Sustainable Soils

Foreword , Preface , Acknowledgments , Chapter 1. Intensive Agriculture and Food Production , Problems with Intensive Agriculture , Correcting Problems Associated with Intensive Agriculture , Alternative Agriculture , Sustainable Agriculture , Sustainable Soil Science , Increasing Organic Matter, Sustainable Agriculture, and the Need for Inputs , Chapter 2. Basic Concepts of Organic Matter , Decomposition of Organic Matter , SOM and Humus , Environmental Conditions Affecting Decomposition , Extent of Decomposition , Losses of SOM and Crop Yields , Increasing Soil Organic Matter , Negative Aspects of Organic Matter Additions , Chapter 3. Organic Matter As a Source of Nutrients , Organic Matter and Nutrient Supply , Nutrients Released from Organic Matter , Nutrient Release , Indirect Effects of Organic Matter on Nutrient Availability , Accounting for Nutrients in Organic Matter , Chapter 4. Physical Qualities , Soil Structure , Porosity , Bulk Density , Compaction , Infiltration and Percolation , Aggregate Stability , Moisture-Holding Capacity , Erosion , Chapter 5. Biological Effects of Organic Matter , Soil Organisms and Their Functions , Processes Vital to Soil Health , Controlling Pests by Harnessing Soil Organisms and Organic Matter , Chapter 6. Adding Organic Matter , Growing Organic Matter in Place , Plant Residues , Chapter 7. Adding Organic Matter Not Grown in Place , Manure , Compost , Loamless Composts , Sewage Effluents and Biosolids , Peats , High-Analysis Animal and Other Wastes , Chapter 8. Placement of Organic Matter , Incorporating OM , Plastic Mulch ,