Urban Soils: Principles and Practice

The textbook discusses the increasing trend in urbanization of the world's population and its relation with urban soils, including their functions, formation, and importance. It covers spatial and statistical techniques, case studies, and current research developments. The book is intended for upper-level undergraduate and postgraduate students and professionals in the field.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 446 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

The growing trend of urbanization across the world is closely linked to the characteristics of urban soils. Written by experienced practitioners in university-level teaching and research, this textbook serves as a valuable educational resource while also providing readers with a comprehensive entry point into the primary literature. It offers comprehensive coverage of spatial and statistical (multivariate) techniques and case studies to illustrate key concepts and provide practical guidance on issues such as data collection and analysis.

The authors of this textbook stay updated with the latest developments in research and urban trends. For instance, in China, the proportion of the population living in cities has surged from 13% in 1950 to 45% in 2010, according to data from the World Bank. Australia is among the top ten urbanized countries globally, with approximately 90% of its population residing in cities, primarily along its coast. The most rapidly urbanizing populations are currently found in nations across the African continent.

Urban soils play diverse roles in urban areas, and their value is increasingly recognized by urban communities. These soils provide water, nutrients, and physical support for urban plant and animal communities, including parks, reserves, and gardens. They are also valued for their potential to produce food, with some regions using soils for building foundations or as building materials themselves. Urban hydrology relies on the presence of unsealed soils to protect aquifers and control floods.

This volume emphasizes the significance of urban ecosystems and the impacts of global change. It delves into the pedogenesis of urban soils, examining the natural materials influenced by urban phenomena and the natural processes acting on urban materials, including the influence of different climatic zones. The book also explores the role of soils in sustainable urban development, including topics such as soil remediation, urban agriculture, and green infrastructure.

In conclusion, this textbook offers a comprehensive and up-to-date exploration of urban soils, their characteristics, functions, and importance in the context of urbanization. It is an essential resource for students, researchers, and practitioners interested in urban environments, sustainability, and environmental management.

Weight: 700g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030873189
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022