Advances in Soil Science

Soil degradation is clearly one of the most pressing problems facing man kind. A continuation of soil degradation will eventually lead to a loss in crop productivity even though fertilizers and other inputs often result in increased yields in the short term. Soil degradation also leads to environ mental pollution.

The purpose of Advances in Soil Science is to provide a forum for leading scientists to analyze and summarize the available scientific information on a subject, assessing its importance and identifying additional research needs. A wide array of subjects has been addressed by authors from many countries in the initial

The key to sustaining the soil resource base is to maintain, or enhance, soil quality. Soil quality cannot be seen or measured directly from the soil alone but is inferred from soil characteristics and soil behavior under defined conditions. In essence, the quality of soils is analogous to the health

Soil is formed from the physical and chemical weathering of rocks-processes described historically becau'se they involve eons of time-by glaciation and by wind and water transport of soil materials, which are later deposited in deltas and loessial planes. Soil undergoes further transformations over time and provides a habitat for biological

The world needs for food and fiber continue to increase. Population growth in the developing countries peaked at 2. 4% a year in 1965 and has fallen to about 2. 1%. However, in many developing countries almost half the people are under 15 years of age, poised to enter their