An Introduction to Soil Science / M Shivanna.

Dr. Shivanna, M., Professor and Head, Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Horticulture, Bangalore, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka. He obtained his B.Sc. (Ag.) in 1991 from University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore. M.Sc. (Ag.) in Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry from University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, in 1994; Ph.D. in Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, 2008 from University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore. PGDAEM (Post-graduate Diploma in Agriculture Extension Management) in 2019 from MANAGE, Hyderabad. He has an experience for over 26 years in teaching, research and extension. He has to his credit about 46 full length research papers, published in peerreviewed journals of National and International repute as author/co-author. He has guided 10 Master's degree students. Professor Shivanna received different awards and honours from different professional societies. He has attended many national and international seminars, symposiums, conferences and workshops. He has delivered number of radio talks, lectures in different training programmes. Dr. Shivanna has also written 20 popular articles in different magazines. Presently Dr Shivanna, M. is working as a Professor and Head in the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Horticulture, Bangalore, Karnataka. Email: shivassac@gmail. com.

Soil: An Introduction
Rocks and Minerals
Weathering of Rocks and Minerals
Soil Formation, Factors and Processes
Soil Profile
Soil Classification and Taxonomy
Soil Survey and Land Capability Classification
Soil Physical Properties
Soil Water
Soil Air
Soil Temperature
Dynamic Soil Physical Properties
Soil Colloids
Ion Exchange
Soil Organic Matter
Acid Soils, Formation and Their Management
Salt Affected Soils, Formation and Their Management
Soil Fertility and Productivity
Essential Plant Nutrients
Functions and Deficiency Symptoms of Essential Nutrient Elements in Plants
Luxury Consumption of Nutrients and Nutrient Interactions in Plants and Soils
Transformations and Availability of Nutrients in Soils
Soil Fertility Evaluation
Nitrogeneous Fertilizers
Phosphatic Fertilizers
Potassic Fertilizers
Mixed Fertilizers
Integrated Plant Nutrient Management
Methods of Fertilizer Applications
Organic Manures
Chemistry of Submerged Soils
Quality of Irrigation Waters-Criteria and Parameters Used for Judgment
Major Soil Types of India
References

The soil is one of the important natural resource which play pre-dominant role in food and nutritional security. So, conservation of soil health is paramount importance to feed the ever increasing population of the country. In order to better understanding of the soil, different domains of the soil science, namely Soil pedology, Soil mineralogy, Soil genesis, survey and classification, Soil Physics, Soil chemistry, Soil fertility, Soil biology and biochemistry and problematic soils, etc. are necessary to be studied for sustained crop production. The book entitled “An Introduction to Soil Science” has been useful for students, teachers and researcher of agriculture universities and policy-makers. The book has been written in a simple language and understandable manner. The book deals with genesis, physical, chemical and biological properties of the soils. The contents of the book include thirty three chapters. All chapters should be thoroughly viewed as a concise collection of various topics from different books, journals bulletins, and research papers, etc. Figures and tables have also been provided, wherever necessary. It is hoped that this textbook will help to improve the knowledge of students regarding Soil science and Agricultural chemistry. All suggestions and criticisms for further improvement of this book will be thankfully acknowledged.