Introduction to Soil Science - 2nd Edition
Amber Anderson, Iowa State University
Rivka Fidel, University of Arizona
Copyright Year:
Publisher: Iowa State University Digital Press
Language: English
Formats Available
Conditions of Use
Attribution
CC BY
Reviews
Reviewed by Sam Indorante, Adjunct Professor and Instructor, Southern Illinois University Carbondale on 3/16/26
The digital text is organized is an easy to follow sequence which meets the needs of an introductory soils course. read more
Reviewed by Sam Indorante, Adjunct Professor and Instructor, Southern Illinois University Carbondale on 3/16/26
Comprehensiveness
The digital text is organized is an easy to follow sequence which meets the needs of an introductory soils course.
Content Accuracy
Accuracy is very good, and is supported by the by the use of scientists and educators that are experts in their field of soils. The information in the text is accurate and presented at an introductory soil science level.
Relevance/Longevity
The fundamentals presented in this text will pass the test of time for introductory soil science. Small changes and updates may be needed over time, but they would be easy to make. The indexing of the material will facilitate any editing that needs to be done.
Clarity
Some sections charts and graphs could be sharpened up a bit to be easier to read. The lectures are very good at explaining complex topics.
Consistency
The framework of the text varies due mainly to the use of various scientists/educators for selected sections. Soil science terminology is consistent in the text even with the use of multiple contributors. I think the framework consistency will be improved over time.
Modularity
This is the part I like the best about this text. I can assign specific topics and modules to emphasize the concepts I am covering in introductory soil science. Some concepts are harder than others to teach, and having a topic taught from different angles is a big help to the students. Especially topics like soil chemistry, mineralogy, and soil water.
Organization/Structure/Flow
The flow is set up along the lines of most introductory text books. This is one of the reasons this online text is easy to apply to introductory soil science classes.
Interface
Overall the interface is good. I am sure it will be improved as interface/online technology is improved,
Grammatical Errors
The written and spoken word are fine.
Cultural Relevance
The cross-section of educators/scientists in this helps insure cultural and intellectual diversity. No insensitivity was detected as I read through the text.
CommentsThe Case Studies Section XI is a nice addition. This section can be easily customized for specific areas of interest that vary by region.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Getting Started
- Soil Development and Classification
- Soil Physical Properties
- Soil Geography
- Soil Water, Aeration and Temperature
- Soil Chemistry and Minerology
- Soil Management
- Soil Erosion
- Soil Fertility
- Soil Organisms and Organic Matter
- Case Studies
- Adoption and Feedback Forms
About the Book
This textbook introduces readers to introductory soil science topics including the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils; soil formation, classification, and global distribution; soil health, soils and humanity, and sustainable land management. The second edition brings forward new information about soil water and soil chemistry alongside updates to the core chapters.
About the Contributors
Authors
Dr. Amber Anderson is an Associate Teaching Professor at Iowa State University in the Agronomy Department as well as coach of ISU’s soil judging team. She is looking forward to sharing her knowledge of soils and interacting with those of you both at Iowa State University and beyond.
Dr. Rivka Fidel is an Associate Professor of Practice in the Department of Environmental Science at the University of Arizona. Like Dr. Anderson, she got her PhD in Soil Science at Iowa State University, where she researched biochar (a charcoal-like soil amendment) while developing a passion for teaching and outreach.