Table of Contents

1. The Importance of Soil.
2. Soil Origin and Development.
3. Soil Classification and Survey.
4. Physical Properties of Soil.
5. Life in the Soil.
6. Organic Matter.
7. Soil Water.
8. Water Conservation.
9. Drainage and Irrigation.
10. Soil Fertility.
11. Soil pH and Salinity.
12. Plant Nutrition.
13. Soil Sampling and Testing.
14. Fertilizers.
15. Organic Amendments.
16. Tillage and Cropping Systems.
17. Horticultural Uses of Soil.
18. Soil Conservation.
19. Urban Soil.
20. Government Agencies and Programs.
Appendices.
1. Some Basic Chemistry.
2. Soil Orders of the United States.
3. Soil Horizon Symbol Suffixes.
4. Land Evaluation.
5. Preferred Soil Characteristics for Selected Trees.
Glossary.
Index.

About the Author

Edward Plaster has taught horticulture and soil science for more than 30 years. He belongs to the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) and the Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS). A former ASHS Certified Professional Horticulturist, Professor Plaster remains active in several national and local trade organizations, certification and accreditation programs, including the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association and Associated Landscape Contractors of America. Professor Emeritus from Dakota County Technical College, Mr. Plaster continues to make professional presentations about soils to various organizations.

Reviews

"I have had many soil textbooks cross by desk over the years. The Plaster text continues to be my favorite. It is user friendly, marrying theory and practical knowledge into one text. It is one that both students and professionals can turn to again and again as a great soils resource."

"This text discusses basic soil science principles and includes many references to horticulture and landscaping, making it appropriate for students in urban areas where traditional agriculture is not the norm. It is very user-friendly, with an easy to read style and many figures and color pictures illustrating concepts. I have used the book in my soil class at a community college since it was first introduced by the author and have not found anything that comes close to being as useful as this text."