Soil in the Environment: Crucible of Terrestrial Life

by Daniel J. Hillel

Soil in the Environment is key for every course in soil science, earth science, and environmental disciplines. This textbook engages students to critically look at soil as the central link in the function and creation of the terrestrial environment. For the first time, Dr. Hillel brilliantly discusses soils as a natural body that is engaged in dynamic interaction with the atmosphere above and the strata below that influences the planet's climate and hydrological cycle, and serves as the primary habitat for a versatile community of living organisms. The book offers a larger perspective of soil’s impact on the environment by organizing chapters among three main Physical, Chemical, and Biology. It is organized in a student-friendly format with examples, discussion boxes, and key definitions in every chapter. The book provides students of geology, physical science, and environmental studies with fundamental information and tools for meeting the natural resource challenges of the 21st century, while providing students of soil science and ecology with the understanding of physical and biological interactions necessary for sustainability.

320 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2007

About the author

Daniel Hillel is professor emeritus of environmental studies, University of Massachusetts, and senior research scientist, Center for Climate Systems Research, Columbia University.

Reviews

[Keith Akers]

I looked at this and read a few chapters (maybe about 1/3).

This is a textbook, so it's hard to categorize (and hard to rate as well). It is well organized and seems to cover most of the things that a textbook on soils should do. Things are clearly explained. I found out what makes a soil acidic or alkaline (has to do with hydrogen ions). I would have liked to have seen a discussion of grazing systems and their impact on soils.