This book is an introduction to soil science and describes the development of soils, their characteristics and material composition, and their functions in terrestrial and aquatic environments. Soil functions include the delivery of goods and services for human society, such as food, clean water, and the maintenance of biodiversity.


This concise yet comprehensive text is supplemented throughout with colour illustrations, diagrams, and tables. It is ideal reading for all those looking to understand soils, their functions, their importance in terrestrial and aquatic environments, and their contribution to the development of human society. It will provide a valuable resource for teachers, practitioners, and students of soil science, agriculture, farming, forestry, gardening, terrestrial and aquatic ecology, and environmental engineering.