Preface -- 1. Introduction: Soils and Their Promotion of Plant Growth; J. Dighton -- 2. Soils supporting Biodiversity; E. Havlicek, E. Mitchell -- 3. Beneficial Interactions in the Rhizosphere; W. H. G. Hol et al -- 4. Trophic Interactions in Soil that Support Primary Production; J. Krumins -- 5. Soils Suppressing Biodiversity; G. Pérès -- 6. Root Pathogens; A. Termorshuizen -- 7. Non-Trophic Interactions: Allelopathy; P. Pavlovic et al -- 8. Viruses in Soil; B. Reavy et al -- 9. Soils Suppressing and Promoting Non-native Plant Invasions; K. Elgersma -- 10. Urban Soils and the Challenge of Restoring Natural Ecosystems; P.A. Hazelton, A. Clements -- 11. Towards a Holistic Approach to Soils and Plant Growth; D. C. Coleman, S. Fu -- Index. Soil is a heterogeneous medium which supports more biodiversity per unit volume than any other system. This book explores how that biodiversity is translated into ecological functions supporting plant growth by providing both essential minerals for plant growth and other growth promoting factors like pathogen suppression. Interactions between plants and associated soil organisms evolve through trophic and non-trophic feedback mechanisms which are moderated by plant-plant interactions (allelopathy), invasive plant species and land use change and pollution. These factors are discussed in natural, agricultural and urban soil systems to provide a framework for a holistic understanding of soil as a dynamic living entity.