Hillel D. Introduction to Environmental Soil Physics

Academic Press, 1998. - 771 p., ISBN: 0123486556An abridged, student-oriented edition of Hillel's earlier published Environmental Soil Physics, this is a more succinct elucidation of the physical principles and processes governing the behavior of soil and the vital role it plays in both natural and managed ecosystems. The textbook is self-contained and self-explanatory, with numerous illustrations and sample problems. Based on sound fundamental theory, the textbook leads to a practical consideration of soil as a living system in nature and illustrates the influences of human activity upon soil structure and function. Students, as well as other readers, will better understand the importance of soils and the pivotal possition they occupy with respect to careful and knowledgeable conservation.Written in an engaging and clear style, posing and resolving issues relevant to the terrestrial environment.
Explores the gamut of the interactions among the phases in the soil and the dynamic interconnection of the soil with the subterranean and atmospheric domains.
Reveals the salient ideas, approaches, and methods of environmental soil physics.
Includes numerous illustrative exercises, which are explicitly solved.
Designed to serve for classroom and laboratory instruction, for self-study, and for reference.
Oriented toward practical problems in ecology, field-scale hydrology, agronomy, and civil engineering.
Differs from earlier texts in its wider scope and holistic environmental conception.Basic Relationships
Soil Physics and Soil Physical Characteristics
Water Properties in Relation to Porous Media
The Solid Phase
Particle Sizes, Shapes, and Specific Surface
Clay, the Colloidal Component
Soil Structure and Aggregation
The Liquid Phase
Water Content and Potential in the Soil
Water Flow in Saturated Soil
Water Flow in Unsaturated Soil
Solute Movement and Soil Salinity
The Gaseous Phase
Gas Content and Composition in the Soil
Gas Movement and Exchange with the Atmosphere
Composite Phenomena
Temperature and Heat Flow in the Soil
Stress, Strain, and Strength of Soil Bodies
The Field Water Cycle
Water Entry into Soil
Surface Runoff and Water Erosion
Redistribution and Retention of Water in Soil
Groundwater Drainage and Pollution
Evaporation from Bare Soil and Wind Erosion
Soil-Plant-Water Relations
Plant Uptake of Soil Moisture
Water Balance and Energy Balance in the Field
Irrigation and Water Use Efficiency