This book provides an expert analysis of challenges faced by humankind and their implications for the availability and sustainability of soils worldwide. It emphasizes cultural, historical, philosophical, and ethical approaches to understanding soil resources. Chapters cover climate change, diminishing plant nutrients and soil loss; religious views of soil; cultural/historical views and uses of soil; uses of soils for optimal production and conservation; non-agricultural uses of soils; and challenges for soil science. The book contains 37 contributions with chapter Authors from 13 different...