History of Soil Science

Viac o knihe

These papers highlight the critical role of soils in both natural and managed ecosystems. Understanding environmental impacts on these ecosystems necessitates knowledge of soil processes at various scales, from molecular to landscape. The properties and distribution of soils and their minerals serve as valuable indicators of current and historical environmental conditions. Soils and minerals respond to biogeochemical factors influenced by local, regional, or global processes. Through case studies, the text illustrates connections between measurable soil and mineral properties and the processes that shape the weathering environment, including layer silicates, carbonates, sulfides, and iron and aluminum oxides. Several papers focus on biotic factors in soil systems, their sensitivity to management practices, and the often-overlooked interactions between organic and inorganic components of soils and surface waters. Additionally, the text acknowledges the inherent spatial and temporal variability of soils and landscapes, which must be quantified and managed to maintain ecological and environmental harmony. Special consideration is given to the buffering function of soils and its significance for nutrient release and flux in terrestrial ecosystems.