Soil Ecology

Soil Ecology is an exciting textbook for all those concerned with the environment. The author meets the increasing challenge faced by environmental scientists, ecologists, agriculturalists and biotechnologists for an integrated approach to soil ecology. Intellectually enticing and yet eminently readable, the book sets out both fundamental theory and principle to give the reader a thorough grounding in soil ecology. The author emphasises the interrelations between plants, animals and microbes. The fundamental physical and chemical properties of the soil habitat are clearly set out, enabling the reader to explore and understand the processes of soil nutrient cycling and the ecology of extreme soil environments. The book will appeal to advanced undergraduates and graduates in environmental science, plant science, ecology, microbiology and agriculture. "...Advanced undergraduates, graduates, and faculty in soil science or any related discipline will value Kilham's unique perspective." M.G. Messina, Choice "...highly readable and will likely serve to excite undergraduates, even those not previously exposed to soil science, with an appreciation for the diversity of conditions and organisms occurring in soils...will likely serve to interest undergraduates and beginning graduate students in basic and applied aspects of soil ecology." Knute Nadelhoffer, Ecoscience "Soil Ecology emphasizes microbes but maintains a broad outlook. It is an excellent exposition of soil ecology. The text belongs on the bookshelf of any biologist interested in the environment and of some biologists who should be. I enjoyed reading the book and recommend it highly." D. A. Crossley Jr., BioScience "...Kilham treads his way warily and largely successfully...the outcome is a well-integrated book..." Peter Moore, New Scientist "A definite must for all who are interested in ecology, environmental science, plant science, microbiology, and agriculture." Northeastern NaturalistForeword; Introduction; 1. The soil environment; 2. The soil biota; 3. Ecological interactions between the soil biota; 4. The ecology of soil nutrient cycling; 5. Ecology of extreme soil environments - soil water stress; 6. Ecology of polluted soils; 7. Manipulation of soil ecology - 'soil biotechnology; References; Further reading; Index.