Soil Science Simplified

by Neal S. Eash

Soil Science Simplified, Fifth Edition is a significant update and revision of the classic introductory soils text. The new edition includes greater coverage of non-agricultural uses of soils ranging from municipal to engineering uses, as well as an expanded discussion of environmental uses of soils and soil conservation. In addition, the chapters covering the basic scientific aspects of soil from its physical, chemical and biological properties to basic formation will be thorougly revised and updated.
Soil Science Simplified will serve as a valuable introduction to soil science that addresses many new developments to this ever-changing field while maintaining the elements that have made it a user-friendly introductory text for more than 25 years. This text will be essential reading for anyone studying soil science as well as professionals working with this valuable resource.

Genres: Science, Gardening, School

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[Ava-Rose Beech · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to this on audio book as some extra QE prep while I’m doing other stuff and it is pretty good! Glosses over a few things but gives a nice overview of major topics, biogeochemistry, food webs, texture, physics, pH, structure, very broad overview of taxonomy. I enjoyed listening!

[Safaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite being focused on the U.S. landscape, the content is quite fundamental and can be applied to other continents

[Leah Markum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soil science can be a difficult subject, and is one of those subjects that seem minimal from a distance but intimidatingly complex and jargon-heavy up close. Soil Science Simplified makes the transition of overgeneralizing naivety to in-depth working knowledge painless. The 229 actual reading pages are broken into chapters that slowly integrate. By the time one reads the applied soil science chapters, the basic soil science flash with recognition and weave together logically. Many textbooks don't do this or are too surreptitious for average student to detect.

Subheadings with common sense topics slice chapters into segments that should welcome even non-science nerds. If that isn't enough, there are dozens of ink diagrams to illustrate most concepts that aren't intuitive. In fact, I'm sure I could have scanned only the illustrations and still be happy with how much I learned. The authors seemingly magically explained whole chapters on soil formation and soil taxonomy--arguably the most jargon-rich, and technically advanced subjects--without losing me.

This is an ideal book for someone who wants to learn soil science but not on the technical level of a student majoring in a physical science, or someone who wants a lighter introduction to the subject before diving into heavier material.

[William · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the authors (Aga Razvi) is on the faculty at UW-Stevens Point.

I was particularly interested in the chapters on soil biological properties, soil water, and soil fertility.

Worth reading more than once.

[Monique]

a must for anyone studying soil composition who didnt major in science. Love it - invaluable!