Soil Organic Matter and Biological Activity

Soil Organic Matter and Biological Activity PDF Author: D. Vaughan
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9400951051
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 475

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Book Description
It has long been recognized that soil organic matter is the key to soil fertility. As a nutrient store it gradually provides essential elements which the soil cannot retain for long in inorganic form. It buffers growing plants against sudden changes in their chemical environment and preserves moisture in times of drought. It keeps the soil in a friable, easily penetrated physical condition, well-aerated and free draining, providing young seedlings with an excellent medium for growth. But it has another property, the nature and extent of which have been the subject of argu ment and controversy ever since scientists began to study the soil, and that is its ability to affect growth directly, other than by providing nutrient elements. Any one wishing to learn about these effects has been faced with a daunting mass of literature, some confusing, often contradictory, and spread through a multitude of journals. Individual aspects have been covered from time to time in reviews but there has obviously been a need for a modern authoritative text book dealing with the many facets of this subject, so the publication of this volume is timely. The editors and authors are all specialists in their fields, fully familiar with the com plex nature of soil organic matter and with the particular difficulties arising in any study of its properties. Where controversies exist they have presented all sides of the argument and have highlighted areas where further work is badly needed.

Soil Organic Matter and Biological Activity

Soil Organic Matter and Biological Activity PDF Author: D. Vaughan
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9400951051
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 475

Get Book Here

Book Description
It has long been recognized that soil organic matter is the key to soil fertility. As a nutrient store it gradually provides essential elements which the soil cannot retain for long in inorganic form. It buffers growing plants against sudden changes in their chemical environment and preserves moisture in times of drought. It keeps the soil in a friable, easily penetrated physical condition, well-aerated and free draining, providing young seedlings with an excellent medium for growth. But it has another property, the nature and extent of which have been the subject of argu ment and controversy ever since scientists began to study the soil, and that is its ability to affect growth directly, other than by providing nutrient elements. Any one wishing to learn about these effects has been faced with a daunting mass of literature, some confusing, often contradictory, and spread through a multitude of journals. Individual aspects have been covered from time to time in reviews but there has obviously been a need for a modern authoritative text book dealing with the many facets of this subject, so the publication of this volume is timely. The editors and authors are all specialists in their fields, fully familiar with the com plex nature of soil organic matter and with the particular difficulties arising in any study of its properties. Where controversies exist they have presented all sides of the argument and have highlighted areas where further work is badly needed.

Soil Organic Matter and Biological Activity

Soil Organic Matter and Biological Activity PDF Author: D. Vaughan
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9789024731541
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 492

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Book Description
Soil organic matter - a perspective on its nature, extraction, turnover and role soil fertility. Influence of humic substances on growth and physiological processes. Influence of humic subtances on biochemical processes in plants. Phenolic acids in soils and their influence on plant growth and soil microbial processes. Origin, nature and biological activity of aliphatic substances and growth hormones found in soil. Soil enzymes. The soil biomass. Carbohydrates in relation to soil fertility. Soil nitrogen: its extraction, distribution and dynamics. Soil phosphorus. Sulphur in soils and plants. Organic matter and trace elements in soils. Organic farming.

CONSERVATION TILLAGE

CONSERVATION TILLAGE PDF Author: Frank M. D'Itri
Publisher: Springer
ISBN:
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 414

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Book Description


Soil Microbiology, Ecology and Biochemistry

Soil Microbiology, Ecology and Biochemistry PDF Author: Eldor Paul
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0123914116
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 603

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Book Description
The fourth edition of Soil Microbiology, Ecology and Biochemistry updates this widely used reference as the study and understanding of soil biota, their function, and the dynamics of soil organic matter has been revolutionized by molecular and instrumental techniques, and information technology. Knowledge of soil microbiology, ecology and biochemistry is central to our understanding of organisms and their processes and interactions with their environment. In a time of great global change and increased emphasis on biodiversity and food security, soil microbiology and ecology has become an increasingly important topic. Revised by a group of world-renowned authors in many institutions and disciplines, this work relates the breakthroughs in knowledge in this important field to its history as well as future applications. The new edition provides readable, practical, impactful information for its many applied and fundamental disciplines. Professionals turn to this text as a reference for fundamental knowledge in their field or to inform management practices. - New section on "Methods in Studying Soil Organic Matter Formation and Nutrient Dynamics" to balance the two successful chapters on microbial and physiological methodology - Includes expanded information on soil interactions with organisms involved in human and plant disease - Improved readability and integration for an ever-widening audience in his field - Integrated concepts related to soil biota, diversity, and function allow readers in multiple disciplines to understand the complex soil biota and their function

