Soil Science & Management

Gain a practical understanding of soil properties and the soil management techniques most important for the effective use of soils with SOIL SCIENCE AND MANAGEMENT, 6E. This non-technical, reader-friendly book details all aspects of effective soil usage, including management techniques, composition, fertility, erosion, conservation,and irrigation in this practical guide. This edition highlights horticultural uses of soil as well as the latest green methodologies in both agricultural and horticultural practice from the perspective of farmers, horticulturalists, environmentalists and others who are concerned about how soils work and how they can be used most effectively. This edition further examines nutrient management and best practices with the latest updates on legal issues and government programs that make it a useful resource now and invaluable reference for the future.

"I have had many soil textbooks cross by desk over the years. The Plaster text continues to be my favorite. It is user friendly, marrying theory and practical knowledge into one text. It is one that both students and professionals can turn to again and again as a great soils resource."

"This text discusses basic soil science principles and includes many references to horticulture and landscaping, making it appropriate for students in urban areas where traditional agriculture is not the norm. It is very user-friendly, with an easy to read style and many figures and color pictures illustrating concepts. I have used the book in my soil class at a community college since it was first introduced by the author and have not found anything that comes close to being as useful as this text."

Soil Science and Management, fifth edition emphasizes the human interaction with and effect on soils, rather than treating the soil as an independent element. Non-technical and easy-to-understand, Soil Science and Management, fifth edition teaches the essentials of soils from the perspective of farmers, horticulturalists, environmentalists and other who are concerned about how soils work and how they are used more effectively. An emphasis on management and the sustainable use of soil and water resources makes it especially relevant to these audiences. The inclusion of nutrient management, best practices and relevant legal issues and government programs make this text a practical application for readers. Four-color illustrations have been added through-out the text, making it a much more visually appealing book.

Edward Plaster has taught horticulture and soil science for 30 years. He belongs to the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) and the Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS). He is a Certified Professional Horticulturist, an ASHS program and is active in several national and local trade organizations.

1. The Importance of Soil. 2. Soil Origin and Development. 3. Soil Classification and Survey. 4. Physical Properties of Soil. 5. Life in the Soil. 6. Organic Matter. 7. Soil Water. 8. Water Conservation. 9. Drainage and Irrigation. 10. Soil Fertility. 11. Soil pH and Salinity. 12. Plant Nutrition. 13. Soil Sampling and Testing. 14. Fertilizers. 15. Organic Amendments. 16. Tillage and Cropping Systems. 17. Horticultural Uses of Soil. 18. Soil Conservation. 19. Urban Soil. 20. Government Agencies and Programs. Appendices. 1. Some Basic Chemistry. 2. Soil Orders of the United States. 3. Soil Horizon Symbol Suffixes. 4. Land Evaluation. 5. Preferred Soil Characteristics for Selected Trees. Glossary. Index.