Abstract

This fully revised and expanded edition of Fundamentals of Soil Ecology continues its holistic approach to soil biology and ecosystem function. Students and ecosystem researchers will gain a greater understanding of the central roles that soils play in ecosystem development and function. The authors emphasize the increasing importance of soils as the organizing center for all terrestrial ecosystems and provide an overview of theory and practice of soil ecology, both from an ecosystem and evolutionary biology point of view. This volume contains updated and greatly expanded coverage of all belowground biota (roots, microbes and fauna) and methods to identify and determine its distribution and abundance. New chapters are provided on soil biodiversity and its relationship to ecosystem processes, suggested laboratory and field methods to measure biota and their activities in ecosystems..
* Contains over 60% new material and 150 more pages
* Includes new chapters on soil biodiversity and its relationship to ecosystem function
* Outlines suggested laboratory and field methods
* Incorporates new pedagogical features
* Combines theoretical and practical approaches
"This book is by highly respected authors on a very active subject...it will give an excellent education on soil organisms and their general behavior."
-P.B.H. Tinker, in EXPERIMENTAL AGRICULTURE, VOL. 41, 2005
"...a very well written and organized book, with its major strength in stating the various topics as 'state of the art,' along with the authors' visions for the near future of soil ecology."
-Hector Causarano, Auburn University, in VADOSE ZONE JOURNAL, 2005
"This updated and expanded edition will be useful as a textbook for students of soil ecology and scientists doing research in this field."
-Northeastern Naturalist
"The writing is erudite, yet with a clear and easy style, sprinkled with anecdotes that make for an engaging read...an excellent reference ."
- Keith Paustian, Colorado State University, in AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS
"...an eye-opener and a fascinating journey...This clarity is to be appreciated by every academic teacher and makes it fun reading."
- ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY
"...an excellent introduction to the field of soil ecology and is essential reading for any student or researcher...I recommend this book strongly."
- Richard Bardgett, Institute of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Soil and Ecosystem Ecology Laboratory in Bioscience
"This book remains my choice of texts for students and would be recommended for anyone with an interest in soils..." - John Dighton, Director, Rutgers University Pinelands Field Station, U.S.A.
"[The authors] bring together the most recent information on soil science, soil zoology and ecology, in a comprehensive, well-written book." - Diana Wall, Professor and Director, Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State University, U.S.A.
"This book provides a balanced and comprehensive perspective on the multi-disciplinary nature of soil ecology." - Deborah Neher, University of Toledo, Ohio, U.S.A.
"Fundamentals of Soil Ecology...is a thorough, well-researched presentation of current trends in soil ecology. I highly recommend this book." - Thomas L. Thompson, Professor of Soil Science, University of Arizona