Soils and Environmental Quality

by Gary M. Pierzynski, George F. Vance, James T. Sims

Soils play an important role in environmental quality, as they can be a source or interacting medium for many contaminants. This book first presents an overview of basic soil science, hydrology, and the classification of pollutants. This is followed by a more detailed discussion of the role of soils and humans in the biogeochemical cycling of a number of soil contaminants and substances of environmental concern. Nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, trace elements, organic chemicals, greenhouse gases, and acid precipitation are discussed in depth. Interactions between the soil ecosystem and aquatic and atmospheric environments are emphasized.
Soils and Environmental Quality is an excellent textbook for upper-level undergraduate classes that emphasize soil and the environment, as well as for courses in soil science, forestry, and environmental sciences. Individuals needing a solid background in soils and their relationships (such as environmental regulations and environmental remediation) to the environment will also find this book very useful.

313 pages, Hardcover

First published December 7, 1993