Synopses & Reviews
This graduate level text reference is designed to be a bridge between ecologists and soil scientists. There is increasing awareness that soil is the organizing center for all terrestrial ecosystems. This text examines why this is so, in terms of the physics, chemistry, and biology of soil ecosystems. Biodiversity and global change and the important role soils play in global carbon balance are also discussed.
Fundamentals of Soil Ecology will be a valuable addition to your research library.
Key Features
* Fundamentals of Soil Ecology is a holistic approach to soil biology and ecosystem function and treats soils as:
* Living entities, not "black boxes"
* Organizing centers for how ecosystems function over time
* Filled with diverse biota, fauna, microbes, and roots
Review
used it in class, and was equally enthusiastic."
--Steve Sheppard in JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Review
wealth of experience, to present an historical perspective of the field as no other writers could. It is refreshing to read such a thorough and effective coverage of classic studies pertaining to soil ecology."
--THE QUATERLY REVIEW OF BIOLOGY
"This is an excellent primer for serious students. There are more than 500 references, most of which are either classics or recent good work. There are lots of interesting tidbits to keep the reader going. I enthused on about the merits of this book to a colleague who teaches soil biology, only to discover he has already used it in class, and was equally enthusiastic."
--Steve Sheppard in JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 171-195) and index.
Table of Contents
The Fitness of the Soil Environment. Primary Production Processes in Soil. Secondary Production: Activities of Heterotrophic Organisms-Microbes. Secondary Production: Activities of Heterotrophic Organisms-The Soil Fauna. Decomposition and Nutrient Cycling. Detritivory and Microbivory in Soils. Future Developments in Soil Ecology.