Review by Choice Review
This very inviting book about the mysterious world beneath one's feet--too often shunned as simply "dirt"--is beautifully illustrated with drawings and diagrams by Nardi (Univ. of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign). The author includes a center section with 67 excellent color photos. Gardeners, foresters, and others who work with and in the soil will find an immense amount of fascinating information about things they have seen and wondered about, from microscopic forms to large vertebrates. The book offers a thorough introduction to the mineral and organic constituents of the soil, fundamental chemical processes, and interaction with living components. Part 2 covers every conceivable group of soil organisms, with pictures on nearly every page. The book is jam-packed with kernels of knowledge, especially in handy "fact boxes" offering concise information about the group or organism being discussed: scientific classification, common name, role in the food web, impact on gardens, size/numbers, and more. Part 3 describes techniques and methods to study soil organisms and maintain healthy soil systems for the benefit of gardens and the Earth. This scientifically accurate and up-to-date book is also enjoyable to read; it will be useful as a field guide and reference. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels. D. L. Richter Michigan Technological University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
