Includes bibliographical references and index.

The soils around us -- Formation of soils from parent materials -- Soil classification -- Soil architecture and physical properties -- Soil water : Characteristics and behavior -- Soil and the hydrologic cycle -- Soil aeration and temperature -- The colloidal fraction : Seat of soil chemical and physical activity -- Soil acidity -- Soils of dry regions : Alkalinity, salinity, and sodicity -- Organisms and ecology of the soil -- Soil organic matter -- Nitrogen and sulfur economy of soils -- Soil phosphorus and potassium -- Calcium, magnesium, silicon, and trace elements -- Practical nutrient management -- Soil erosion and its control -- Soils and chemical pollution -- Geographic soils information -- Prospects for soil heath in the anthropocene.

'The Nature and Properties of Soil' is a broad textbook for introductory soil courses in agronomy and soil science. It emphasises soils as part of the geosystem.