Product Description
Now in its third edition, this classic textbook includes basic concepts and applications in agriculture, forestry, environmental science, and a new section entirely devoted to ecology. This revised and updated edition guides students through biochemical and microbial processes in soils and introduces them to microbial processes in water and sediments. Soil Microbiology, Ecology, and Biochemistry serves as an invaluable resource for students in biogeochemistry, soil microbiology, soil ecology, sustainable agriculture, and environmental amelioration.

NEW TO THIS EDITION:
* New section on Ecology integrated with biochemistry and microbiology
* Sections on exciting new methodology such as tracers, molecular analysis and computers that will allow great advances in this field
* Six new chapters: bioremediation, soil molecular biology, biodiversity, global climate change, basic physiology and ecological interpretations
* Expanded with contributions from leading soil microbiologists and agronomists on both fundamental and applied aspects of the science
* Full-color figures
* Includes a website with figures for classroom presentation use ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Soil Microbiology, Ecology and Biochemistry, Third Edition
Soil Microbiology, Ecology and Biochemistry, Third Edition by Eldor Alvin Paul

The topics that the editor selected, are well developed and its updated bibliography. This book serves both query for the teacher as the degree and postgraduate student.

My best wishes

Very good text book
This book has some excellent introductory material if you want to learn about soil microbiology. It is nicely organized with chapters (check the table of contents). A very good improvement over the previous edition in that it talks about some of the recent technology such as metagenomics. I would not recommend it as a reference book for graduate students, but a very good intro text book for grad and undergrads.

Soil Microbiology and Biochemistry, Second Edition
Book in very good condition when arrived, was new when purchased.Cost was a little high at 62.00 dollars.Received in a timely manner.

Standard text for soil microbiology
I was a graduate student in soils and forestry when I took a class in soil microbiology that used this text. It is essentially the gold standard for soil micro texts. It isn't overly technical, but it includes a thorough analysis of the basic concepts needed to understand most aspects of soil microbiology research and application. The book uses mostlyagronomic examples, but there is enough variety of ecosystems to make it useful for those working in forestry, grasslands, and almost any type of soil. Those interested in detailed discussions of molecular microbial methods or biotechnology may be disappointed, but for the general student looking to understand what those billion microbes per teaspoon of soil are doing, this book is the best introduction out there. ... Read more

Product Description

Long regarded as the leading book in the field, this volume provides a basic introduction to the biological, chemical, and physical properties affecting soil fertility and plant nutrition. It covers all aspects of nutrient management for profitable crop production, with particular attention to minimizing the environmental impact of soil and fertilizer management. The Seventh Edition has been substantially revised to reflect rapidly advancing knowledge and technologies in both plant nutrition and nutrient management. Crop specific data to estimate nutrient status and needs for many diverse products are provided, as well as example calculations that are routinely used in the market make this a comprehensive resourcetool. Nutrient management, water use, and economics are all fully covered.Comprehensive discussions of the development and use of nutrient recommendation systems make this an excellent reference and must-read for soil professionals, technical service providers, extension agents, and crop consultants.

Customer Reviews (4)

Excellent Textbook
This textbook was an excellent resource for my undergraduate course.It provided excellent practical examples of solving field fertility problems.The quantitative approach was challengingbut I learned more than in many other similary classes.Best textbook on the market.

Impressed!
I was really impressed with how fast the item arrived.I was not happy to go to the bookstore and find out that the textbook for class was going to cost me $133 new and $100 used.I went on here and got a brand new book for cheap.I highly recommend this company!

