Current Topics in Soil Science: An Environmental Approach

Soil is a vital but often overlooked component of the climate system, serving as the second-largest carbon store after the oceans. Climate change puts soil under pressure, with increased carbon dioxide concentration potentially releasing more carbon dioxide. Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns affect soil moisture content. This book addresses soil degradation, pollution, and the impact of climate change, divided into five parts: soil science, physics, chemistry, biology, and environment. It highlights the importance of proper soil management to maintain soil quality and mitigate environmental problems.

Format: Hardback
Length: 268 pages
Publication date: 30 April 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Soil, a vital yet often overlooked component of the climate system, holds the second-largest carbon storage capacity after the oceans. Despite its fundamental role in supporting life on Earth, concerns related to soil often fall short of being recognized as a significant environmental issue. Climate change exerts significant pressure on soil, with the increasing concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere potentially accelerating the breakdown of organic matter by soil microbes, leading to the release of even more carbon dioxide. Moreover, rising temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns continue to impact soil moisture content, with future projections indicating that this trend may persist.

This book aims to address current environmental challenges related to soil, focusing on soil degradation, pollution, and the impact of climate change on soil. It presents solutions primarily based on mitigating soil degradation, preventing soil pollution, and adapting to the effects of climate change on soil. The book is organized into five parts: soil science, soil physics, soil chemistry, soil biology, and soil environment.

The first part, "Soil Science," serves as an introduction to the book, covering topics such as soil formation, mineralogy, taxonomy, quality, and analytical techniques. It provides a foundational understanding of soil properties and processes.

The second part, "Soil Physics," delves into the physical properties and processes of soil, exploring their association with air, water, and temperature. It discusses soil structure, water retention, erosion, and the role of soil in climate regulation.

The third part, "Soil Chemistry," explores the chemical reactions and processes between inorganic and organic components within soil. It discusses soil composition, nutrient cycling, pH, and the role of organic matter in soil fertility and health.

The fourth part, "Soil Biology," focuses on the biological properties and processes of soil, including soil organisms, microorganisms, and their interactions with the environment. It discusses soil biodiversity, soil respiration, nutrient uptake, and the role of soil in carbon sequestration.

The final part, "Soil Environment," examines the interactions between soil and other environmental factors, such as land use, urbanization, and pollution. It discusses soil conservation, restoration, and sustainable land management practices to protect and preserve soil resources.

In conclusion, soil is a critical yet often neglected element of the climate system. Climate change poses significant challenges to soil, but by addressing soil degradation, pollution, and climate change adaptation, we can safeguard the health and productivity of our soils for future generations. This book provides valuable insights into current environmental issues related to soil and offers practical solutions for sustainable soil management.

Weight: 606g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030926687
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022