Soil Science and Management

by Edward J. Plaster

Essential to the understanding of sustainable agriculture, the effect of human activity on soil, and the management of soil and water resources including soil nutrition and other influences, this is a solid reference and learning tool. Non-technical, and easy-to-understand, Soil Science and Management, 4E teaches the essentials of soils from the perspective of farmers, horticulturists, environmentalists, and others who are concerned about how soils work and how they are used most effectively. An emphasis on management and the sustainable use of soils and water resources make it especially relevant to these audiences. Nutrient management, best practices and relevant legal issues and government programs related to soil management make this book a popular addition to the bookshelves of farmers, horticulturists and government agricultural personnel alike.

Genres: Nonfiction, Textbooks, Horticulture

455 pages, Hardcover

First published December 19, 1996

Reviews

[Jennifer]

I now know way more than I ever wanted to about tillage, plows, and fertilizers. Growing food is harder than it sounds! The good thing about working in wildland management is that the plants grow themselves.

Some good stuff in here about soil texture, chemistry, cation exchange, and conservation. I'll probably keep it as a reference.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's not dirt - and it's WAY more interesting than you would think! Not a light read, but very good text for a 200 level college course.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not really the intended audience of this book, being a home gardener rather than a student, but I enjoyed it just the same. The book is much easier to read than I expected, with plenty of white space and pictures to make it easy on the eyes. I was interested to see the inclusion of topics like city gardening, an in-depth look at animal manures, and even a cameo appearance of permaculture in addition to the basics that you'd expect.

But the heart of the book, of course, is a look at what makes soil do its job, and that part of the book really helped fill in a lot of gaps in my education. I'm confident I'll make better choices in the garden now with this book's information under my belt. Yes, I would have preferred not to pay $180 for a used copy of a book, but none of the soil books geared to laymen that I've read so far have been worth their salt. So I guess a textbook is worth the higher price if it really delivers.

[Zach · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book because we were talking about this in natural resources. This also just backed up what we learned in natural resources. This book really got me interested because it added to what Mr. De Haan taught us. Overall I think people that are interested in what are soil was made up of when the settlers came, it would be a good book for them because it teaches you about that stuff. This would also be a good book for people that are interested in soil and how we got what we got in our soil.

[Richelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A practical overview of what soil is and how those of us who enjoy working in the dirt might be better connoisseurs of this marvelous life-giving substance. I read it last year and could definitely use a refresher, as much of it had to do with the *science* of soil (as in, chemistry, geology, math, etc.). When I have my own house and garden I will look to it again and hopefully reap the benefits. In gardening, healthy plants almost exclusively rely on the right kind of soil! Woot.

[Theodora Mathobisa]

I have just started reading this book but already learning a lot.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very useful clear text book. Seems like it could be very useful again as a reference book as well as presenting a number of important concepts about soil properties, health, and care. Definately enjoyed it and will keep a copy.

[Ryan Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read the previous edition and plan on rereading the new one. It is a great introduction to pedology.