New Field Guide Provides a Practical Primer on Soils

A new book from the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) offers professionals an invaluable tool for improved natural resource management. The book, Soil Science: Step-by-Step Field Analysis, provides clear guidance on how to conduct specific activities related to improved soil management.

The soil science field guide is written and designed for crop consultants, government officials, agronomists, environmental consultants, students, and teachers.

The soft-cover book is spiral bound and features water-resistant pages, ideally designed to be carried while in the field. In addition, the book also avoids any lengthy discussion on methods for any of the featured techniques, as this type of information is typically best reserved for the laboratory.

The book begins with a discussion on the importance of site evaluation, offering key principles to land use planning and management. Other topics include surveying techniques, how to reduce soil sampling errors, and measuring and monitoring soil pH. Additionally, many different informational resources are provided, making it an important source for further research.

The list of topics covered in the book was in part chosen by a survey of certified professionals of SSSA, the American Society of Agronomy, Association of Women Soil Scientists, and the turfgrass division of the Crop Science Society of America. With the professional in mind, Soil Science: Step-by-Step Field Analysis is sure to be an important guide for both new procedures and tips for improved performance in the field.

View the table of contents for Soil Science: Step-by-Step Field Analysis at: https://portal.sciencesocieties.org/Downloads/pdf/Soil_Science_Step-by-Step_TOC.pdf

Soil Science: Step-by-Step Field Analysis can be purchased online through SSSA for $75, Item No. B60915 at: http://www.societystore.org, by phone at 608-268-4960, or by email: books@soils.org.

The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) is a progressive, international scientific society that fosters the transfer of knowledge and practices to sustain global soils. Based in Madison, WI, and founded in 1936, SSSA is the professional home for 6,000+ members dedicated to advancing the field of soil science. It provides information about soils in relation to crop production, environmental quality, ecosystem sustainability, bioremediation, waste management, recycling, and wise land use.

SSSA supports its members by providing quality research-based publications, educational programs, certifications, and science policy initiatives via a Washington, DC, office. For more information, visit www.soils.org.

SSSA is the founding sponsor of an approximately 5,000-square foot exhibition, Dig It! The Secrets of Soil, which opened on July 19, 2008 at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC.