Book DescriptionMore than ever before, a compelling need exists for an encyclopedic resource about soil the rich mix of mineral particles, organic matter, gases, and soluble compounds that foster both plant and animal growth. Civilization depends more on the soil as human populations continue to grow and increasing demands are placed upon available resources. The Encyclopedia of Soils in the Environment is a comprehensive and integrated consideration of a topic of vital importance to human societies in the past, present, and future.This important work encompasses the present knowledge of the world's variegated soils, their origins, properties, classification, and roles in the biosphere. A team of outstanding, international contributors has written over 250 entries that cover a broad range of issues facing today's soil scientists, ecologists, and environmental scientists. This four-volume set features thorough articles that survey specific aspects of soil biology, ecology, chemistry and physics. Rounding out the encyclopedia's excellent coverage, contributions cover cross-disciplinary subjects, such as the history of soil utilization for agricultural and engineering purposes and soils in relation to the remediation of pollution and the mitigation of global climate change.This comprehensive, yet accessible source is a valuable addition to the library of scientists, researchers, students, and policy makers involved in soil science, ecology, and environmental science. The Encyclopedia of Soils in the Environment is available online on ScienceDirect. The print edition price forthis reference work does not include online access. For more information on pricing for access to the online edition, please review our Licensing Options. The richness and authority of Elsevier reference works is now lent valuable functionality and accessibility through the online launch of Elsevier Reference Works on ScienceDirect. Features: Extensive browsing and searching across subject, thematic, alphabetical, author and cited author indexes - as applicable to the work Basic and advanced search functionality within volumes, parts of volumes, or across the whole work Ability to build, save and re-run searches as well as combine saved searches Internal cross-referencing between articles inthe work, plus dynamic linking to journal articles and abstract databases, making navigation flexible and easy All articles are available as full-text HTML files, and as PDF files that can be viewed, downloaded or printed out in their original print format A dedicated Reference Works navigation tab and homepage on ScienceDirect to enable easy linking from your OPAC or library websiteFor more information about the Elsevier Reference Works on ScienceDirect Program, please visit:http://www.info.sciencedirect.com/reference_works.An online version of this encyclopedia will be available on ScienceDirect in 2004. Visit http://info.sciencedirect.com/reference_works/ for contact and subscription information. Accessoptions are available even if you're not an existing ScienceDirect customer!* A distinguished international group of editors and contributors* Well-organized encyclopedic format providing concise, readable entries, easy searches, and thoroughcross-references* Abundant visual resources — photographs, figures, tables, and graphs — in every entry* Complete up-to-date coverage of many important topics — essential information for scientists, students and professionals alike
