science.
  
• Learning exercises and chapter summaries enhance usability.
  
• Annotated suggestions for further reading.
  
• Based on proven and successful modular course structure.
  
• Emphasis on readability and interactive learning.
  
• No scientific background assumed.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #361135 in Books
• Published on: 2002-04-22
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 208 pages

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 module 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

Book Info
A clear and concise introduction to soil science. Aimed at the majority of students, who need to quickly acquire a concise overview of soil science. Useful for students who do not possess a traditional scientific background, such as those studying geography, environment science, ecology and agriculture. Softcover.

From the Back Cover
Many current soil science textbooks cater for a traditional student market where able students embark on three years study in a narrow discipline. Today most degree schemes are modular and subjects such as soil science are taught as self-standing units in the first year alone. Students are less willing to read and purchase books and require informative revision textbooks which aid in passing exams. If students study soil science beyond their first year there are a variety of good textbooks to choose from on specialist topics. In reality few students study soil science to a higher level therefore this textbook would be popular both for its format and its relevance to a large population of "environmental" type students.

Customer Reviews

An outstanding reference
Are 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!