Firmly based in soil science, this book addresses the fundamental science and engineering of land degradation and rehabilitation. It begins with a discussion of natural ground profiles dealing with soil science and the underlying geology, the functions of natural ground and ground engineering properties. The author then introduces three basic mechanisms of ground degradation are introduced: erosion, chemical degradation and physical degradation. He covers remediation, including strategies and techniques to investigate the ground and remediation measures. Finally, the book outlines issues of land protection and discusses a general strategy of sustainable land management.