This edition has been dumbed down.
This edition is not as advanced or complete as earlier versions.If you did want to explore a the subject more completely you are at a disadvantage with this version, the references to the original work that were at the end of each chapter in previous versions have been removed.

screening of salt tolerant and drought resistant plants
This research aimed to screening of salt and drought resistant plant in saudi arabia to evaluate the effect of water of differant salinities and drought (irrigation intervals)on plant growth and performance in a sandy soil ... Read more

Product Description
For Introduction to Soil Science, Environmental Science, and Land Use Management courses at the undergraduate level. This text provides a fresh look at soil science. The goal is to help students understand the parts that contribute to the whole soil individual and then appreciate how those parts function together. It begins by assembling the parts (solid, liquid and gas phases) of a soil, followed by explaining the interactions among the parts. Subsequently, genesis, classification, and interpretation of soil properties are explained. The "building the pedon"* concept introduced in the first edition is continued in this latest edition. This edition also has a "western" perspective that emphasizes water management.*Pedon:"3-dimensional body of soil with lateral dimensions large enough to contain all soil properties." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good Service, Hard class
The book came fast and was exactly what I needed. The class on the other hand is difficult and not appreciated. ... Read more

Product Description
A thorough presentation of analytical methods for characterizing soil chemical properties and processes, Methods, Part 3 includes chapters on Fourier transform infrared, Raman, electron spin resonance, x-ray photoelectron, and x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopies, and more.

Also available:

Methods of Soil Analysis. Part 1. Physical and Mineralogical Methods - ISBN 0891188118
Minerals in Soil Environments, 2nd Edition - ISBN 0891187871

The American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America are prominent international scientific societies headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin. The Societies specialize in peer-reviewed, high-quality science titles for a wide variety of audiences.
Some of the many areas we publish in include:

-Soils Methods and Management
-Crop Development and Improvement
-Agrosystem Management and the Global Food Crisis
-Environmental Conservation and Climatology ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Fantastic Soil Chemical Methods
Very well written and thorough book on soil chemical methods. Highly recommended for determining appropriate methods for soil types and different problems. Lists many different methods and there advantages and disadvantages. You don't get this in many books. Good background material in chapters and useful,e asy to understand chemistry. Highly recommended for soil scientists, chemists and particularly those learning soil chemical methods.

Methods for Soil Chemical Analysis
Certainly a critical reference for anyone who deals with soil chemistry. These are the classical analyses that were state of the science when this reference was published. This series is periodically revised and updated so it is best served as a library reference so it can be accessed by as many people as possible. Not only are the presented methods the "industry standard", the introductions and discussions are also valuable resources. ... Read more

Product Description

With an emphasis on the fundamentals, this book explores the important world of soils and the principles that can be used to minimize the degradation and destruction of one of our most important natural resources. Fully updated in this edition, it includes the latest information on soil colloids; nutrient cycles and soil fertility; and soils and chemical pollution. This edition is filled with hundreds of new figures and photos and continues to use examples from many fields, including agriculture, forestry, and natural resources. Taking an ecological approach, it emphasizes how the soil system is interconnected and the principles behind each soil concept. Updated information in this edition includes:

Product Description
Discover the Principles that Support the Practice

Combining multimedia, realistic situations, clear explanations, and practical examples, Budhu's Second Edition of Soil Mechanics and Foundations helps you quickly master the key principles behind the practice of soil mechanics. Using language that is easy to understand, the text explains key concepts and principles in the context of basic mechanics, physics, and mathematics. Many worked-out examples illustrate problem-solving techniques step by step.

You'll have many unique opportunities for interactive exploration, as you learn the fundamentals of soil mechanics, including:
* How to characterize and classify soils
* How to plan and conduct a soil investigation
* The role of effective stresses, consolidation, shear strength, and critical state soil mechanics linking consolidation and shear strength
* The effects of seepage on stability
* How to estimate bearing capacity and settlement
* How to analyze and design simple geotechnical systems

Now revised, this Second Edition features a new chapter on basic geology, more examples and problems, shorter chapters, and a stronger integration with the resources on the accompanying CD. Users can follow different learning pathways depending on the educational goals.

Multimedia resources provide a hands-on learning environment

The CD packaged with this textbook includes:
* Virtual soils laboratory
* Interactive animations of basic concepts
* Interactive problem solving
* Interactive step-by-step examples
* Electronic quizzes
* Computer programs ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Doesn't cover bound methods
I think that this book will do it's job if you are new to geotechnical engineering and you'll need to learn the fundamentals of soil mechanics.I've used it for my first undergraduate course in soil mechanics and it was very illuminating.The only drawback is that it does not cover allbound methods,in fact it covers only the limit equilibrium method and thus has not helped me at all in my 2nd course in soil mechanics.I findJohn Atkinson's "The Mechanics of Soils and Foundations"more complete, not to mention it has half the price.

