“All chapters are well illustrated with tables and figures, appropriately placed, and well provided with extensive references. …. This book will be valuable for agronomists, soil microbiologists, soil scientists, horticulturists, biologists, and forest soil scientists involved in soil and plant nutrition, erosion and conservation. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-level undergraduates and above.”CHOICE, February 2005, Vo. 42, No. 06

• Significance of soil organic matter to soil quality/health – an overview. Organic matter management strategies. Soil organic matter fractions and their relevance to soil quality/health. Stimulatory effect of humic substances on plant growth. The role of soil organic matter and soil quality in Soil-Plant-Disease Interactions. Contributions of fungi to soil organic matter in agroecosystems. Connecting belowground and aboveground food webs: The role of organic matter in biological buffering. Tillage and Residue Management Effects on Soil Organic Matter. Strategies for Managing Soil Organic Matter to Supply Plant Nutrients. Soil and Crop Management Effects on Soil Microbiology. Interactions between Organic Matter, Earthworms and Microorganisms in Promoting Plant Growth.