The Nature and Properties of Soils

Contents: The soils around us - Origin, nature, and classification of parent materials - Soil formation, classification, and survey - Physical properties of mineral soils - Soil water: Characteristics and behavior - Soil air and soil temperature - Soil colloids: Their nature and practical significance - Soil reaction: Acidity and alkalinity - Organisms in the soil - Soil organic matters and organic soils - Nitrogen and sulfur economy of soils - Phosphorus and potassium - Micronutrient elements - Losses of soil moisture and their regulation - Soil erosion and its control - Fertilizers and fertilizer management - Recycling nutrients through animal manures and other organic wastes - Soils and chemical pollution - Soils and the world's food supply. Illustrated with maps, drawings, diagrams, photographs and tables. Includes two appendices, glossary, and index. Born in Colorado, Nyle C. Brady earned his BS in chemistry from Brigham Young University in 1941 and his PhD in soil science from North Carolina State University in 1947. Dr. Brady has worked in education, research and research administration, focusing on both international and U.S. issues. He is Emeritus Professor at Cornell.