It's No Good
Whoever printed this book did a terrible job. The greek symbols are consistently missing so unless you already know the formulas you will be lost. I wish I could get my money back, but by the time I figured it out, it was too late. If you are an instructor, please do not make your students use this book. I guess the content would be fine if it weren't so confusing with the formulas.

Great overall Soil Mechanics book, very down to earth for the most part
This book was what my professor selected but I have to say so far, that it's quite good.It stays down to earth and gives practical explanations and not too much theory.

I dunno now
I used it in school and did well in school.But now when I look at it for exam review or regular use, I don't care for it.It's a bit convoluted to me.

Review of Muni Budhu's textbook "Soil Mechanics and Foundations"
I have found this book to be one of the best Soil Mechanics and Foundations texts I've found. It is ambitious in both its scope and the depth of material covered. Unfortunately, my text has lots of errors in it, incomplete formulas, symbols missing, etc., especially in the CSM Chapter. I don't know if these are attributable to the publisher or the printer. The book could use a little more explanation at times, both in the text and in sample problems. It also seems a little hard-core perhaps for introductory, undergraduate classes in Soil Mechanics and Foundations. Some of the problems appear pretty tough to me, and I'm currently studying on a graduate level. Over-all the text is a gem, among many non-gems. ... Read more

Product Description
A comprehensive study of the biology, taxonomy, and ecology of each of the soil biotic groups. The first chapter presents an ecological approach to soil studies. The remaining 42 chapters provide specific information on each of the taxonomic groupings. Contains illustrated identification keys to each group. Some keys go by functional morphological delineations; others lead the reader to classical identification at family, genus, or species levels. Some incorporate descriptions of new genera and species. Especially useful for the study of mesic, xeric, and hydric terrestrial sites. Includes an extensive bibliography. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

An excellent resource
This is an excellent book and a valuable resource for anyone studying the North American soil and leaf litter fauna. I've only used the Collembola and terrestrial Gastropod keys so far, but they work well and the chapters are well written. Aside from the content, the book is also very well bound and printed. I scanned chapters from a library copy, and I was impressed by the fact that I didn't feel nervous about damaging the text while doing the scanning; it's a very well-built book. This is good, because as I write it's impossible to find for less than $1000 and most available copies are almost twice that. I would echo other reviewers hopes that John Wiley & Sons Inc. decide to reprint it. I for one would definitely buy a copy once it reaches about 10% of its current price!

soil biology guide
i research on soil microorganism especially on VAM fungi

Excellent identification guide!
The reason I got this book was its great keys to soil-dwelling invertebrates. It has very thorough keys even to obscure groups, at least to family level and sometimes to species level! It is much more in-depththan the simple "Soil Biology Guide" name implies. It was writtenin 1990, so it is not yet out of date. Nearly 1300 pages of keys, habitatinfo, etc!

A comprehensive guide to the soil ecosystem
This book is a thorough study of soil organisms written in order to be easily used by both beginners and professionals.It needs to be reprinted!!! It is THE book to own when beginning or continuing to study and identify soil invertebrates. I need this book!! ... Read more

Product Description
Soils and Geomorphology, now in its third edition, remains popular among soil scientists, geomorphologists, geologists, geographers, and archaeologists.While retaining the useful "factors of soil formation format," it has been extensively revised, incorporating a considerable amount of new research and offering a greater number of topics and examples -- particularly in the chapters "Weathering and Soil Development with Time" and "Topography: Soil Relations with Time in Different Climatic Settings."Greater emphasis is placed on the role of dust in pedogenesis, and new data are included on tropical soil development, global soil-loess relations, neotectonics, and reduction processes. The text discusses field applications such as the use of soils in recognizing climate change, estimating the age of geological deposits, and dealing with environmental problems such as acid rain. New "how-to" appendices on soil descriptions and calculating the profile development index are also included. Soils and Geomorphology is an ideal text for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in courses on pedology, soil science, Quaternary geology, archeology, and sedimentary petrology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Breadth, Depth, and Specifics
The process is pedogenesis and this book will tell you what you want to know. I'm using this book in a class I am taking and I would recommend it to anyone who is seriously thinking about wanting to understand soils in a more geomorphologic and geologic perspective. Not a light read, but definitely not a traditional textbook either. The extensive references section will also help to lead you in other directions you may wish to take in order to find more on specific studies and research papers.

