Soil Science and Management

Soil Science and Management is an applied science dedicated to the study of soil as a critical natural resource. This field integrates principles from biology, chemistry, and physics to understand soil formation, classification, and its physical and chemical properties. This knowledge is then applied to develop practical strategies for managing soil health and fertility, primarily to enhance agricultural productivity through practices like fertilization, irrigation, and conservation tillage. Beyond farming, its principles are essential for land reclamation, environmental protection, waste management, and ensuring the stability of foundations in civil engineering, making it a cornerstone for sustainable land use.

  1. Introduction to Soil Science
    1. Definition and Concept of Soil
      1. Historical Development of Soil Definitions
        1. Modern Scientific Definitions
          1. Soil as a Natural Body
            1. Soil versus Regolith
            2. Functions of Soil in Ecosystems
              1. Medium for Plant Growth
                1. Physical Support and Anchorage
                  1. Water Storage and Supply
                    1. Nutrient Supply and Cycling
                      1. Gas Exchange for Root Respiration
                      2. Water Regulation and Purification
                        1. Water Storage and Release
                          1. Filtration and Purification
                            1. Groundwater Recharge
                              1. Flood Control
                              2. Habitat for Organisms
                                1. Biodiversity Support
                                  1. Microhabitat Provision
                                    1. Food Web Foundation
                                    2. Engineering Medium
                                      1. Foundation Support
                                        1. Construction Material
                                          1. Waste Disposal Medium
                                          2. Atmospheric Regulation
                                            1. Carbon Storage and Cycling
                                              1. Greenhouse Gas Exchange
                                                1. Climate Regulation
                                              2. Components of Soil
                                                1. Mineral Matter
                                                  1. Primary Minerals
                                                    1. Secondary Minerals
                                                      1. Mineral Weathering Products
                                                      2. Organic Matter
                                                        1. Living Organisms
                                                          1. Fresh Organic Residues
                                                            1. Decomposed Organic Matter
                                                              1. Humus
                                                              2. Soil Water
                                                                1. Soil Solution
                                                                  1. Water Forms in Soil
                                                                  2. Soil Air
                                                                    1. Composition
                                                                      1. Gas Exchange Processes
                                                                    2. Soil Profile and Pedon Concepts
                                                                      1. Pedon as Basic Soil Unit
                                                                        1. Soil Profile Development
                                                                          1. Soil Horizons
                                                                            1. O Horizon
                                                                              1. A Horizon
                                                                                1. E Horizon
                                                                                  1. B Horizon
                                                                                    1. C Horizon
                                                                                      1. R Horizon
                                                                                      2. Transitional Horizons
                                                                                        1. Horizon Nomenclature