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Soil Biology & Ecology

Unit 2.3 | Part 2 – 119
Resources

Resources

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Coleman, David, and Dak Crossley. 1996. Funda-
mentals of Soil Ecology. San Diego, CA: Academic
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The best textbook introduction to the subject

that I know of. Gives an overview of the basics,

and attempts to consider the applications.

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A weighty tome, with chapters including

taxonomic keys and basic biology/ecology on

virtually all organisms found in soils.

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ˆViÊœ˜iÃÊ­ið®°Ê£™™È°Êi̅œÃÊ for Assessing Soil Quality. -«iVˆ>Ê*ÕLˆV>̈œ˜Ê›Ê{™°Ê >ˆÃœ˜]Ê7\Ê-œˆÊ-Vˆ°Ê-œV°Ê
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Soil quality is the current buzzword in

soil science circles. This volume explores

the application of the idea to sustainable

environmental management.

Gershuny, Grace, and Joseph Smillie. 1999. The
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Farmers and Gardeners, 4th Edition.Ê7…ˆÌiÊ,ˆÛiÀÊ
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above works, this book is aimed at plant

growers and has lots of practical information.

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soil like dirt? National Geographic, pp 351-388.

An overview of US soils, from soil biota to

bankrupt farmers, done in classic NG style, with

lots of great photos and drawings.

ˆiÃÓ>˜]Ê-Ìi«…i˜Ê,°Ê£™™n°ÊAgroecology: Ecologi-
cal Processes in Sustainable Agriculture. Chelsea,
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Provides a brief overview of the most commonly

used conventional agricultural practices and the

environmental and agroecological consequences

of their use.

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Edition.Ê
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Society.

An excellent overview of soil biology, loaded

with glossy photos and colorful chart. Available

from http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/

soils/health/biology/.

WEB-BASED RESOURCES


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attra.ncat.org/publication.html#soils

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http://www.ext.colostate.edu/mg/gardennotes/212.html

Introduces various types of beneficial soil

organisms and their roles, as well as how to

encourage beneficial organisms by creating a

favorable soil environment.

European Atlas of Soil Biodiversity

eusoils.jrc.ec.europa.eu/library/maps/Biodiver-

sity_Atlas/

Information-rich resource on soil organisms

offers a comprehensive guide to soil biology, soil

ecosystem functions, and the ecosystem services

that soil organisms provide (e.g., nutrient

cycling).

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http://www.fao.org/agriculture/crops/thematic-sitemap/

theme/spi/soil-biodiversity/agriculture-and-soil-

biodiversity/en/

Discusses the effect of different agricultural

practices on soil organisms. Includes

information on how to improve soil biodiversity

through soil management, sustainable

agriculture, and agroecological farming options.

http://www.fao.org/docrep/009/a0100e/a0100e0d.htm

Describes the categories and characteristics of

soil organisms, including beneficial and harmful

organisms in agricultural soils. Includes a