Fundamentals of Soil Ecology

The 3rd Edition of Fundamentals of Soil Ecology provides a comprehensive understanding of soil biology and ecosystem function, emphasizing the importance of soils as the organizing center for terrestrial ecosystems. It is updated with an expanded treatment of microbial ecology and new sections on molecular techniques and climate change research, making it an essential resource for researchers and students in soil ecology and microbiology.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 376 pages
Publication date: 29 October 2020
Publisher: Elsevier Science Publishing Co Inc

The third edition of Fundamentals of Soil Ecology provides a comprehensive and holistic approach to soil biology and ecosystem function, offering students and ecosystem researchers a deeper understanding of the critical roles that soils play in the development and functioning of ecosystems. The text highlights the growing significance of soils as the organizing center for all terrestrial ecosystems, providing an overview of soil ecology theory and practice from an ecosystem and evolutionary biology perspective. This revised edition is extensively updated, featuring an expanded treatment of microbial ecology and new sections on advancements in molecular techniques and climate change research. These updates make the third edition an indispensable resource for researchers and students in soil ecology and microbiology.

Soil ecology is a multidisciplinary field that encompasses the study of soil organisms, their interactions, and their roles in ecosystems. It is essential for understanding the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems and their response to environmental changes. The third edition of Fundamentals of Soil Ecology provides a comprehensive and up-to-date introduction to the field, covering key concepts such as soil formation, soil properties, soil biodiversity, soil nutrient cycling, and soil-plant-environment interactions.

One of the key strengths of this text is its holistic approach to soil ecology. It recognizes that soils are not just a physical medium but also a complex ecosystem that is shaped by a wide range of biological, chemical, and physical factors. The text emphasizes the importance of understanding these factors in order to understand soil function and ecosystem health.

The third edition of Fundamentals of Soil Ecology also includes an expanded treatment of microbial ecology. Microbes are essential for soil function, and their diversity and activity play a critical role in soil nutrient cycling, decomposition of organic matter, and the production of greenhouse gases. The text provides a detailed overview of the different types of microbes found in soils, their ecological roles, and their interactions with other soil organisms.

In addition to microbial ecology, the third edition of Fundamentals of Soil Ecology includes new sections on advances in molecular techniques and climate change research. These topics are increasingly important in soil ecology as researchers seek to understand the complex interactions between soils, plants, and the environment. The text provides a comprehensive overview of these techniques, including DNA sequencing, metagenomics, and remote sensing, and their applications in soil ecology research.

Another important feature of the third edition of Fundamentals of Soil Ecology is its emphasis on practical applications. The text includes case studies and examples from a wide range of ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, and deserts, to illustrate the importance of soil ecology in understanding and managing these ecosystems. These examples help students to connect the theoretical concepts discussed in the text with real-world applications and to develop a deeper understanding of the field.

Overall, the third edition of Fundamentals of Soil Ecology is an excellent resource for students and researchers in soil ecology and related fields. It provides a comprehensive and up-to-date introduction to the field, covering key concepts, microbial ecology, advances in molecular techniques, and practical applications. The text's holistic approach and emphasis on practical applications make it an essential resource for anyone seeking to understand the critical roles that soils play in the development and functioning of terrestrial ecosystems.

Weight: 782g
Dimension: 191 x 233 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780128052518
Edition number: 3 ed