Description
Book SynopsisForest soils are the foundation of the entire forest ecosystem and complex, long-term interactions between trees, soil animals, and the microbial community shape soils in was that are very distinct from agricultural soils. The composition, structure, and processes in forest soils at any given time reflect current conditions, as well as the legacies of decades (and even millennia) of interactions that shape each forest soil. Reciprocal interactions are fundamental; vegetation alters soil physical properties, which influence soil biology and chemistry, which in turn influence the growth and success of plants. These dynamic systems may be strongly influenced by intentional and unintentional management, ranging from fire to fertilization. Sustaining the long-term fertility of forest soils depends on insights about a diverse array of soil features and changes over space and time.
Since the third edition of this successful book many new interests in forest soils and their managemen
Trade Review
“This coherent overview of the major issues surrounding the ecology and management of forest soils will be particularly useful to students taking courses in soil science, forestry, agronomy, ecology, natural resource management, environmental management and conservation, as well as professionals in forestry dealing with the productivity of forests and functioning of watersheds.” (Biotechnol. Agron. Soc. Environ, 1 March 2013
“Overall, a useful book for students in soil science, forest sciences, and ecology, as well as practicing foresters involved with forest management and research. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through professionals.” (Choice, 1 September 2013)
Table of ContentsPreface, ix
Acknowledgments, xi
In Memoriam, xiii
PART I INTRODUCTION TO FOREST SOILS, 1
1 History of Forest Soil Science and Management, 3
2 Global Patterns in Forest Soils, 8
PART II COMPOSITION OF FOREST SOILS, 21
3 Soil Formation and Minerals, 23
4 Soil Organic Matter, 39
5 Water, Pore Space, and Soil Structure, 58
PART III LIFE AND CHEMISTRY IN FOREST SOILS, 75
6 Life in Forest Soils, 77
7 Forest Biogeochemistry, 99
8 Chemistry of Soil Surfaces and Solutions, 138
PART IV MEASURING FOREST SOILS, 157
9 Sampling Soils Across Space and Time, 159
10 Common Approaches to Measuring Soils, 175
PART V DYNAMICS OF FOREST SOILS, 189
11 Influence of Tree Species, 191
12 Soil Management – Harvesting, Site Preparation, Conversion, and Drainage, 213
13 Fire Influences, 235
14 Nutrition Management, 254
15 Managing Forest Soils for Carbon Sequestration, 276
PART VI THINKING PRODUCTIVELY ABOUT FOREST SOILS, 289
16 Evidence-Based Approaches, 291
References, 305
Index, 343
