The second edition of The Chemistry of Soils, published in 2008, has been used as a main text in soil-science courses across the world, and the book is widely cited as a reference for researchers in geoscience, agriculture, and ecology. The book introduces soil into its context within geoscience and chemistry, addresses the effects of global climate change on soil, and provides insight into the chemical behavior of pollutants in soils. Since 2008, the field of soil science has developed in three key ways that Sposito addresses in this third edition. For one, research related to the Critical Zone (the material extending downward from vegetation canopy to groundwater) has undergone widespread reorganization as it becomes better understood as a key resource to human life. Secondly, scientists have greatly increased their understanding of how organic matter in soil functions in chemical reactions. Finally, the study of microorganisms as they relate to soil science has significantly expanded. The new edition is still be comprised of twelve chapters, introducing students to the principal components of soil, discussing a wide range of chemical reactions, and surveying important human applications. The chapters also contain completely revised annotated reading lists and problem sets.

About the Author
Gary Sposito was the former Chair in Soil Science and is now Professor Emeritus of Ecosystem Sciences and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Berkeley.

Reviews
This revised edition is especially welcome. The work maintains the organization of previous editions, but the material has been significantly revised, including the reading lists and the presented problems.[...] The 120 problems provided are often challenging, but they represent an essential component of the presentation. This excellent treatment is highly recommended, although the discussion will be most useful to those who have had a solid introduction to chemical principles. * H. E. Pence, CHOICE *
This book by Garrison Sposito reflects the latest insights in the field and is a welcome update for those who want to have a fundamental insight into the processes in soils, insight which is needed to safeguard the crucial role of soils for life on earth. [...] The book is certainly also of interest for researchers already familiar with soil chemistry, as it may provide a new and interesting view of the subject. * Bert-Jan Groenenberg, Acta Cryst *
This revised edition is especially welcome. The work maintains the organization of previous editions, but the material has been significantly revised, including the reading lists and the presented problems.[...] The 120 problems provided are often challenging, but they represent an essential component of the presentation. This excellent treatment is highly recommended, although the discussion will be most useful to those who have had a solid introduction to chemical principles. * H. E. Pence, CHOICE *



Book Information
ISBN 9780190630881
Author Garrison Sposito
Format Hardback
Page Count 272
Imprint Oxford University Press Inc
Publisher Oxford University Press Inc
Weight(grams) 522g
Dimensions(mm) 157mm * 236mm * 20mm