Digital library
Textbooks, references and open learning resources.
External
Introduction to Soil Science Laboratory Manual (Schwyter and Vaughan)
Anna R. Schwyter and Karen L. Vaughan · University of Wyoming
In the contents: 1.02: Activity 1 - Soil Formation · 1.03: Activity 2 - Soil Horizons · 1.04: Activity 3 - Soil Color
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Principles of Soil Science Exercise Manual
Mark W. Bowen · University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
In the contents: 1.01: Determining Soil Physical Properties · 1.02: Soil Profile Descriptions · 1.03: Introduction to Online Soil Data
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Digging into Canadian Soils: An Introduction to Soil Science
Canadian Society of Soil Science · University of Saskatchewan
In the contents: 1.02: Soil Genesis · 1.03: Soil Organic Matter · 1.04: Soil Physics
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Introduction to Soil Science
Amber Anderson; Rivka Fidel · Iowa State University Digital Press · 2025
This textbook introduces readers to introductory soil science topics including the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils; soil formation, classification, and global distribution; soil health, soils and humanity, and sustainable land management. The second edition brings forward new information about soil water and soil chemistry alongside updates to the core chapters.
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Digging into Canadian Soils: An Introduction to Soil Science
Canadian Society of Soil Science; Maja Krzic; Fran Walley; Amanda Diochon · College of DuPage · 2021
Written entirely by members of the Canadian Society of Soil Science, "Digging into Canadian Soils: An Introduction to Soil Science" provides an introduction to the core disciplines of soil science, and introduces the concepts and vocabulary needed by students just beginning their soil science journey. The textbook provides supplementary materials that are specific to regions in Canada, or may be of specific interest beyond what might be considered introductory soil science material. Importantly, the textbook also is intended to introduce students to the Canadian System of Soil Classification by providing examples from across the length and breadth of the world’s second largest country, and to the Canadian Society of Soil Science, whose members share a common passion for soil science and are keen to share and instill this passion with students across Canada.
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Rain or Shine: An Introduction to Soil Physical Properties and Processes (CRPSCI 036)
Tyson Oschner · Coalinga College
In the contents: 02: Soil Patterns Structure and Texture · 2.04: Soil profile scale · 2.05: Soil aggregate scale
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Building Soils for Better Crops - Ecological Management for Healthy Soils 4e
Fred Magdoff & Harold van Es · Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program
In the contents: 01: Healthy Soils · 1.02: How is Soil Made · 1.03: What Kind of Soil Do You Want
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Physical Geography
K. Allison Lenkeit-Meezan · Foothill College
Physical geography is the study of the earth's dynamic systems: its air, water, weather climate, landforms, rocks, soils, plants, ecosystems and biomes and how humans interact with the earth's systems. Physical geography is the study of the world around you. Everyone, every day, interacts with the earth's dynamic systems.
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Soils Laboratory Manual
Colby Moorberg & David Crouse · Kansas State University
In the contents: 02: Soil Formation Classification and Mapping · 02.1: Soil Formation · 02.2: Soil Classification and Mapping
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Soils: A Practical Guide for Organic Farmers and Gardeners
Valerie Dantoin · Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
In the contents: 01: Getting Grounded in Soil · 1.02: Thoughts on Soil · 1.03: Naturally-Made Soil
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Soil and Water Conservation: An Annotated Bibliography
Colby Moorberg · Kansas State University
In the contents: 1.02: Key Concepts in Soil Science · 1.3: Soil Erosion Processes · 2.05: Rehabilitation of Problem Soils
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The Environment of the Earth's Surface
John Southard · Massachusetts Institute of Technology
In the contents: 2.09: Soils
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The Art of Being Human: A Textbook for Cultural Anthropology
Michael Wesch · New Prairie Press · 2018
Anthropology is the study of all humans in all times in all places. But it is so much more than that. “Anthropology requires strength, valor, and courage,” Nancy Scheper-Hughes noted. “Pierre Bourdieu called anthropology a combat sport, an extreme sport as well as a tough and rigorous discipline. … It teaches students not to be afraid of getting one’s hands dirty, to get down in the dirt, and to commit yourself, body and mind. Susan Sontag called anthropology a “heroic” profession.” What is the payoff for this heroic journey? You will find ideas that can carry you across rivers of doubt and over mountains of fear to find the the light and life of places forgotten. Real anthropology cannot be contained in a book. You have to go out and feel the world’s jagged edges, wipe its dust from your brow, and at times, leave your blood in its soil. In this unique book, Dr. Michael Wesch shares many of his own adventures of being an anthropologist and what the science of human beings can tell us about the art of being human.
