Soil Resources and the Environment

This volume considers soil from two interrelated angles: as a resource and as an environmental medium. It is characterized by a broad-spectrum contextual approach and is modelling oriented. Emphasis is laid on the dynamics of the soil processes in terms of SPAC (Soil-Plant-Air Continuum). The book provides an overview as to how knowledge of the soil processes can be put to practical use to manage soil nutrients, conserve soil moisture, reduce soil degradation, reclaim salt-affected silds, build civil constructions, and prevent soil contamination. Attention is drawn to the impact of climate change on the soil processes and productivity of ecosystems, and ways and means of mitigating its adverse consequences. Brief accounts are provided about soil geochemistry in relation to health and disease, and economic minerals in the soils. The book should be of use to university students and professionals in the areas of earth and environmental sciences, resource management, geography, ecology, pedology, agriculture and civil engineering.