soil from earth
I read this book for one of my graduate courses. Totaly this is a good book for people who know about soil science, but the weakness of this book is using too much terms which are not explained in this book. So, if you donot have a very good back ground in geology, it will be difficult for youto understand some parts of this book and you need a geology dictionary toread this book. ... Read more

Product Description
This book uses only simple mathematics and emphasizes applications to explore the nature of soils and how they can influence certain construction operations.An introduction to soil materials is followed by a discussion of soils in the construction contract. Specifications from example contracts influenced by soil materials are discussed, as are the applications of soil behavior principles.For contractors, owners, technicians, lawyers, and engineers in the construction field. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Table of Contents
This is only Table of Contents of 5th edition. Not any rate or review.

Table of Contents
I. SOIL MATERIALS.

1. Physical Character of Soil Constituents.


2. Natural Soil Deposits.


3. Soil Index Properties.


4. Soil Classification.


5. Stress Analysis and Engineering Properties.


II. EARTHWORK IN THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT.

6. The Contract and Contract Documents.


7. Interpretation of Soils Reports.


8. Embankment Construction and Control.


9. Dewatering.


10. Excavations and Excavation Supports.


11. Foundation Construction.


12. Construction Access and Haul Roads.


Appendix A: Laboratory Testing Exercises.


Appendix B: Pile Hammer Specifications.


Problem Solutions.


Index.













































... Read more

Product Description
An 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 ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Well explained soil-water-weather relations
Very good soil physics introductory book, with big emphasys in water properties and its relation to soil. I liked it.

It was what I wanted
Not to much to say. Just that I was completely satisfied with what I have received and also the delivery time of the book was good. Thank you. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (2)

Worth dedicating a week of your life to reading
I am getting a PhD in 'Religion and Nature,' and McIntosh's book is one of the 5 best books that I have ever read on the topics of environmentalism, cultural criticism, and spirituality.His writing style is poetic and lucid, his stories entertaining, and his message needed.Without a doubt a book to read and pass on to others.

Much needed
Written by a Scotsman from the Isle of Harris. It goes into how it's been possible for local people over the world to lose their land to corporations and the ultra-rich. It links disposessed Scots to Native Americans and Pacific Islanders. It suggests how Western civilization has been able to view the planet as a non-living thing to be used up- and gives hope that we may once more view our home as alive, with us a part of its life, not its destroyer. Anecdotes, funny stories, myths, music, and poetry- this guy must be quite a character. ... Read more

Product Description
This book is one of the best-known and most respected books in geotechnical engineering. In its third edition, it presents both theoretical and practical knowledge of soil mechanics in engineering. It features expanded coverage of vibration problems, mechanics of drainage, passive earth pressure, and consolidation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

One of the best reference books on the subject
The original edition of this book has been the bible for the geotechnical community for a long time and this enriched third edition is even better with ready-to use empirical relations which come handy for practicing engineers.

Strong Geotechnical Text
I had the chance of taking a soil mechanics class with Professor Mesri at UIUC and I know first hand of his expertise and attention to detail.However, these traits are apparent when reading the Third edition, the information is well organized and exhaustively backed up with experimental data.The only issue with the book is that it has so much information in it, it is hard to finish and can be tough to use as a quick guide.

If you are taking a soil mechanics or even geology in general I strongly recommend this textbook.

Excellent - There are ERRORS though
Since Wiley does not (apparently) publish errata for this book, I figured I'd post this here; it may be some help to some frustrated grad student (like me).

On pg 293, top of the first column, an equation for the change in horizontal stress is given (for Boussineq conditions). The first subtraction operator should be an addition operator and the first addition operator should be a subtraction operator. This modification renders a reasonable result in keeping with results from Poulos and Davis (1974).

Hope that spares you a couple hours of hair-tearing.

Terzaghi says it all...
you've got to have this book if you are a geotechnical engineer.terzaghi gives examples from actual projects and presents them clearly.there are solutions to geotechnical problems encountered in the field.

Karl Terzaghi is loved
Many have commented on my review below -- most favorably. A few said, it was the second edition of the book they had admired most. Well! that was in 1967. Geotechnical engineering has exploded since then. Today it would bealmost impossible for anyone to write a 5-star general purpose bookon thesubject.

I want to thank you for your kind words and encouragement. I ammost grateful. ... Read more

Product Description
There have been many advances in soil chemistry since Oxford published the first edition of The Chemistry of Soils in 1989. The physical-chemistry approach to soil chemistry taken in the book, groundbreaking for its time, has been adopted by nearly every soil chemistry book published since. This book offers a thorough update of all topics covered in the previous edition.In the last 16 years, soil chemistry as a discipline has assumed major significance in connection with global climate change. The 2nd edition addresses the emergent issue of global climate change by exploring the interaction between organic carbon and soil. The largest repository of organic carbon on earth is still soil, and the process by which organic carbon is sequestered by soil, thus preventing the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, is one of the proper concerns of soil chemistry. Thus, the revision provides a rigorous discussion of soil chemistry in its broader environmental and biogeochemical contexts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

This is such a noteworthy book
It is a very well written book. Although it brings traditional topics in soil chemistry, this book covers deep discussions on each of the subjects in an easy to go through. The suggested reading and the problem set sections provide useful assistance to those who seek for further details on related topics and the advantages of hands-on, respectively. It is an essential book for either beginners or upper class students in soil chemistry, agronomy and environmental sciences.

Best introduction to surface chemistry
Professor Sposito's book on soil chemisty is easy to read for anyone with a background understanding of inorganic chemistry.Great reference for environmental engineers. ... Read more

Product Description
Written from an agronomic rather than an engineering perspective, this introduction to soil and water conservation explores a full range of topics and environmental issues, including some ignored or overlooked in other books on the subject. Comprehensive, up-to-date, and accessible, it considers the hazards posed by erosion, sedimentation, and pollution, and describes the techniques needed to conserve soil and maintain environmental quality. Situations and examples are drawn from many places to represent a cross-section of the soils, climates and cultures of the world, as well as the full scope of agricultural, engineering, mining, and other uses of the land.The volume covers conserving soil and water, soil erosion and civilization, geologic erosion and sedimentation, water erosion and sedimentation, wind erosion and deposition, predicting soil loss, soil surveys as a basis for land use planning, cropping systems, tillage practices for conservation, conservation structures, vegetating drastically disturbed areas, pastureland, rangeland, and forestland management, water conservation, soil drainage, irrigation and reclamation, soil pollution, water quality and pollution, economics of soil and water conservation, soil and water conservation agencies in the United States, and soil and water conservation around the world.For professionals that deal with soil and water conservation. ... Read more

Product Description
Successful gardeners know that beautiful, fruitful gardens depend on healthy soil. This complete guide to understanding and improving the soil shows how to begin the process with easy-to-find organic materials. Includes testing soil, making compost, what plants to grow where, container gardening, how to tailor soil to fit the needs of individual plants, and much more. 75 illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Understanding the process
An organic guide to developing and maintaining healthy soil, this book is organized in two parts. "Understanding Your Soil" explores the chemistry and underground wildlife. "Managing Your Soil" is the hands-on section. Chapters offer prescriptions for problem soils (inadequate drainage, slopes, hardpan, contamination) and catering to the needs of vegetables, flowers, lawns, trees and shrubs, container plants.

