Fundamentals of Soil EcologyThis fully revised and expanded edition of Fundamentals of Soil Ecology continues its holistic approach to soil biology and ecosystem function. Students and ecosystem researchers will gain a greater understanding of the central roles that soils play in ecosystem development and function. The authors emphasize the increasing importance of soils as the organizing center for all terrestrial ecosystems and provide an overview of theory and practice of soil ecology, both from an ecosystem and evolutionary biology point of view. This volume contains updated and greatly expanded coverage of all belowground biota (roots, microbes and fauna) and methods to identify and determine its distribution and abundance. New chapters are provided on soil biodiversity and its relationship to ecosystem processes, suggested laboratory and field methods to measure biota and their activities in ecosystems..
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Contents
1 Historical Overview of Soils and the Fitness of the Soil Environment | 1 |
Roots and Rhizosphere Associates | 23 |
Activities of Heterotrophic OrganismsMicrobes | 47 |
Activities of Heterotrophic OrganismsThe Soil Fauna | 79 |
5 Decomposition and Nutrient Cycling | 187 |
Detritivory and Microbivory in Soils | 227 |
Other editions - View all
Fundamentals of Soil Ecology David C. Coleman,D. A. Crossley, Jr.,Paul F. Hendrix Limited preview - 2004 |
Common terms and phrases
abundance activity addition aggregate amounts animals approach bacteria biological biomass biota breakdown carbon changes Chapter clay Coleman collected collembolans compared considered contain Crossley cycling decomposition density developed diversity dynamics earthworms ecology ecosystem effects enchytraeids environment estimates et al example extraction fauna feeding field FIGURE food webs forest forms functional fungal fungi grassland greater groups growth habitats horizon impact important increased influence insects interactions layer leaf litter litter loss major mass material measured method microarthropods microbial mineral mites mycorrhiza natural nematodes nitrogen North noted numbers nutrient occur organic matter oribatid plant populations predators primary processes production protozoa range rates relative respiration result rhizosphere richness role root sampling significant similar soil soil organic species structure studies substrate surface Table techniques termites terrestrial tion tropical turnover types United various wide