Essential Soil Science: a Clear and Concise Introduction to Soil Science

ESSENTIAL SOIL SCIENCE: A CLEAR AND CONCISE INTRODUCTION TO SOIL

SCIENCE. By M.R. Astiman and G. Puri. Oxford: Blackwell Science Ltd. $39.95 (pb). vi;

198 pp; ill; index. ISBN 0-632-04885-9. 2002.

This book is targeted mainly at students, with the aim of introducing them to the basic principles for soil science. It is written primarily for more general students who are not specializing in soil science, but need to acquire skills in the subject as part of a broadly based modular - type degree course. Hence, it is designed to be an inexpensive, but informative guide to the general principles of the soil science subjects discussed including: soil formation, soil structure, microbial activity and nutrient cycling, soil classification, soil improvement for agricultural production and soil contamination and erosion.

The book was written by two scientists at the Institute for Arable Crop Research,

Rothamsted, Harpenden, U.K.; which is an institution which has a long-standing history of excellence in soil science. It is written clearly, is well-illustrated and achieves its aim, to present the more important physical and chemical aspects of soil science, to students in a relatively brief and succinct format. Its main shortcoming is that it deals relatively superficially with some of the biological components of soil systems, such as soil- inhabiting invertebrates, which are increasingly recognized as of major importance in the function of soil systems and the maintenance of soil fertility. For instance, the discussion on earthworms, which play a major role in organic matter breakdown and nutrient cycling, is limited to a single paragraph in a chapter entitled, ‘Soil Microbes and Nutrient

Cycling.’ Within these limitations, the book will provide a useful and relatively inexpensive source for students and people requiring information on the basic principles of soil science providing they are prepared to supplement their reading by consulting texts on soil microbiology and ecology.

CLIVE A. EDWARDS

Professor of Entomology and

Environmental Science

Soil Ecology Laboratory

The Ohio State University

Ohio, USA