While the second portion provides for immediate action, the first half is a readable discussion of the interactions of plants and soil. Gershuny shows how to recognize characteristics of your soil by observing weeds and plant growth, and enters the microscopic world of compost and humus. A valuable introduction to the world beneath our feet. ... Read more

Product Description
Thoroughly updated and revised, this second edition of the bestselling Soil Sampling and Methods of Analysis presents several new chapters in the areas of biological and physical analysis and soil sampling. Reflecting the burgeoning interest in soil ecology, new contributions describe the growing number and assortment of new microbiological techniques, describe in-depth methods, and demonstrate new tools that characterize the dynamics and chemistry of soil organic matter and soil testing for plant nutrients. A completely new section devoted to soil water reviews up-to-date field- and laboratory-based methods for saturated and unsaturated soil hydraulic properties.

Retaining the easy-to-follow, “cookbook” style of the original, this second edition provides a compilation of soil analytical techniques that are fast, straightforward, and relatively easy-to-use. Heavily referenced, peer-reviewed contributions from approximately 150 specialists make this a practical manual and resource handbook that describes a wide array of methods, both conventional and cutting-edge, for analyzing the chemical, biological, biochemical, and physical properties of many different soil types. Including several “primer” chapters that cover the overall principles and concepts behind the latest techniques, the book presents sufficient detail on the materials and procedures to characterize the potential and limitation of each method. It covers recent improvements in methodology, outlines current methods, and characterizes the best methods available for selecting the appropriate analysis technique.

Promoting the research and practical application of findings in soil science, Soil Sampling and Methods of Analysis, Second Edition continues to be the most current, detailed, comprehensive tool for researchers and practitioners working with soil. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Well laid out methods
Good product with standard methods. Does not really include any new methods, and does not list range of methods. Good step-by-step guide. Often fails to include some specifics, for example reagents for use in ion exchange resin techniques. This is not included elsewhere in the book. Useful for basic soil chemical analysis, but won't help you with specific soil type or chemical analysis problems. ... Read more

Product Description
Reviews a spectrum of soil classification systems and presents the culmination of more than two decades of testing and revisions in the U.S. Soil Taxonomy, the most detailed and comprehensive system for soil classification. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

One of the Best Pedology Reference Books
Overall an excellent text. The next edition would be greatly improved by addition of more figures and photos-- however, it is the concise nature of this book that makes it so convenient. This is the first book I loan out to fellow scientists when they have soils-related questions.

Wonderful!Excellent Reference Book
I've had this book out of our school's library for the better part of the semester and am referencing it for a couple of posters which will be traveling around the state on soil formation and classification.

Even for someone who isn't quite yet a pedalogist the book is clear, well laid out, and chock full of information.

Concise Reference
This is an excellent text and reference about the study and examination of soils.Some chapters are difficult to read but all are packed with great information about the study of soils. The classification of soils is covered in depth with the USDA Soil Taxonomy system and less throughly with other systems. The figures and tables included are pertinent and relevant.I'd ask for more figures and tables to help illustrate topics covered in the text. Additional comparisons and analysis between classification systems would also be welcome for advanced studies of soils and environmental issues.
Still 5 stars for it's class! ... Read more

Product Description
In Something in the Soil, Patricia Nelson Limerick travels far outside the usual academic circles to bring Western past and Western present into a spirited union. Whether her topic is the rapid growth in the West today, the patent awfulness of most academic writing, or struggles over the standing of the "Great White Men" of the region's past, Limerick operates on the principle that history is an active presence in the West, layers of collective memory that are, quite literally, "something in the soil." Enlightening and always witty, this wide-ranging collection of essays and arguments from the New West's landmark historian offers an artful journey into its dramatic past and contentious present. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

A grotesque distortion of what actually happened
Remember those Old West "dime novels" you heard about in high school, the ones where every Indian was a bloodthirsty savage and every white person was an innocent saint?OK, reverse that description and you pretty much have Patricia Nelson Limerick's over-arching theme for everything she writes and everything she says.In her view, the history of the American West is mostly a tale of atrocities committed by white people (especially white males), against everyone else, including white females, but especially Indians, Mexicans, blacks, Chinese, Japanese, and even Hindus.This would be fine, except that, unlike the dime novels, which were fiction, Limerick claims to write history.No way.What this (along with its predecessor, Legacy of Conquest) is, is multi-culturalist, anti-white propaganda masquerading as fact.Unfortunately, Limerick and her allies - members of the radical left student movement in American colleges from the late 1960's through early 1970's - remained in academia rather than take real jobs and have now taken over the western studies programs at most American colleges and universities.In a way her books are a hangover from the intellectual melt-down of that era, and it's clear that Limerick has many hang-ups, about men, about being white, etc.

