Soil Science and Management, Soft Cover,
6th Edition

Edward Plaster

ISBN-13: 9781337904599
Copyright 2018 | Published
544 pages | List Price: USD $231.95

Gain a practical understanding of soil properties and the soil management techniques most important for the effective use of soils with SOIL SCIENCE AND MANAGEMENT, 6E. This non-technical, reader-friendly book details all aspects of effective soil usage, including management techniques, composition, fertility, erosion, conservation,and irrigation in this practical guide. This edition highlights horticultural uses of soil as well as the latest green methodologies in both agricultural and horticultural practice from the perspective of farmers, horticulturalists, environmentalists and others who are concerned about how soils work and how they can be used most effectively. This edition further examines nutrient management and best practices with the latest updates on legal issues and government programs that make it a useful resource now and invaluable reference for the future.

Purchase Enquiry INSTRUCTOR’S eREVIEW COPY

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.

  • Edward Plaster

    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.

  • NEW COVERAGE HIGHLIGHTS HORTICULTURAL USES OF SOILS. This edition places a greater emphasis on horticultural uses of soils, particularly those used in landscape horticulture. The book further emphasizes urban horticulture with detailed discussion on the biological, physical and chemical aspects of soils.

  • NEW CONTENT FOCUSES ON GREEN METHODOLOGIES IN BOTH AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTURAL PRACTICE. Students are introduced to LEED building certification, and its relevance to soil use in construction. This edition also presents expanded content about soil in natural ecosystems and the relationship of soil to climate change. Students study organic and sustainable practices with added analysis on landscaping and on water conservation use.

  • ADDITIONAL COVERAGE AND UPDATES EXPLORE NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN GLOBAL WARMING AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE. This edition prepares students to better understand soil use in today's changing environment. New topics cover environmental sustainability while additional content focuses on today's soil food web, landscape drainage and irrigation, and nutrients in various soil types.

  • THE LATEST DATA ON SOIL AND WATER USE IN THE U.S.ENSURES STUDENTS ARE LEARNING WITH THE MOST RECENT INFORMATION. This edition also presents new content related to the soil conservation titles and programs included in the latest farm bill.

  • NEW COURSEMATE INTERACTIVE WEBSITE AND COMPLETE SUPPLEMENTAL SUPPORT PROVIDE VALUABLE RESOURCES. Readers find critical, interactive learning aids to further their understanding of soil science and management with this edition's new interactive CourseMate website. CourseMate provides a full, interactive eBook, student review materials and Engagement Tracker to ensure student engagement.

  • THOROUGH COVERAGE EMPHASIZES PRACTICAL SKILLS. A reader-friendly approach ensures students develop the hands-on skills as well as complete understanding needed for effective soil management.

  • FULL-COLOR, VIVID PHOTOS AND ILLUSTRATIONS CLARIFY CONCEPTS. Dozens of new and updated images further exemplify and bring the book's concepts to life.

  • ROBUST APPENDICES PROVIDE AT-A-GLANCE RESOURCES. Useful appendices discuss basic science, offer a complete description of soil orders in the US, and discuss land evaluation, among other topics.

  • PEDAGOGICAL ELEMENTS ENHANCE STUDENT COMPREHENSION OF MATERIALS. Chapters begin with Terms to Know and learning objectives. A summary, review questions, and enrichment activities offer a recap of the content discussed in each chapter.

Cengage provides a range of supplements that are updated in coordination with the main title selection. For more information about these supplements, contact your Learning Consultant.

Instructor's Resource for Plaster's Soil Science and Management, 5th
9780840024367