Environmental Chemistry of Soils [Hardcover]

Murray B. McBride (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 17, 1994

This introduction to modern soil chemistry describes chemical processes in soils in terms of established principles of inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. It aims for a modern conceptual approach rather than empirical description, including the most recently developed explanations for the more controversial topics. The text provides an understanding of the structure of the solid mineral and organic materials from which soils are formed. With the help of diagrams and graphs, it explains such important processes as cation exchange, chemisorption and physical adsorption of organic and inorganic ions and molecules, soil acidification and weathering, oxidation-reduction reactions, and development of soil alkalinity and clay swelling properties. Environmental as well as agricultural topics are covered, illustrated with case studies and individual chapters on agricultural chemicals and pollutants such as heavy metals and toxic organic chemicals. This book defines and addresses the challenge of the future -- to protect the soil ecosystem from the pollutants of an industrial society.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An important addition to the short list of books available for the teaching of soil chemistry....I have used this book twice to teach an upper division/graduate soil chemistry course....One example of material that is not found in other soil chemistry texts is the section in most chapters illustrating a practical application of the concepts in the chapter....Well worth considering by any instructor looking for an up-to-date comprehensive text." --Paul R. Bloom, University of Minnesota, in Soil Science

"[A] thorough and accessible synthesis of the subject...

"An excellent book for teaching. The author is clearly a good teacher himself. The explanations are clear and complete without being too wordy or complex in language. I recommend this book highly to everyone teaching soil chemistry."--Nancy Cavallero, University of Puerto Rico

"A refreshing soil chemistry text easily used for both soil science and non-traditional students."--Nicholas Basta, Oklahoma State University

"The McBride book fits well with my course because of its emphasis on chemical principles. Also, the organization allows for a good deal of customization. For example, I can go in depth about surface complexation models and omit redox chemistry if I like."--Chris Johnson, Syracuse University

"Comprehensive! A much needed chemical approach and an emphasis on environment is important."--Don Ross, University of Vermont

"Very nice text!"--Patrick Carr, Dickinson State University

"A timely, well-illustrated text that will be useful to a wide range of environmentally oriented students. The strong fundamental background of the author is well used in the development of the book."--Joe Dixon, Texas AandM University

"Great book! Will adopt for my course."--Tsutomu Ohno, University of Maine

"This is going to be a standard text. It is clear, concise, with many well-illustrated examples. It is perfect for graduate students in environmental engineering interested in soil chemistry. There is sufficient background, excellent references, and practical solution techniques for difficult problems."--Gerald Eykholt, University of Wisconsin

About the Author

Murray B. McBride is Professor of Soil Chemistry at Cornell University. His research interests include the investigation of processes by which metals and organic molecules bond with colloidal mineral and organic materials of soils. He has published over a hundred research articles, including papers on the application of electron spin resonance and other spectroscopic techniques to the stidy of the soil surface-solution interface. He is a fellow of the Soil Science Society of America.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 416 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (March 17, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195070119
• ISBN-13: 978-0195070118
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,176,826 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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