Includes bibliographical references and index.

The soils around us -- Formation of soils from parent materials -- Soil classification -- Soil architecture and physical properties -- Soil water: characteristics and behavior -- Soil and the hydrologic cycle -- Soil aeration and temperature -- Soil colloids: seat of soil chemical and physical activity -- Soil acidity -- Soils of dry regions: alkalinity, salinity, and sodicity -- Organisms and ecology of the soil -- Soil organic matter -- Nitrogen and sulfur economy of soils -- Soil phosphorus and potassium -- Calcium, Magnesium and trace elements -- Practical nutrient management -- Soil erosion and its control -- Soils and chemical pollution -- Geographic soils information -- Prospects for global soil quality as affected by human activities.