Fundamentals of Soil Science

Contents: 1. Soil development. 2. Classification of soils. 3. Physical and chemical properties of soils. 4. Soil reaction. 5. Lime and its use. 6. Soil moisture. 7. Soil organisms—their relation to soils and soil productivity. 8. Soil organic matter. 9. Cover and green-manure crops. 10. Farm manures. 11. Nutrient requirement of plants. 12. Fertilizers and fertilizer materials. 13. Fertilizer practices. 14. Soil fertility maintenance and productivity rating of soil. 15. Soils and Agriculture of Arid regions. 16. Irrigation. 17. Fruit soils. 18. Lawn soils. 19. Soil resources. Glossary. Index.

"Designed as a text book, but equally useful as a reference source for scholars and others, this book offers all the necessary and desired information about soils and their culture. Beginning with classification of soils and their physical and chemical properties, it deals systematically with all such topics as soil acidity, soil moisture, soil organisms, accumulation of organic matter in soils, effect of manures and fertilizers on soils, soil fertility maintenance and development and management of alkali soils. Soil requirements for specific fruit crops have also been discussed.

"On the whole the book introduces the reader to soil as natural entities and their inherent characteristics; explains the basic relationship between soils and plants; and gives a clear understanding about the fundamental principles involved in the use of soil management practices.

"An exhaustive subject index for easy reference hunting and a detailed glossary of terms are other attractions of the book." (jacket)