Abstract

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 processes: 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.

• First textbook to unite soil science and the environment beyond what is traditionally taught
• Incorporates current knowledge of such hot topics as climate change, pollution control, human expropriation of natural resources, and the prospects for harmonious and sustainable development
• Organized in a student-friendly format with examples, discussion boxes, and key definitions in every chapter
• Full color throughout

"What a great textbook for students of the environmental sciences...very well written and organized book with historical and modern perspectives...WOW!"
- Dr. Leticia S. Sonon, Soil, Plant, and Water Laboratory, University of Georgia, Athens, USA
"The most readable text yet published on the subject...completely fulfilling...a rich background in ecological interactions..."
- Dr. Ronald Smith, North Dakota State University, Department of Plant Sciences, Fargo, USA
"This text is the right resource for the right time, it's perfect for the new type of introductory soil course."
- Steve Thien, Kansas State University, USA
"...an excellent introductory text...outstanding choice as the text for a university core science course introducing students to soil science.The ample use of color figures and diagrams is partcularly striking."
- Dr. Robert L. Hill, Professor of Soil Physics, Soil & Water Management, Dep. of Environmental Science & Technology, University of Maryland College Park, USA
"...full of fascination and passion...vividly depicts the importance of soil and why we should care about it...perfect tool for captivating new generations."
- Nadia Martínez-Villegas, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, USA
"This is definitely a text for use in college soil physics classes, an excellent one for reference for horticulturists like myself."
- Dr. Ronald Smith, North Dakota State University, Department of Plant Sciences, Fargo, USA
"An excellent teaching tool...Students and instructors will find the glossary presented at the end of the book very useful..."
- Dave Goorahoo, California State University, Fresno, USA
"I plan to use it with other references for teaching soil science course (for sophomore students) in the college of agriculture sciences. "
- Ahmed Al-wadaey