Fundamentals of soil ecology / David C. Coleman, Mac A. Callaham, Jr., D.A. Crossley, Jr.

Fundamentals of Soil Ecology, 3rd Edition offers a holistic approach to soil biology and ecosystem function, providing students and ecosystem researchers with a greater understanding of the central roles that soils play in ecosystem development and function. The text emphasizes the increasing importance of soils as the organizing center for all terrestrial ecosystems and provides an overview of theory and practice in soil ecology, both from an ecosystem and evolutionary biology point of view. This new edition is fully updated, including an expanded treatment of microbial ecology and new sections on advances in molecular techniques and climate change research. These updates make this edition an essential resource for researchers and students in soil ecology and microbiology. Includes extensive tables and diagrams in full color to enhance concepts Combines theoretical and practical approaches to understanding and applying soil ecology Outlines suggested laboratory and field methods.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 313-359) and index.

Introduction to Soil: Historical Overview, Soil Science Basics, and the Fitness of the Soil Environment -- Primary Production Processes in Soils: Roots and Rhizosphere Associates -- Secondary Production: Activities of Heterotrophic Organisms--Microbes -- Secondary Production: Activities of Heterotrophic Organisms--The Soil Fauna -- Decomposition and Nutrient Cycling -- Soil Food Webs: Detritivory and Microbivory in Soils -- Soil Biodiversity and Linkages to Soil Processes -- Future Developments in Soil Ecology -- Laboratory and Field Exercises in Soil Ecology.

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