Principles, Application and Assessment in Soil Science

Our dependence on soil, and our interest about it, is prominent to the investigation of changes within soil processes. The diversity and dynamics of soil are facilitating new discoveries and insights, which help us to understand the deviations in soil processes. Consequently, this allows us to take the necessary measures for soil protection, thus promoting soil health. Soil is a natural body comprised of solids (minerals and organic matter), liquid, and gases that occurs on the land surface, occupies space, and is characterised by one or both of the following: horizons, or layers, that are distinguishable from the initial material as a result of additions, losses, transfers, and transformations of energy and matter or the ability to support rooted plants in a natural environment. Soil science is the study of soil as a natural resource on the surface of the Earth including soil formation, classification and mapping; physical, chemical, biological, and fertility properties of soils; and these properties in relation to the use and management of soils. The study of mans impact on the soil has been around for a long time. From the basic concepts of agriculture to crop rotation to modern lab-mixed soils and fertilisers, all these ideas come from studying the soil and how humans use it. Even so, it wasnt until the 20th century that the field of soil science became a recognised scientific discipline. While many of the usages of soil science are well known, even to a layperson, some are less obvious. These fields work heavily with ground contamination remediation from landfills, toxic dumping and ecological accidents. The book covers an up-to-date account of the current state of knowledge in recent practices and assessments in soil science. Furthermore, it presents an inclusive evaluation of the effect of residue/waste application on soil properties and, additional, on the mechanism of plant adaptation and plant growth.