Soils comprise the largest pool of terrestrial carbon and therefore are an important component of carbon storage in the biosphere-atmosphere system. Structure and Organic Matter Storage in Agricultural Soils explores the mechanisms and processes involved in the storage and sequestration of carbon in soils. Focusing on agricultural soils - from tropical to semi-arid types - this new book provides an in-depth look at structure, aggregation, and organic matter retention in world soils.
The first two sections of the book introduce readers to the basic issues and scientific concepts, including...

The experiments and experiences discussed in Soil Management carefully document crop production systems with well-defined boundaries. These long-term agronomic trials provide a valuable data resource that has, until now, been largely ignored by both the research community and the sustainability experts. With a rigorous definition of sustainability and this data, the sustainability of various cropping systems will be more clearly illustrated than any previous effort. Particular emphasis is given to research involving the tropics and sub-tropics.
This book is unique in providing an...

Soil Structure offers a multidisciplinary approach to the study of soil structure and its relevance to wide ranging investigations in environmental sciences. Topics covered in Soil Structure include soil structure determination, soil fabric genesis and functions, strength and stress distribution, fabric changes in plastic clays, the effects of organic matter and earthworms, air slaking, and hydraulic conductivity changes. The book also discusses litter decomposition and matter transport, the characterization of pore organization, monitoring via a neutron activated tracer, various influences...

Animal Waste Utilization takes a rational look at the use of livestock waste, its potential benefits such as supplying crop nutrients and increasing soil organic matter, to environmental, economic, and practical limitations.

Globally, 30% of the world population lived in urban areas in 1950, 54% in 2016 and 66% projected by 2050. The most urbanized regions include North America, Latin America, and Europe.　 Urban encroachment depletes soil carbon and the aboveground biomass carbon pools, enhancing the flux of carbon from soil and vegetation into the atmosphere. Thus, urbanization has exacerbated ecological and environmental problems.

Urban soils are composed of geological material that has been drastically disturbed by anthropogenic activities and compromised their role in the production...