Handbook of Soils for Landscape Architects

by Keefer, Robert F.

• ISBN13: 9780195121025
• ISBN10: 0195121023
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2000-06-22
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Written in a clear, accessible style, this book covers the fundamental aspects of soil science with an emphasis on topics useful to landscape architects and professionals in related fields. The book begins with a discussion of soil surveys developed in different countries, followed by a concise description of soil components and how the interactions between air, water, and nutrients affect plant growth. It examines methods for controlling erosion, particularly in light of modern irrigation techniques. It describes the chemistry of plant growth, devotes four chapters to macro- and micro-nutrients, and features a detailed discussion of ways to diagnose and correct plant disorders. It also looks at the engineering aspects of soils and includes a detailed list of references for further information. Written by an experienced teacher with an extensive background in landscape architecture, this volume will be an invaluable source for students and researchers in architecture, horticulture, and urban planning.

Author Biography

Robert Keefer is an Emeritus Professor from West Virginia University who has taught soil science and landscape architecture for over 30 years.

Table of Contents

Use of Soil Surveys for Landscape Architecture	3	(9)
Modern Soil Survey Reports	3	(6)
Basic Information About Soils and Plants	9	(12)
Plant Requirements for Growth	9	(1)
What Is Soil?	9	(12)
Parts of a Soil (Soil Constituents)---Air, Water, Minerals, and Organic Matter	21	(6)
Physical Parts of a Soil	21	(1)
Chemical Parts of a Soil	22	(1)
Biological Parts of a Soil	22	(5)
Physical Properties of Soils	27	(26)
Soil Texture	27	(3)
Soil Structure	30	(2)
Soil Bulk Density	32	(1)
Soil Depth	32	(3)
Soil Aeration	35	(5)
Soil Water	40	(13)
Movement of Water Across Soils (Erosion)	53	(8)
Erosion Defined	53	(1)
Types of Water Erosion	53	(1)
Types of Accelerated Erosion	54	(3)
Factors That Determine Extent of Erosion	57	(4)
Nature of Soil Erodibility	61	(8)
Soil Texture	61	(1)
Soil Structure	62	(2)
Soil Organic Matter	64	(1)
Soil Permeability	65	(1)
Use of a Nomograph to Evaluate Soil Erodibility Using the Four Factors Above	65	(4)
Controlling Erosion	69	(14)
Improving Soil Structure	69	(3)
Covering Soil With Plants	72	(1)
Covering Soil With Mulch	72	(6)
Using Special Structures	78	(5)
Effective Water Use---Irrigation	83	(8)
Which Soils Are Suitable for Irrigation?	83	(1)
When Should Water Be Applied?	83	(2)
How Much Water to Add?	85	(1)
Kinds of Irrigation Systems	86	(5)
Chemical Properties of Soils for Growing Plants	91	(16)
Soil Reaction (pH)	91	(5)
Factors That Cause Acids to Form in Soils	96	(3)
Correcting Soil Acidity	99	(2)
Base-Forming Factors	101	(2)
Correcting Alkalinity in Arid Regions	103	(4)
Soil Nutrients (Soil Fertility)	107	(6)
Respiration vs. Photosynthesis	107	(1)
Elements Required by Plants (Essential Nutrients)	107	(6)
Macronutrients---Nitrogen	113	(18)
Nitrogen in Plants	113	(4)
Nitrogen in Soils	117	(1)
Transformations of Nitrogen in Soils	118	(1)
Decomposition (Mineralization) Processes	118	(1)
Nitrification = Formation of Nitrates	119	(3)
Nitrogen Fixation in Soils	122	(3)
Nitrogen Added to Soils From the Atmosphere	125	(1)
Losses of Nitrogen from Soils	125	(6)
Macronutrients---Phosphorus and Potassium	131	(16)
Phosphorus in Plants	131	(2)
Phosphorus in Soils	133	(2)
Factors Affecting Availability of Phosphorus in Soils	135	(4)
Practical Control of Phosphorus Availability	139	(1)
Potassium in Plants	140	(1)
Potassium in Soils	141	(6)
Macronutrients---Calcium, Magnesium, and Sulfur	147	(10)
Calcium and Magnesium in Soil Is Related to Liming	147	(1)
Amount of Limestone to Apply	148	(1)
Kinds of Lime	149	(1)
Neutralizing Power of Liming Materials	150	(1)
Fineness of a Limestone	150	(1)
When and How to Apply Lime	151	(1)
Soil Calcium and Magnesium Per Se	152	(1)
Plant Calcium and Magnesium	153	(1)
Sulfur in Plants	154	(1)
Sulfur in Soils	155	(2)
Micronutrients	157	(12)
Forms of Micronutrients Present in Soils	157	(4)
Factors Affecting Availability of Micronutrients	161	(3)
Anions---Boron, Chlorine, and Molybdenum	164	(2)
Soil Management and Micronutrient Needs	166	(3)
Fertilizers	169	(14)
Nitrogen Fertilizers	169	(4)
Phosphorus Fertilizers	173	(1)
Potassium Fertilizers	174	(1)
Sulfur Fertilizers	175	(1)
Micronutrient Fertilizers	175	(1)
Mixed Fertilizers	175	(1)
Farmyard Manures	176	(1)
Methods of Fertilizer Application	177	(2)
Movement of Fertilizers in Soils	179	(4)
Soil Organic Matter	183	(8)
Importance of Soil Organic Matter	183	(1)
Definition of Soil Organic Matter	183	(1)
Composition of Soil Organic Matter	183	(1)
Soil Changes When Organic Matter Is Added	184	(2)
Decomposition of Soil Organic Matter	186	(2)
Sources of Organic Matter	188	(3)
Diagnosing Plant Disorders	191	(26)
Plant Appearance	191	(16)
Plant Tissue Testing and Analysis	207	(2)
Total Plant Analysis	209	(1)
Soil Sampling and Analysis	209	(2)
Soil and Root Problems	211	(1)
Alteration of the Environment by Man	212	(5)
Engineering Aspects of Soils	217	(10)
Physical Properties Used in Engineering Classification of Soils	217	(1)
Engineering Classification of Soils	218	(2)
Soil Engineering Properties	220	(2)
Engineering Geotechnical Applications	222	(1)
Geotechnical Aspects	223	(4)
Satellite Imaging, Laser Technology, and Computer Programs	227	(26)
Definition of Geographic Information System	228	(1)
Operation of GIS	229	(15)
Recent Developments in 3-Dimensional Models	244	(3)
Remote Sensing Using an Airborne Laser Altimeter	247	(6)
References	253	(4)
Index	257