Includes appendices, glossary, bibliographical references and index.

Soil as a living body: its dynamic role in the environment -- Soil in the history of civilization -- Soil formation -- Soil classification -- Soil physical attributes -- Soil-water statics -- Soil-water dynamics -- Soil-water cycle -- Soil-water and soil-energy balances in the field -- Soil chemical attributes and processes -- Soil fertility and plant nutrition -- Soil biodiversity -- Soil and water management -- Soil erosion and conservation -- Soil pollution and remediation -- Concluding overview.