Summary

Now in it's third edition of World Soils provides a concise account of the soils of the world. It has been completely revised to include developments in the last decade in pedology and soil science. The introduction provides a definition of soils and outlines the author's approach. Successive chapters examine the composition, factors and processes behind the formation of soils. The topic of soil classification is dealt with in a user-friendly manner and includes an historical overview leading to the current FAO-Unesco Soil Map of the World system. The 28 major soil groups are described and their formation discussed. Chapters on soil mapping and soil use are also included. World Soils is written for a wide readership including students of environmental science, geography, ecology, forestry and agriculture, as well as the many other disciplines of study which include some consideration of soil as a natural resource. It will be useful to sixth-form students as well as first and second year undergraduates.