
Soils
Their formation, properties, composition, and relations to climate and plant growth in the humid and arid regionsBy Eugene W. HilgardLength20h 13m
About this audiobook
Eugene W. Hilgard's "Soils" stands as a seminal text in the field of soil science, offering a comprehensive examination of the complex interplay between soil formation, composition, and ecology. Written in an accessible yet academically rigorous style, Hilgard adeptly navigates the intricate processes of soil development while situating them within the broader context of natural science and agriculture. His analytical approach is paired with vivid descriptions and illustrations that enhance the reader's understanding of soil as a critical component of the Earth's biosphere. Hilgard, often referred to as the "Father of Soil Science," brought to the text a wealth of experience from his extensive work in agronomy and geology. His passion for understanding the natural world was cultivated at a time when soil science was emerging as a distinct discipline. Drawing from practical field studies and scientific observation, Hilgard's scholarship reflects a dedication to improving agricultural practices and addressing the environmental challenges of his era. This book is recommended for scholars, practitioners, and students alike, serving as an essential reference for those invested in agricultural science, environmental studies, or ecology. Hilgard's "Soils" is not only a foundational text that offers vital insights into soil health and sustainability, but it also inspires a deeper appreciation for the intricate systems that sustain life on Earth.
Audiobook details
GenreScience and Nature
Length20 hrs 13 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateMar 2, 2025
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Introduction
2PREFACE.
3INTRODUCTION.
4CLASSIFICATION OF SOILS.
5Chemical Disintegration, or Decomposition.
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6Action of Plants and their Remnants in Soil Formation.
7INFLUENCE OF RAINFALL ON SOIL FORMATION; LEACHING OF THE LAND.
8SILICATE MINERALS.
9CALCITE AND LIMESTONES.
10GENERAL CLASSIFICATION OF ROCKS.
11Generalities regarding the Soils derived from various Rocks.
12“Colloidal” Clay.[17]
13(A.) MINERALS USED AS FERTILIZERS.
14(B.) MINERALS UNESSENTIAL OR INJURIOUS TO SOILS.
15Clay as a Soil Ingredient.
16Rock Powder; Sand, Silt and Dust.
17WEATHERING IN HUMID AND ARID REGIONS.
18PHYSICAL ANALYSIS OF SOILS.
19CHAPTER VII. THE DENSITY AND VOLUME-WEIGHT OF SOILS.
20CAUSES AND PROCESS OF DIFFERENTIATION. HUMUS.
21THE ORGANIC AND ORGANIZED CONSTITUENTS OF SOILS.
22MICRO-ORGANISMS OF THE SOIL.
23DISTRIBUTION OF THE HUMUS WITHIN THE SURFACE SOIL.
24CHAPTER X. SOIL AND SUBSOIL (Continued)
25HYGROSCOPIC WATER.
26Capillary Water.
27SURFACE, HYDROSTATIC AND GROUND WATER; PERCOLATION.
28ABSORPTION AND MOVEMENTS OF WATER IN SOILS.
29METHODS OF IRRIGATION.[89]
30QUALITY OF THE IRRIGATION WATER.
31EVAPORATION.
32EVAPORATION THROUGH THE ROOTS AND LEAVES OF PLANTS.
33DISTRIBUTION OF MOISTURE IN THE SOIL AS AFFECTED BY VEGETATION.
34ABSORPTION OF SOLIDS FROM THEIR SOLUTIONS.
35ABSORPTION, OR CONDENSATION, OF GASES BY SOILS.
36THE COMPOSITION OF GASES ABSORBED FROM THE ATMOSPHERE BY VARIOUS SOLIDS.
37THE AIR OF SOILS.
38CHAPTER XV. THE COLORS OF SOILS.
39TEMPERATURE.
40RAINFALL.
41WINDS.
42INFLUENCE OF TOPOGRAPHY.
43CHAPTER XVII. RELATIONS OF SOILS AND PLANT GROWTH TO HEAT.
44HISTORICAL REVIEW OF SOIL INVESTIGATION.
45Change of Views.
46PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CONDITIONS OF PLANT GROWTH.
47THE SOLVENT ACTION OF WATER UPON SOILS.
48ASCERTAINMENT OF THE IMMEDIATE PLANT-FOOD REQUIREMENTS OF CULTIVATED SOILS BY PHYSIOLOGICAL TESTS. PHYSIOLOGICAL SOIL-ANALYSIS.
49CHEMICAL TESTS OF IMMEDIATE PRODUCTIVENESS.
50LIMITS OF ADEQUACY OF THE SEVERAL PLANT-FOODS IN VIRGIN SOILS.