Product Description

A comprehensive introduction to soils and the workings of soil systems, this volume features learning tools in each chapter such as summaries, essay questions, guides for further reading, lots of tables, boxes and figures to aid student learning.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #941399 in Books
• Published on: 2000-06-22
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 264 pages

Review
'An extremely well-written introductory text that guides the reader through the nature and properties of soils, their classification and distribution.' - Geography

'A good introduction to the basics of soils' - Area 34:3

From the Back Cover
Fundamentals of Soils presents a comprehensive and engaging introduction to soils and the workings of soil systems. Starting with an introduction to the nature of soils, what soil is and the basic character of soil systems the book goes on to look at:
* soil properties
* soil processes
* controls on soil formation
* soil classification
* world soils
* soil patterns
* soil degradation.
Written in a lively and accessible manner and including end of chapter summaries, essay questions and guides for further reading, Fundamentals of Soils provides an appealing introduction for students to all the key areas of this essential aspect of physical geography.

Customer Reviews

Not so fundamental
There is no doubt that the author has a lot of knowledge in the area of soils, but this book does not disseminate that information well. The title gives the impression that the book talks about the basics (fundamentals) of soils, however the information fails to cover the simpler subjects and jumps around making it difficult to find what the reader is looking for. The Index is incomplete on the technical terms used; for example there is no index to the important carbon and nitrogen cycles that are covered in depth in the text, and no index to the term 'infiltration capacity' highlighted and described in the text. However it does index less important items such as one paragraph that mentions bees, grasshoppers and other animals. Referring now to the Contents, it is too brief, giving only chapter headings and no breakdown of chapter contents. It is difficult to answer the simplest of questions, or find the cross-references mentioned in various parts of the text. Phrases such as 'have already been discussed' and 'was mentioned earlier', combined with the poor referencing system, have left me drawing a blank trying to find cross-references. Chapter 8 (Soil Degradation) is introduced stating that the title 'Soil Use and Management' might be a more appropriate title; however there is no mention of soil management in the chapter. There are also some errors in the text (incorrect units and mathematical signs). On the positive side, each chapter finishes with a set of questions to test the reader's knowledge. It is a shame that the author's obvious wealth of knowledge on the subject has not been presented more clearly.