Soil ecology Patrick Lavelle and Alister V. Spain

This book presents a synthesis of the basic knowledge underpinning the different disciplines of Soil Science in a complete and accessible way. It presents the integrative concepts and models that permit the organisation of this knowledge and addresses the multiple interactions that occur between living and inanimate soil components at different spatial and temporal scales. New approaches to the integration and extension of this knowledge are consdiered basic to making singificant progress in understanding three critical issues facing mankind; the restoration and maintenance of soil quality, the development of sustainable soil and land use practices and the effects of global change on soil and ecosystem function. Improving our understanding of the functional role and value of soil bidoiversity and the importance of soil in carbon sequestration and nutrient elelement dynamics is seen as vital to the resolution of theses issues.