I give this book two stars, despite the author's obvious bias, because she does restore to historical memory some forgotten figures from minority groups, and does write well enough to hold the reader's interest.Writing more "inclusive" history, as she and her cohorts brag about, is a good thing, but it's only a minor part of their agenda.The main goal of the so-called "New West revisionist historians" is to destroy the idea that the American conquest and settlement of the West was a glorious thing, despite its crimes, injustices, and tragedies (which earlier, better historians have long noted), and to make it instead a horror, something to be ashamed of, to bewail, and (for whites, at least) to make amends for, forever and ever.

But to do that requires distorting or ignoring too many facts.While the end product might contain some interesting sketches of previously ignored people or incidents, it's not really history--it's a kind of semi-historical agitprop.

For those interested in a real history of the West, I have to recommend (sorry, Dr. Limerick!) the works of a "Dead White Male."In the late 1940's and early '50's, Bernard De Voto wrote a magnificent trilogy about the West:The Course of Empire, Across the Wide Missouri, and Year of Decision.They have stood the test of time.Patricia Nelson Limerick's works will not.

Worthwhile essays on the "New West"
SOMETHING IN THE SOIL is a collection of essays relating to the "history of the New West" (or "the new history of the West") with which Limerick is associated.Some of the essays are recycled, and some were not previously published.Limerick tries to impose some order by grouping them in five Parts, but still the book has a mildly disjointed feel, though Limerick's distinctive style and voice provides some unity.

What Limerick brings to the table is a willingness to reconsider and examine anew many issues, including many myths, associated with the American West, and to discuss them clearly and cogently.Although the book was published eight years ago (and several of the essays originally published longer ago than that), the essays are still sufficiently relevant to warrant reading them.And the reading will be much easier and enjoyable than is the case with the work of most university historians.Limerick makes it a point to avoid academic jargon and tortured syntax (indeed, one of the essays addresses the problems seemingly endemic to academic writing), and she has achieved a distinctive voice, rather informal and casual, yet honest and sincere.

She also is to be commended for re-thinking and, where she finds it appropriate, revising her earlier work, including "The Legacy of Conquest," which was published in 1987 and elevated Limerick to the front rank of "New West" historians.Occasionally, her points or arguments strike me as a little far-fetched or over-the-top, but at least she is lively and provocative.

for the knowing
Limerick made a huge mark on the study of the American west with her "Legacy of Conquest" so I'll read anything with her name on it. This book is a compilation of speeches and essays, which she has tried to group together thematically. Each essay on its own is interesting, but as a group, they don't work. Each piece was written for a different audience - an environmental group, a commemorative book, historians. It feels rather disjointed. Also, she is often speaking to people with some background knowledge of her subject matter, so she does not always explain references to books, authors, events. I think if someone was looking for an introduction to Western history, this would be one of those works you would read after having read other works. For the new-comer, Legacy of Conquest is a much better introduction.

A Work From the Heart
This book is passionate but eminently fair--a rare combination these days.Whatever your views of cowboys, Indians, gold miners, the U.S.Army,Mexican-Americans, Mormons, Californians, etc. may be, I guarantee you willthink differently about ALL of them and more if you read this book. Iearnestly hope Ms. Limerick will write such a book about the nation as awhole:we need it.

