University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore

The small book is truly a 'tour de force' of condensation of the essentials of scientific knowledge and approaches to soil science. The vision for and delivery of a credible, unique, and potentially impactful educational resource is to be commended by our teaching and research profession.

Includes Glossary and appendices.

Soil science -- Origin of earth -- Soil forming rocks -- Soil forming minerals -- Weathering of rocks -- Weathering of minerals -- Soil forming factors -- Soil forming process -- Development of soil profile -- Physical properties of soil -- Soil texure -- Bulk density and particle density of soil -- Pore space and porosity of soil -- Soil colour -- Soil structure -- Soil consistency -- Soil air -- Soil temperature -- Soil water -- Soil colloids, organic colloids and humus -- Soil organic matter -- Humus -- Ion exchange - Soil pH and nutrient availability -- Buffering capacity of soil and its importance -- Soil degradation -- Laboratory safety-generall safety rules -- Recommended safety and emergency equipments for the laboratory -- Glossary and appendices.