Publisher's Synopsis
Soils over time develop from parent materials lying at a topographical location with vegetation growing under the influence of the climate. The material is undergoing additions, subtractions, and in-place transformations. Over time, the combination of factors and processes results in a unique soil. When similar conditions occur in various places, the soils will develop somewhat alike, but rarely will be exactly the same. The overall side view of a soil is called the profile. The long-term process of soil development results in the formation of distinctive layers called horizons visible in the profile. Horizons reflect the cumulative effect of all the soil formation factors undergoing slow genesis processes. The top layers, often referred to as topsoil, are often two different horizons. If there is a layer of partially decomposed plant material, it is named the O horizon. Below it, there is usually a dark layer several inches thick called the A horizon. If the soil has ever been manipulated by humans. This plow layer is the primary rooting zone and nutrient supply area. Lower horizons show different degrees of development and have other designations by soil scientists. One feature in much of Mississippi hill sections is the presence of a restrictive layer some 15 to 24 inches below the surface called a fragipan. Roots cannot elongate through these special horizons, nor can water penetrate easily. Growing plants on raised beds on these soils increases the effective root zone and improves water relations. The objective of the handbook is to bring together a balanced selection of core concepts as well as new perspectives that collectively articulate a knowledge-based view of Soil and Soils Media under Protected Cultivation. This book is designed to be a comprehensive text on Soil for students in all the world. This book covers a wide range of soil and soils media under protected cultivation issues, and attempt to introduce the subject in a comprehensive way. It avoids the narrow focus and considerable complexity of many other books in this area where in depth treatment is required, students are recommended to read relevant texts by leading contributors to idea about soil and soils media under protected cultivation thinking and practice. We hope that the discussion made in this book will help the readers to understand and learnt about the different aspects of
