Soils of the World

ISBN-13: 9783540304609 / Angielski / Twarda / 2022 / 180 str.

Wolfgang Zech

Opis

This book describes and comprehensively illustrates all earth soils in accordance with the prevailing worldwide WRB classification. However, it goes far beyond description and definition, by presenting the soils in the context of the natural habitats in which they occur. The book is structured in line with ecological zones. Initially their location, the climate and the vegetation as well as the factors influencing the constitution of the soil are briefly presented. All soils representative of the corresponding ecological zone are then defined and described in detail: Definition Diagnostic features Physical, chemical and biological characteristics Occurrence and distribution Use and endangering Processes influencing soil formation Distribution maps Diagrams showing profile characteristics and soil formation processes Photographs of soil profiles Photographs of soil-scapes and Soil catenas All these factors contribute to producing an impression of their characteristics as well as their natural surroundings. The very instructive photographs and graphs combine to make the publication an excellent reference book about the earth s soils and their distribution. "

Recenzje

"By any standard, Soils of the World is a superb volume. ... With increasing global change, the natural system of soil types will become more and more determined by anthropogenic forces, requiring greater flexibility in understanding and classification. The authors can be proud of having created such an inclusive and systematic survey, while retaining an appreciation (in their own words) of the essential 'beauty and importance of this precious natural resource'." (Matthew Canti, Archaeological Prospection, January 24, 2023)

Spis treści

1 Introduction.- 2 Polar-Subpolar Zone (Tundra Zone).- 3 Boreal Zone (Taiga Zone).- 4 Humid Mid-Latitudes.- 5 Dry Mid-Latitudes.- 6 Subtropics with Winter Rain.- 7 Subtropics with Year-Round rain.- 8 Dry Tropics and Subtropics.- 9 Tropics with Summer Rain.- 10 Tropics with Year-Round Rain.- 11 Mountain Soils.- 12 Ubiquitous Soils

O autorze

Wolfgang Zech is professor emeritus for Soil Science and Soil Geography at the University of Bayreuth (Germany) and the lead author of the German edition of this book. He is honorary member of the German Soil Science Society.

Peter Schad is a lecturer for Soil Science at the Technical University of Munich (Germany) and the lead author of the present English edition of this book. He is the Chair of the Working Group World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB) of the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) and the lead author of the current edition of the WRB.

Gerd Hintermaier-Erhard is a geologist and soil scientist. Together with Wolfgang Zech he published in 1997 a 'Soil Science Dictionary' and in 2002 the first edition of 'Soils of the World' (both in German).

Blurb

This book describes and comprehensively illustrates the soils of the world in accordance with the worldwide WRB classification. The structure of the book follows the ecozone concept. For every ecozone, location, climate and vegetation as well as soil formation and distribution are presented. All soils representative of the corresponding ecozone are then described in detail: definition, properties, distribution, use, classification, genesis. Over 260 photographs illustrate soil profiles, soil details and landscapes. Instructive maps and graphs help understand soil properties and soil-forming processes and make the publication an excellent reference book about the world's soils.

About the Authors

Wolfgang Zech is professor emeritus for Soil Science and Soil Geography at the University of Bayreuth (Germany) and the lead author of the German edition of this book. He is honorary member of the German Soil Science Society.

Peter Schad is a lecturer for Soil Science at the Technical University of Munich (Germany) and the lead author of the present English edition of this book. He is the Chair of the Working Group World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB) of the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) and the lead author of the current edition of the WRB.

Gerd Hintermaier-Erhard is a geologist and soil scientist. Together with Wolfgang Zech he published in 1997 a 'Soil Science Dictionary' and in 2002 the first edition of 'Soils of the World' (both in German).