The Architecture and Biology of Soils

The Architecture and Biology of Soils

Author: Karl Ritz

Publisher: CABI

Published: 2011

Total Pages: 254

ISBN-13: 1845935322

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Soil is a fundamental and critical component of terrestrial ecosystems, but one that is often overlooked. It is an extremely complex environment, both in terms of its physical structure and in that it supports levels of biodiversity far greater than those found above ground in any ecosystem. Bringing together existing knowledge across many areas of soil biology and physics, this book develops the concept of soil architecture and explores key characteristics of the remarkable `inner space' of the soil. The authors consider how such structure develops through time and the consequences this has for life underground. They also explore the interactions between the biological and physical components of the soil and how they relate to its many functions, in order to demonstrate the key role of soil architecture in underpinning ecosystem dynamics. The diverse but richly interrelated perspectives offered in this book make it an essential resource for researchers and students in soil and environmental sciences, terrestrial ecology, plant sciences and microbiology.


The Biology of Soil

The Biology of Soil

Author: Richard Bardgett

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2005-06-02

Total Pages: 260

ISBN-13: 9780198525035

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Soil science has undergone a renaissance with increasing awareness of the importance of soil organisms and below-ground biotic interactions as drivers of community and ecosystem properties.


The Architecture and Biology of Soils

The Architecture and Biology of Soils

Author: Karl Ritz

Publisher: CABI

Published: 2011

Total Pages: 244

ISBN-13: 9781845935337

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Soil is a fundamental and critical, yet often overlooked, component of terrestrial ecosystems. It is an extremely complex environment, supporting levels of diversity far greater than any ecosystem above ground. This book explores how soil structure develops and the consequences this has for life underground. The effects of spatial arrangement, of soil's physical and biological components on their interaction and function are used to demonstrate their roles in ecosystem dynamics.


Principles and Applications of Soil Microbiology

Principles and Applications of Soil Microbiology

Author: Terry Gentry

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2021-06-06

Total Pages: 744

ISBN-13: 0323851401

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Written by leading experts in their respective fields, Principles and Applications of Soil Microbiology 3e, provides a comprehensive, balanced introduction to soil microbiology, and captures the rapid advances in the field such as recent discoveries regarding habitats and organisms, microbially mediated transformations, and applied environmental topics. Carefully edited for ease of reading, it aids users by providing an excellent multi-authored reference, the type of book that is continually used in the field. Background information is provided in the first part of the book for ease of comprehension. The following chapters then describe such fundamental topics as soil environment and microbial processes, microbial groups and their interactions, and thoroughly addresses critical nutrient cycles and important environmental and agricultural applications. An excellent textbook and desk reference, Principles and Applications of Soil Microbiology, 3e, provides readers with broad, foundational coverage of the vast array of microorganisms that live in soil and the major biogeochemical processes they control. Soil scientists, environmental scientists, and others, including soil health and conservation specialists, will find this material invaluable for understanding the amazingly diverse world of soil microbiology, managing agricultural and environmental systems, and formulating environmental policy. - Includes discussion of major microbial methods, embedded within topical chapters - Includes information boxes and case studies throughout the text to illustrate major concepts and connect fundamental knowledge with potential applications - Study questions at the end of each chapter allow readers to evaluate their understanding of the materials


Soils in Natural Landscapes

Soils in Natural Landscapes

Author: Earl B. Alexander

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2013-10-21

Total Pages: 319

ISBN-13: 1466594365

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In any complete investigation of terrestrial ecosystems, rocks and soils must be considered. Soils are essential resources, providing water and nutrients for vascular plants, and mitigating the flow of water from the land. In addition, soil diversity is critical for biotic diversity. While there are many references on the agricultural perspective o


Soils and Foundations for Architects and Engineers

Soils and Foundations for Architects and Engineers

Author: Chester I. Duncan

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 427

ISBN-13: 1461554179

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Soils and Foundations for Architects and Engineers, Second Edition is a practical guide to the technology of soil mechanics and foundations, and the application of that technology to the design and construction process. This text provides an up-to-date overview of the classification of soils, the design of foundations, and the behavior of soils under load. Particular emphasis has been given to the subject of piles, piers, and caissons, and to the design and details of construction of basement and retaining walls. New to this edition: Expanded coverage of shear strength of soils, settlement analysis, and expansive soil. Design requirements for prestressed tiebacks, tiedowns, and rock anchors. Expansion of information on pile driving techniques including the use of the Engineering News Formula. A table of British-metric conversions. Many new solved problems and illustrations. In addition to the numerous new improvements, the author also includes: effects of high water tables on architectural and engineering considerations, design of shear keys used in the transfer of lateral earth pressure from a wall to the supporting element, various drainage alternatives to the structural treatment of adjacent footings, and much more. Soils and Foundations for Architects and Engineers, Second Edition can be used in advanced undergraduate and graduate level courses offered in architectural engineering and civil engineering, as well as be used as a reference book by practicing architects, insurance adjusters and attorneys who litigate or adjudicate claims involving soils and foundations.


Structure and Organic Matter Storage in Agricultural Soils

Structure and Organic Matter Storage in Agricultural Soils

Author: M.R. Carter

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 1995-10-23

Total Pages: 502

ISBN-13: 9781566700337

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Soils comprise the largest pool of terrestrial carbon and therefore are an important component of carbon storage in the biosphere-atmosphere system. Structure and Organic Matter Storage in Agricultural Soils explores the mechanisms and processes involved in the storage and sequestration of carbon in soils. Focusing on agricultural soils - from tropical to semi-arid types - this new book provides an in-depth look at structure, aggregation, and organic matter retention in world soils. The first two sections of the book introduce readers to the basic issues and scientific concepts, including soil structure, underlying mechanisms and processes, and the importance of agroecosystems as carbon regulators. The third section provides detailed discussions of soil aggregation and organic matter storage under various climates, soil types, and soil management practices. The fourth section addresses current strategies for enhancing organic matter storage in soil, modelling techniques, and measurement methods. Throughout the book, the importance of the soil structure-organic matter storage relationship is emphasized. Anyone involved in soil science, agriculture, agronomy, plant science, or greenhouse gas and global change studies should understand this relationship. Structure and Organic Matter Storage in Agricultural Soils provides an ideal source of information not only on the soil structure-storage relationship itself, but also on key research efforts and direct applications related to the storage of organic matter in agricultural soils.