Includes bibliographical references (pages 327-373) and index.

Historical overview of soils and the fitness of the soil environment -- Primary production processes in soils: roots and rhizosphere associates -- Secondary production: activities of heterotrophic organisms: microbes -- Secondary production: activities of heterotrophic organisms:the soil fauna -- Decomposition and nutrient cycling -- Soil food webs: detritivory and microbivory in soils -- Soil biodiversity and linkages in soil processes -- Future developments in soil ecology -- Laboratory and field exercises in soil ecology. "This fully revised and expanded edition of Fundamentals of Soil Ecology continues its holistic approach to soil biology and ecosystem function, while including a wealth of new material for students and researchers. The authors cover the latest information on below-ground biota and methods to identify and determine its distribution and abundance. They also emphasize the increasing importance of soils as the organizing center for terrestrial ecosystems and provide an overview of theory and practice of soil ecology."--Jacket.