Fundamentals of Soil Ecology

"This book is by highly respected authors on a very active subject...it will give an excellent education on soil organisms and their general behavior."—P.B.H. Tinker, in EXPERIMENTAL AGRICULTURE, VOL. 41, 2005

"...a very well written and organized book, with its major strength in stating the various topics as 'state of the art,' along with the authors' visions for the near future of soil ecology."—Hector Causarano, Auburn University, in VADOSE ZONE JOURNAL, 2005

"This updated and expanded edition will be useful as a textbook for students of soil ecology and scientists doing research in this field."—Northeastern Naturalist

"This book, with new material and updates to the first edition, delineates more than any other single source, the subject matter and key questions in the field. It provides a wide ranging and, in nearly all cases, a thorough and up-to-date synthesis of both older and recent literature. The writing is erudite, yet with a clear and easy style, sprinkled with anecdotes that make for an engaging read...this is an excellent reference work for soil scientists and ecologists. The style and structure of the book is somewhere between that of a traditional text book and a literature review/monograph. While basic concepts and core knowledge are well laid out, the reader is invited to explore many diverse and sometime contradictory finding and to make their own interpretations and conclusions. Hence, the book is well suited as a thought provoking text for graduate students and as an essential desk reference for the working scientist in the field."—Keith Paustian, Colorado State University, in AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS

"...this book by Coleman, Crossley, and Hendrix is an eye-opener and a fascinating journey...Very simple and distinct illustrations further enhance the practicality and attractivity of this volume. The language is clear and concise, and conveys the fascination and dedication of the authors. This clarity is to be appreciated by every academic teacher and makes it fun reading. Essentially this book is both a primer and a wonderful textbook, which provides a much needed overview on soil ecology that is key to appreciating this fascinating environment and identifying what is needed to ensure soil well-being (for our own benefit). Fundamentals of Soil Ecology can be wholly recommended and should even be read by those who only occasionally deal with the soil system."—ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY

"The authors of this book have, for many years, been at the forefront of the discipline of soil ecology. Indeed, their collective work has contributed significantly to the understanding of the udnerground world and has helped fuel the growing interest in this field of exploration...This book provides an excellent introduction to the field of soil ecology and is essential reading for any student or researcher with interest in the below ground world and the functioning of terestrial ecosystems. Indeed, it has all the traits of an excellent textbook: It is well written, richly illustrated, informative, through provoking, and well supported by a comprehensive and up-to-date literature base. What is unique about the book, in my view, is that it takes a truly holistic perspective to the study of soil ecology, highlighting the importance of the food web approach- emphasizing the central role of trophic interactions- and the role of soil as the organizing center for terrestrial ecosystems. The lead author and his coworkers are pioneers of this approach to soil ecology, and this book exemplifies their contribution to this field. I recommend this book strongly."—Richard Bardgett, Institute of Environmental and National Sciences, Soil and Ecosystem Ecology, Lancaster University, in BIOSCIENCE