This new edition introduces the concepts behind soil science and relates these concepts to current soil management practices, such as the most recent regulatory changes and technological developments: wetland management, the use of Geographic Information Systems for soil mapping, and much more. The emphasis on sustainable soil use and conservation prepares students to deal with today"s enviromental issues, such as soil and water conservation, nutrient management, sustainable agriculture, and related topics. An appendix familiarizes horticultural majors with basic chemistry concepts to provide the foundation for further study in soil science.