Soil science in Italy: from the birth of the Unitarian State to the ISSS foundation (1861 - 1924) -- The Italian contribution to the foundation of the International Society of Soil Science -- Soil Science in Italy in the period 1920 - 1950 -- 1950-1980: from the foundation of the Italian soil science society to the awareness of soil as a primary resource -- From the 1980s to the 2000s: the golden years of the Italian soil science -- Soil science in Italy from 2000 to 2024 -- The future of soil science in Italy -- PART II - The development of Soil Science in the Italian regions -- The development of Soil Science in Abruzzo -- The development of Soil Science in Basilicata -- The development of Soil Science in Calabria -- The development of Soil Science in Campania -- The development of Soil Science in Emilia Romagna -- The development of Soil Science in Friuli-Venezia Giulia -- The development of Soil Science in Lazio -- The development of Soil Science in Liguria -- The development of Soil Science in Lombardy -- The development of Soil Science in Marche -- The development of Soil Science in Molise -- The development of Soil Science in Piedmont -- The development of Soil Science in Apulia -- The development of Soil Science in Sardinia -- The development of Soil Science in Sicily -- The development of Soil Science in Tuscany -- The development of Soil Science in Trentino-Alto Adige -- The development of Soil Science in Umbria -- The development of Soil Science in Aosta valley -- The development of Soil Science in Veneto -- PART III - Soil Science in Institutions and Research Centers -- Soil Science in Italian Universities -- CNR’s contribution to the advancement of soil science in Italy -- CREA’s contribution to the advancement of soil science in Italy -- Land and Soil Monitoring, Mapping and Assessment Activities in the National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA) -- Agricultural Soil Science concerns and research activities in the Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA) -- Soil Science at the Joint Research Center of the European Commission (1992-2022) -- Soil Science at the CIHEAM’s Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari in Italy -- PART IV - The Italian Scientific Societies on Soil Science -- The Italian Society of Soil Science -- The Italian Society of Agricultural Chemistry -- The Italian Society of Pedology.

History is generally defined as “the study of past events, particularly in human affairs” and is mostly understood when presented chronologically. That’s why someone also defined it as the ‘chronological record of the past’. Knowing the past is extremely important for any society and human being. Past gives us insights into our evolving behavior in many matters of life. The book is seen as a unique opportunity to preserve the memory of the Italian history of soil science. It represents a milestone and a cultural heritage. Moreover, the book is a sort of ideal bridge between the pioneers of soil science in Italy and the young generation of researchers, contributing to spreading awareness of the importance of soil as a fundamental resource.