University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore

Proceedings of a symposium held at the 15th International Congress of Soil Science, Acapulco, Mexico, July 10-16, 1994.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Ch. 1. Interrelationships Between Soil Structure, Soil Organisms, and Plants in Sustainable Agriculture / L. Brussaard -- Ch. 2. Interactions Between Soil Biota, Soil Organic Matter, and Soil Structure / J. Hassink, F.J. Matus and C. Chenu [and others] -- Ch. 3. Fungal and Bacterial Pathways of Organic Matter Decomposition and Nitrogen Mineralization in Arable Soils / M.H. Beare -- Ch. 4. Roots as Sinks and Sources of Nutrients and Carbon in Agricultural Systems / M. van Noordwijk and G. Brouwer -- Ch. 5. Mycorrhizal Interactions with Plants and Soil Organisms in Sustainable Agroecosystems / J. Perez-Moreno and R. Ferrera-Cerrato -- Ch. 6. Role of Earthworms in Traditional and Improved Low-Input Agricultural Systems in West Africa / S. Hauser, B. Vanlauwe and D.O. Asawalam [and others] -- Ch. 7. Biological Management of Soil Fertility as a Component of Sustainable Agriculture: Perspectives and Prospects with Particular Reference to Tropical Regions / M.J. Swift.

Agricultural soil is presented as a distinct and manageable part of agroecosystems. Chapters 1-6 cover basic studies, with some focusing on the dual nature of roots and soil organic matter as sinks and sources of carbon and nutrients. Other studies focus on the effects of structure-following and structure-forming soil organisms on biochemical and biophysical processes. Chapter 7 takes a more holistic approach, combines basic knowledge together at the agroecosystem level and discusses developing biological management practices that optimize soil properties for sustained agricultural use