The Importance of Soil Organic Matter

The Importance of Soil Organic Matter PDF Author: Alexandra Bot
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.
ISBN: 9789251053669
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 96

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Book Description
Soil organic matter - the product of on-site biological decomposition - affects the chemical and physical properties of the soil and its overall health. Its composition and breakdown rate affect: the soil structure and porosity; the water infiltration rate and moisture holding capacity of soils; the diversity and biological activity of soil organisms; and plant nutrient availability. This document concentrates on the organic matter dynamics of cropping soils and discusses the circumstances that deplete organic matter and their negative outcomes. It then moves on to more proactive solutions. It reviews a "basket" of practices in order to show how they can increase organic matter content and discusses the land and cropping benefits that then accrue.--Publisher's description.

Building Soils for Better Crops

Building Soils for Better Crops PDF Author: Fred Magdoff
Publisher: Sare
ISBN: 9781888626131
Category : Humus
Languages : en
Pages : 294

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Book Description
"'Published by the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, with funding from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture."

Methods in Soil Biology

Methods in Soil Biology PDF Author: Franz Schinner
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 364260966X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 438

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Book Description
In terrestrial ecosystems, soil microorganisms and soil animals are essential for litter degradation, soil formation and the availability of nutrients and trace elements. The measurement of biological soil parameters allows a rapid evaluation of the effects of chemical and physical influences due to pollutants or soil management. This book introduces a number of well proved methods for the analysis of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur cycles. It focuses further on the determination of the number and biomass of microorganisms, algae and animals in the soil. Particular emphasis is placed on the comprehensible and complete description of the experimental procedures.

Soil Processes and the Carbon Cycle

Soil Processes and the Carbon Cycle PDF Author: Rattan Lal
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 9780849374418
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 632

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Book Description
World soils contain about 1500 gigatons of organic carbon. This large carbon reserve can increase atmospheric concentrations of CO2 by soil misuse or mismanagement, or it can reverse the 'greenhouse' effect by judicious land use and proper soil management. Soil Processes and the Carbon Cycle describes soil processes and their effects on the global carbon cycle while relating soil properties to soil quality and potential and actual carbon reserves in the soil. In addition, this book deals with modeling the carbon cycle in soil, and with methods of soil carbon determinations.

Soil Organic Matter in Sustainable Agriculture

Soil Organic Matter in Sustainable Agriculture PDF Author: Fred Magdoff
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 020349637X
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 411

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Book Description
Recognition of the importance of soil organic matter (SOM) in soil health and quality is a major part of fostering a holistic, preventive approach to agricultural management. Students in agronomy, horticulture, and soil science need a textbook that emphasizes strategies for using SOM management in the prevention of chemical, biological, and physical problems. Soil Organic Matter in Sustainable Agriculture gathers key scientific reviews concerning issues that are critical for successful SOM management. This textbook contains evaluations of the types of organic soil constituents—organisms, fresh residues, and well-decomposed substances. It explores the beneficial effects of organic matter on soil and the various practices that enhance SOM. Chapters include an examination of the results of crop management practices on soil organisms, organic matter gains and losses, the significance of various SOM fractions, and the contributions of fungi and earthworms to soil quality and crop growth. Emphasizing the prevention of imbalances that lead to soil and crop problems, the text also explores the development of soils suppressive to plant diseases and pests, and relates SOM management to the supply of nutrients to crops. This book provides the essential scientific background and poses the challenging questions that students need to better understand SOM and develop improved soil and crop management systems.

Evaluation of Soil Organic Matter Models

Evaluation of Soil Organic Matter Models PDF Author: David S. Powlson
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3642610943
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 424

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Book Description
Soil organic matter (SOM) represents a major pool of carbon within the biosphere, roughly twice than in atmospheric CO2. SOM models embody our best understanding of soil carbon dynamics and are needed to predict how global environmental change will influence soil carbon stocks. These models are also required for evaluating the likely effectiveness of different mitigation options. The first important step towards systematically evaluating the suitability of SOM models for these purposes is to test their simulations against real data. Since changes in SOM occur slowly, long-term datasets are required. This volume brings together leading SOM model developers and experimentalists to test SOM models using long-term datasets from diverse ecosystems, land uses and climatic zones within the temperate region.