Introductory Soil Chemistry, Fertility And Microbiology
Introductory Soil Chemistry, Fertility And Microbiology
Introductory Soil Chemistry, Fertility And Microbiology
This note deals with the meaning and explanation of the basic
principles of soil chemistry, fertility and microbiology. Explanations were also
given on the basic concepts of these fields of soil science. This note focused
on: soil phases, cation exchange capacity and base saturation, soil acidity and
liming, nutrient movement in soils,nutrient uptake mechanisms, chemistry, status
and availability of essential nutrients in soils.
It is a comprehensive manual useful for students and practitioners in
agricultural chemistry mainly dealing with techniques for soil analysis. The
whole process elaborated goes from collecting and processing soil samples up to
analyzing soil profiles and characteristics, from determining soil density,
moisture content, and maximum water holding capacity to hydraulic conductivity
and assessment of soil texture. The manual also touches on some critical
measurements: soil temperature, electrical conductivity (EC), pH, and cation
exchange capacity. These contain detailed methods and practical applications
that provide necessary skills in the effective analysis of soils, thereby
adequately practicing agriculture and crop management.
Author(s): Prof. H. P. Dholariya and Dr. Navneet
Kumar
UC Davis course notes on soil chemistry include some of the interactions
in the soil system. These include three-phase system of the soil; solid phase
reactivity; and the chemistry of solutions within the soil matrix. Cation
exchange reactions, soil buffering and pH dynamics, and redox reactions
affecting chemistry in soil have also been covered. This resource has been very
important especially for students who wish to understand the intricate processes
by which chemicals regulate soil fertility and health and grant them knowledge
that ensures effective soil management.