Soil Science ─ Sustainable Production and Environmental Protection

Soil is an important and complex part of our environment. This new edition of Soil Science: Sustainable Production and Environmental Protection introduces the basic soil science theory that is essential for the proper use and maintenance of this resource. The authors have provided a straightforward introduction to soil science that is specifically designed for New Zealand.
While still dealing comprehensively with soil fertility and productivity issues, the new edition places a greater emphasis on the sustainability of land use and the impact of soil management on the wider environment, reflecting changing attitudes to the ecological role of soils. It also incorporates the new New Zealand Soil Classification system and discusses changes in the way in which fertilizer recommendations are made. Other topics covered are pedology, soil chemistry and fertility, soil physics, soil management and the distribution of soils in New Zealand. Each subject has been placed in a New Zealand context, and many specific New Zealand examples are given by way of illustration. Soil science theory is linked with practical soil management and fertilizer recommendation procedures.
While the book has been designed for use by students studying soil science as part of degree and diploma courses, it will also be of use to teachers of Agriculture and Horticulture, to scientists and consultants involved in agriculture, horticulture, and land management, as well as to farmers, growers, and anyone with an interest in the science of soil or its practical and sustainable management.

Dr. R. G. McLaren is a reader in Soil Science at Lincoln University.