Introduction to Soil Science

Book excerpt: Soil science is the study of soil, including its formulation, classification and mapping. It examines the physical, biological, chemical and fertility properties of different types of soils available on the earth's surface. Soil science studies such properties concerning the use and management of soils. The two main branches of soil science are pedology and edaphology. Pedology deals with the formation, morphology, chemistry and classification of soil. Edaphology is concerned with the interaction of soil with living things, particularly plants. Some of the areas of study under this discipline include soil genesis, soil morphology, soil microbiology, soil mechanics and agricultural soil science. This textbook explores all the important aspects of soil science in the present day scenario. It elucidates new techniques and their applications in a multidisciplinary approach. The coherent flow of topics, student-friendly language and extensive use of examples make this book an invaluable source of knowledge.