Fertile Soil for Academia
In true "new west" fasion, Dr. Limerick uncovers and more important contextualizes some rather uncomfortable but necessary information about darker moments in the history of the West.HoweverLimerick also moves beyond that paradigm and wittily "reads" whywe read certain aspects of history the way that we do. The book definatelymade me think about how I view the West, both historically and in presenttime.I found the insistent cateloging a bit overdone, but much of thebook is laugh out loud funny.If you are used to reading dull academicprose, this is a wonderful breath of Colorado-fresh air (a little dry, alittle hot, but resusitating nonetheless). Best of all, she includes threeaddendum pieces, one of which offers some succinct and much needed adviceon writing readable prose.The other, "Dancing with Professors"a sly little piece she wrote for a mass audience on why professors act theway that they do, is worth the book itself. ... Read more

Product Description
Introductory text provides an unusual range of coverage from basic concepts to developments that provide the user with real-life working knowledge of geotechnics. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

A Student Perspective
This book has been a big part of my school curriculum in the past couple of years. I have used this book in three of my classes. It was used in Foundation Design, Soil Mechanics, and Earthwork Design.

I found the book to be very helpful. It provides an index that is easy to use and was very useful to me in the classes I took.

The book does a good job of explaining the topics in each chapter. It provides good example problems as well as good problems at the end of each chapter.

Most of the answers to the problems are in the back of the book. This is helpful when doing homework so you know you are on the right track.

I think this is a great book for anyone taking any type of Geotechnical Engineering class or for a professional looking for a good reference to use in the work place.

Essentials of Soil Mechanics and Foundation Design
This is an excellent product. It came in great timing. I recommend seller to everyone in need of this product.

Good Book
This book is required for my soils class and it was a good help in understanding soil concepts. The delivery was perfect.

An engineering text surprisingly accessible to the construction manager
Although this appears to be an acedemic text, it is both informative and useful for the non-engineer construction manager.

The chapters on soil types, clasification of soils, and the impact of water were clear and not unnecessarily technical. The chapters on stresses, settlement, and compaction provided a broader perspective useful for evaluating unusual conditions. And, the chapters on foundation design and slope stability offered practical insights.

In one book, a most usable and complete treatment of the subject for the working construction manager.

Note: althought the reviewer and author have very similar names, they are not related, and have never had any contact.

Choosing Project Success - A Guide for Building Professionals

Seller really cares!
This product never arrived but the seller gave me all my money back as well as a credit to use for another purchase from them.Very caring people when the customer is not satisfied! ... Read more

Product Description
Terroir connotes a sense of place that imparts a distinctive character to wine. A central component of terroir is the soil and its immediate surroundings. Thus, an understanding of the basic properties of soils and how they function as a "living skin" on the earth's surface is of fundamental importance to grape growers and winemakers. Stripped of scientific jargon, Understanding Vineyard Soils explains to a wide audience how soils form and why they are so variable. Robert White describes essential chemical and physical processes involving nutrients, water, oxygen and carbon dioxide, moderated by the activities of soil organisms, and proposes remedies to alleviate adverse conditions such as soil acidity, compaction, poor drainage and salinity. The pros and cons of organic viticulture are discussed, as are the possible impacts of climate change. The author explains how sustainable wine production requires grape growers and winemakers to take care of the soil and minimize the impact of their activities on the environment. This book is a practical guide for viticulturists and for the lay reader who is seeking general information about soils, but who may also wish to pursue in more depth the influence of different soil types on vine performance and wine character.

Understanding Vineyard Soils will discuss new developments, especially in precision viticulture and organic viticulture. The introduction will address new technologies (near and remote sensing, digital soil mapping) as well as traditional soil classification. Following a chapter on site selection are the three core chapters on vineyard and soil management - The Nutrition of Grapevines, Where the Vine Roots Live, and The Living Soil. The book is written from an international perspective - the important points discussed in Chapters 1 through 6 are illustrated with examples drawn from many wine regions around the world. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

New textbook on viticultural soils
The old standard text was Soils for Fine Wines but this is quite a nice book. Fully up to date on the literal aspects of terroir, the soil beneath the grape vines. Robert White has written extensively on soil science and this book hits on both soil science basics (always in relation to wine grape growing though) and specific vineyard soil issues including climate change, organic viticulture, and sustainability. Modern land management techniques are also discussed, digital soil mapping and remote sensing for example. Good as a text for viticultural studies. ... Read more