"Led by Norman Uphoff and Janice Thies, this new edition brings together global experts of multiple disciplines to report on achievements in sustainable soil-system management. It presents ways in which crops can be produced cost-effectively in greater abundance with lessened dependence on the exogenous resources that have driven the expansion of agriculture in the past. With 50 self-contained chapters, this work provides researchers, practitioners, and policy makers with a comprehensive understanding of the science and steps needed to utilize soil systems for the long-term benefit of humankind. Explores problems and solutions for sustainable soil-system management in a variety of climatic conditions. Identifies research to support successful and sustainable agriculture systems which depend crucially on soil. Contains 21 fully revised chapters and 19 brand new chapters. Discusses the importance of symbiotic relationships between plants and soil organisms, looking at crops as integral and interdependent participants in ecosystems. Presents ways in which crops can be produced cost effectively in greater abundance with lessened dependence on the exogenous resources that have driven the expansion of agriculture in the past"-- Provided by publisher.

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