Soil is often considered the silent foundation of life on Earth, a vital yet frequently overlooked component of our natural world. As the thin layer that blankets our planet’s surface, soil supports the growth of plants, influences water cycles, and contributes to the stability of our ecosystems. Despite its significance, soil science—a field dedicated to understanding this complex and dynamic resource—remains enigmatic to many. This book, Introduction to Soil Science, seeks to bridge that gap by offering a comprehensive and accessible exploration of soil’s many facets. It is designed for students, educators, and enthusiasts who are keen to unravel the intricacies of soil formation, classification, and management. Whether you are stepping into the field of soil science for the first time or seeking to deepen your existing knowledge, this text aims to provide a solid foundation and inspire a deeper appreciation for the soil beneath our feet.
Authors
Rajesh Samota
Rajesh Samota, born on July 15, 2000, in Maharajpura village (Nawa city) in the Nagaur district of Rajasthan, India, obtained his bachelor's degree in Agriculture from Agriculture University, Jodhpur in 2021. The following year, he successfully cleared the ICAR-JRF exam (NTS Awarded) and enrolled in a master's program at the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry at Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (UP). He has authored book entitled 'Fundamental aspects of Soil Fertility, Fertilizer and plant nutrients management' and numerous research papers, book chapters, and articles in esteemed journals and magazines. Additionally, he has also qualified ASRB-NET (ICAR).
V R Senthamizhkumaran earned a B.Sc. Agriculture degree in 2016 from Annamalai University, Chidambaram, and a master's degree in Soil Science from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. His Ph.D. degrees in Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry were completed in 2022. After earning his Ph.D., he joined PGP College of Agricultural Sciences, Namakkal affiliated with Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore in 2022. He was awarded the Best Ph.D. Thesis Award from MVN University, Palwal, in the year 2023, and SGT University's Young Scientist Award for outstanding contributions to soil microbiology in the same year. He has published two popular articles, one book chapter, and 7 research papers in -reviewed journals of international and national repute.
Lalta P. Verma born on July 7.1996 in the Lakhimpur Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh India, obtained his Bachelor's degree in agriculture from Chatrapati Sahuji Maharaj University Kanpur in 2017 and a Master's degree in soil science agricultural chemistry from Chaudhary Charan Singh University Meerut in 2019. presently working as senior research fellow of National innovation climate resilient agriculture project he has 1 published international research paper and 7 article and 4 book chapter he has attended first international conference for central research institute dryland agriculture (CIRDA) 2022
Kishan Kumar obtained his B.Sc. (Ag.) Hons. Degree in 2020 from Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology (MPUAT), Udaipur, Rajasthan. Further he completed his post-graduation in soil science from Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi through ICAR PG2020 (9th rank) and awarded with JRF-PG scholarship. Currently Pursuing Ph.D. from MPUAT, Udaipur through ICAR AICE JRF/SRF-2023 (8th Rank). He has qualified ASRB NET in 2023. He has published more than 20 articles in famous agricultural magazines, research papers and various book chapters.
Shivani Agarwal completed her B.Sc. (Ag.) Hons. Degree in 2019 from Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University (SKRAU), Bikaner, Rajasthan. Further she completed her post-graduation in Soil Science from Jawahar Lal Nehru Krishi Vishva Vidyalaya (JNKVV), Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. She worked on Phosphorus fractionation in soil and received merit scholarship. She has qualified ASRB NET in 2021 and 2023 and UGC NET two times. Currently she is pursuing Ph.D. at SKRAU, Bikaner. She has published various articles in famous agricultural magazines. She also published many book chapters and research papers in different books and journals.