Now in its third edition, this textbook gives a comprehensive account of soil physics with emphasis on field applications for students and research workers engaged in water resources studies, and soil and plant sciences. Chapters on soil erosion and conservation, and the role of soil in affecting water quality have been added to this new edition. The book gives an account of how water influences the structure and strength of soil; how plants absorb water from soils; how water from rain or irrigation enters the soil and flows through it to contribute to stream flow or to flow in artificial drains; how soluble salts or chemical pollutants are transported; how soils are eroded by water and wind; and how the evaporation rate from the land surface is influenced by soil water supply, the nature of the plant cover and the evaporative power of the atmosphere. This book will be useful to students and research workers in environmental sciences, hydrology, agriculture, soil science, and civil engineering.

‘This attractive book should be welcomed … the authors make a point of drawing the attention of the reader to exciting new areas of research in soil physics, which should be stimulating to students and young researchers.’

Source: American Scientist

‘This is an excellent book, of interest to students of soil physics and related subjects and to those workers in other fields who need an up-to-date but perceptive account.’

Source: Journal of Soil Science

‘The material is readable and attractively presented … a very good book, which should become widely adopted.’

Source: Nature