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Permaculture Design: Tools for Climate Resilience
Andrew Milison · Oregon State University · 2018
Climate is also where we begin the design process in another tool referenced in the Permaculture design system. This is the Scale of Landscape Permanence, originated by P.A.Yeomans, the founder of Keyline™ Design. Yeomans asserts that the order of design is: Climate Landshape Water Supply Roads/Access Trees Structures Subdivision Fences Soil This book is predominantly about climate, and the macro influences of climate and climate change on design. As we get through the topics of climate analogues and climate change forecasting, we will end up moving down this list to see the climate’s influence on specific design choices.
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Soils Laboratory Manual
Colby Moorberg; David Crouse · New Prairie Press · 2017
The Soils Laboratory Manual, K-State Edition is designed for students in undergraduate, introductory soil science courses, and highlights the many aspects of soil science, including: soil genesis and classification, soil physical properties, soil-water interaction, soil biology, soil chemistry, and soil fertility. The lab manual includes 15 different laboratories, each one starting with an introduction and pre-lab assignment, followed by in-lab activities, and complimented by post-lab assignment. In-lab activities involve field trips, experiments, observation stations, or problem sets. Post-lab assignments include online quizzes, problem sets, or laboratory summary reports.
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The Delft Sand, Clay & Rock Cutting Model
Sape Miedema · TU Delft Open · 2019
In dredging, trenching, (deep sea) mining, drilling, tunnel boring and many other applications, sand, clay or rock has to be excavated. This book gives an overview of cutting theories. It starts with a generic model, which is valid for all types of soil (sand, clay and rock) after which the specifics of dry sand, water saturated sand, clay, atmospheric rock and hyperbaric rock are covered. For each soil type small blade angles and large blade angles, resulting in a wedge in front of the blade, are discussed. For each case considered, the equations/model for the cutting forces, power and specific energy are given. The models are verified with laboratory research, mainly at the Delft University of Technology, but also with data from literature.
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Crop Adaptation and Improvement for Drought-Prone Environments
Ndjido Kane; Daniel Foncéka; Timothy Dalton · New Prairie Press · 2022
This book focuses on three important elements in the development of cereal and legume crops in semi-arid West Africa. The first section illustrates the socioeconomic factors that affect the food system for these crops and contains an overview of crop production and consumption in the region. Then, important inputs that affect system productivity are presented: preferences for new seed varieties, yield response to fertilizer, counterfeit herbicides, climate information, and the way farmers develop expectations about the weather events that shape cropping outcomes. The final chapter of section one is dedicated to understanding urban consumer preferences for processed food products derived from pearl millet. The second section addresses the state of the art of phenotyping and the modeling of crop adaptation to dryland farming systems. Chapters in section two focus on the regional network for phenotyping, high throughput phenotyping in field situations, root architectures, and crop ideotypes. In addition, empirical evidence is presented on root and soil interactions and the effectiveness of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs to assess sorghum physiology. Finally, the third section investigates the genetic diversity and improvement of dryland crops. Chapters in this section focus on biodiversity and agricultural system sustainability, orphan crops such as fonio, and the utilization of a regional germplasm collection in the improvement of cowpea, groundnut, pearl millet, and sorghum.
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Virginia Cooperative Extension Gardener Handbook
Kathleen Reed; Devon Johnson · Virginia Cooperative Extension · 2023
Virginia Cooperative Extension Gardener Handbook is a guide for all gardeners in Virginia. It covers a variety of topics important for beginning and experienced gardeners, including soil health, native plants, and integrated pest management. This manual provides an understanding of the basics of gardening in Virginia and helps to build a strong foundation of gardening knowledge. Resources for additional reading can be found at the end of each chapter. We encourage readers to take a deeper dive into the topics that interest them and continue their learning journey. Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) is the outreach and engagement branch of Virginia Tech and Virginia State University, Virginia’s land-grant universities. Through VCE, Extension agents, specialists, and volunteers work to share knowledge and advance the wellbeing of all Virginians. This handbook serves as the main training text for new Extension Master Gardener volunteers.
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Properties and Behavior of Soil – Online Lab Manual
Sahadat Hossain; Azijul Islam; Faria Badhon · Mavs Open Press · 2021
This project aims to provide a complete guide for the CE/AREN 3143 course (Properties and Behavior of Soil). Students will be benefitted from this online lab manual.
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Rain or Shine
Tyson Ochsner; Eric Howerton; Braiden Ellis · Oklahoma State University · 2019
This text is an introduction to soil physical properties and processes.