Soil Science Laboratory Manual


Book Description

This lab manual provides a hands-on introduction to basic principles of soil science -- with a focus on the natural properties and processes that govern soil. Contemporary and practical in perspective, it emphasizes factor analysis throughout and makes extensive use of the World Wide Web for gathering the most up-to-date data. Laboratories cover: Minerals, Rocks and Weathering; Soil Texture, Structure and Water Relations; Routine Soil Particle size Analysis; Bulk Density, Particle Density and Porosity of Soil; Field Study of Local Soils; Soil Organic Matter, Humus and Microbial Activity; Soil Testing and Fertilizers; Soil Survey Reports; Soils and the Environment; and Salt Affected Soils. Keys laboratories to discussions of associated topics in Soils in Our Environment, 8/E by Miller and Gardiner (Prentice Hall, 1997). For anyone wanting a hands-on introduction to the basic principles of soil science.







Essential Soil Science


Book Description

This textbook is aimed at the majority of students, who need to quickly acquire a concise overview of soil science. Many current soil science textbooks still cater for a traditional student market where students embark on three years study in a narrow discipline. The growth in modular degree schemes has meant that soil science is now often taught as self-standing unit as part of broad based degree program. Students pursuing this type of course are increasingly reluctant to purchase expensive textbooks that are too detailed and often assume a scientific background. For those opting to specialise in soil science there are a variety of good textbooks to choose from. This short informative guide, will be particularly useful for students who do not possess a traditional scientific background, such as those studying geography, environment science, ecology and agriculture. Only textbook to cater for introductory courses in soil science. Provides an affordable concise overview of soil science. Learning exercises and chapter summaries enhance usability. Annotated suggestions for further reading. Based on proven and successful modular course structure. Emphasis on readability and interactive learning. No scientific background assumed.




Laboratory Manual for Introductory Soils


Book Description

Designed to encourage the quantitative investigation of soil properties, as well as to give a 'feel' for what soils are and how they behave. The manual provides opportunities to see, touch and manipulate soil to better understand pedological, biological, chemical, and physical aspects of one of nature's most complex ecosystems.




Digital Terrain Analysis in Soil Science and Geology


Book Description

Digital Terrain Analysis in Soil Science and Geology, Second Edition, synthesizes the knowledge on methods and applications of digital terrain analysis and geomorphometry in the context of multi-scale problems in soil science and geology. Divided into three parts, the book first examines main concepts, principles, and methods of digital terrain modeling. It then looks at methods for analysis, modeling, and mapping of spatial distribution of soil properties using digital terrain analysis, before finally considering techniques for recognition, analysis, and interpretation of topographically manifested geological features. Digital Terrain Analysis in Soil Science and Geology, Second Edition, is an updated and revised edition, providing both a theoretical and methodological basis for understanding and applying geographical modeling techniques. - Presents an integrated and unified view of digital terrain analysis in both soil science and geology - Features research on new advances in the field, including DEM analytical approximation, analytical calculation of local morphometric variables, morphometric globes, and two-dimensional generalized spectral analytical methods - Includes a rigorous description of the mathematical principles of digital terrain analysis - Provides both a theoretical and methodological basis for understanding and applying geographical modeling




Soil Mechanics Laboratory Manual


Book Description

Now in its sixth edition, Soil Mechanics Laboratory Manual is designed for the junior-level soil mechanics/geotechnical engineering laboratory course in civil engineering programs. It includes eighteen laboratory procedures that cover the essential properties of soils and their behavior under stress and strain, as well as explanations, procedures, sample calculations, and completed and blank data sheets. Written by Braja M. Das, respected author of market-leading texts in geotechnical and foundation engineering, this unique manual provides a detailed discussion of standard soil classification systems used by engineers: the AASHTO Classification System and the Unified Soil Classification System, which both conform to recent ASTM specifications.To improve ease and accessibility of use, this new edition includes not only the stand-alone version of the Soil Mechanics Laboratory Test software but also ready-made Microsoft ExcelRG templates designed to perform the same calculations. With the convenience of point and click data entry, these interactive programs can be used to collect, organize, and evaluate data for each of the book's eighteen labs. The resulting tables can be printed with their corresponding graphs, creating easily generated reports that display and analyze data obtained from the manual's laboratory tests.FeaturesBL Includes sample calculations and graphs relevant to each laboratory testBL Supplies blank tables (that accompany each test) for laboratory use and report preparationBL Contains a complete chapter on soil classification (Chapter 9)BL Provides references and three useful appendices:Appendix A: Weight-Volume RelationshipsAppendix B: Data Sheets for Laboratory ExperimentsAppendix C: Data Sheets for Preparation of Laboratory Reports







Soil Science and Management


Book Description

The importance of soil; Soil origin and development; Physical properties os soil; Soil water; Water conservation; Irrigation and drainage; Life in the soil; Organic matter; Soil fertility; Soil pH and salinity; Plant nutrition; Soil sampling and testing; Fertilizers; Organic amendments; Tillage and cropping systems; Horticultural uses of soil; Soil classification and survey; Soil Conservation; Urban soil; Government agencies and programs; Some basic chemistry; Sedimentation test of soil texture; Soil orders of the United States; Soil horizon symbol suffixes; Land evaluation.




Introductory Plant Biology


Book Description