The fourth edition of Soil Microbiology, Ecology and Biochemistry updates this widely used reference as the study and understanding of soil biota, their function, and the dynamics of soil organic matter has been revolutionized by molecular and instrumental techniques, and information technology. Knowledge of soil microbiology, ecology and biochemistry is central to our understanding of organisms and their processes and interactions with their environment. In a time of great global change and increased emphasis on biodiversity and food security, soil microbiology and ecology has become an increasingly important topic. Revised by a group of world-renowned authors in many institutions and disciplines, this work relates the breakthroughs in knowledge in this important field to its history as well as future applications. The new edition provides readable, practical, impactful information for its many applied and fundamental disciplines. Professionals turn to this text as a reference for fundamental knowledge in their field or to inform management practices. - New section on "Methods in Studying Soil Organic Matter Formation and Nutrient Dynamics" to balance the two successful chapters on microbial and physiological methodology - Includes expanded information on soil interactions with organisms involved in human and plant disease - Improved readability and integration for an ever-widening audience in his field - Integrated concepts related to soil biota, diversity, and function allow readers in multiple disciplines to understand the complex soil biota and their function

The fourth edition of Soil Microbiology, Ecology and Biochemistry updates this widely used reference as the study and understanding of soil biota, their function, and the dynamics of soil organic matter has been revolutionized by molecular and instrumental techniques, and information technology. Knowledge of soil microbiology, ecology and biochemistry is central to our understanding of organisms and their processes and interactions with their environment. In a time of great global change and increased emphasis on biodiversity and food security, soil microbiology and ecology has become an increasingly important topic.

Revised by a group of world-renowned authors in many institutions and disciplines, this work relates the breakthroughs in knowledge in this important field to its history as well as future applications. The new edition provides readable, practical, impactful information for its many applied and fundamental disciplines. Professionals turn to this text as a reference for fundamental knowledge in their field or to inform management practices.

• New section on "Methods in Studying Soil Organic Matter Formation and Nutrient Dynamics" to balance the two successful chapters on microbial and physiological methodology
• Includes expanded information on soil interactions with organisms involved in human and plant disease
• Improved readability and integration for an ever-widening audience in his field
• Integrated concepts related to soil biota, diversity, and function allow readers in multiple disciplines to understand the complex soil biota and their function

(1) Soil Microbiology, Ecology and Biochemistry: An Exciting Present and Great Future Built on Basic Knowledge and Unifying Concepts (2) The Soil Habitat (3) The Bacteria and Archaea (4) The Soil Fungi: Occurrence, Phylogeny, and Ecology (5) Soil Fauna: Occurrence, Biodiversity, and Roles in Ecosystem Function (6) Molecular Approaches to Studying the Soil Biota (7) Physiological and Biochemical Methods for Studying Soil Biota and their Functions (8) The Spatial Distribution of Soil Biota (9) The Metabolic Physiology of Soil Microorganisms (10) The Ecology of Soil Biota and their Function (11) Plant-Soil Biota Interactions (12) Carbon Cycling: The Dynamics and Formation of Organic Matter (13) Methods for Studying Soil Organic Matter: Nature, Dynamics, Spatial Accessibility, and Interactions with Minerals (14) Nitrogen Transformations (15) Biological N Inputs (16) Biological Cycling of Inorganic Nutrients and Metals in Soils and Their Role in Soil Biogeochemistry (17) Modeling the Dynamics of Soil Organic Matter and Nutrient Cycling (18) Management of Soil Biota and Their Processes