Fundamentals of Soil Science offers a clear, practice-oriented pathway from soil genesis to field diagnosis and sustainable management. Beginning with first principles—soil as a natural body, its formation, profile development, and components—the book builds a strong conceptual base before moving into texture, bulk density, structure, porosity, water and air relations, temperature, colloids, organic matter, and nutrient interactions. Advanced chapters connect these fundamentals to tools and decisions: pF curves and energy concepts, remote sensing and image interpretation, soil orders and land capability, rocks and minerals, pedogenesis, soil biology, survey methods, and the realities of soil degradation.

ICAR-Aligned MCQs and Assessment Support.
In line with the ICAR Sixth Deans’ Committee syllabus for Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, the book integrates unit-wise MCQ practice to reinforce learning outcomes. Question sets include:

·        Single-best-answer and numerical MCQs drawn directly from chapter content

·        Assertion–Reason and Statement I/II formats to test conceptual clarity

·        Match-the-following and term-definition items for rapid revision

·        Chapter-end review questions plus model tests mapped to ICAR course units

·        An answer key with brief explanations to aid self-evaluation

Designed for undergraduates, postgraduates, and practitioners in agriculture and environmental sciences, the book blends definition, method, and application so readers can move confidently from lab and map to farm and watershed—now with structured ICAR-compliant practice that makes exam preparation systematic and efficient.

Dr. Hitendra Kumar Rai: Principal Scientist/Professor, Department of Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, JNKVV, Jabalpur–482004 (M.P.), India

I, Dr. Hitendra Kumar Rai, Principal Scientist/Professor, Department of Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur (M.P.), present this prologue as a synthesis of my academic journey and professional insights spanning over two and a half decades in Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry.

Beginning with a B.Sc. (Ag.) from Purvanchal University, Jaunpur (1993), and followed by M.Sc. (Ag.) and Ph.D. in Soil Science from GBPUAT, Pantnagar, my work has consistently explored the central role of soils in sustaining agricultural productivity and environmental health. At JNKVV, I have taught across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes, and guided 21 Master’s and 6 Doctoral scholars.

My research focuses on soil fertility, micronutrient dynamics, and sustainable land use, culminating in 53 peer-reviewed publications, along with book chapters, conference proceedings, and extension materials. I have led seven externally funded research projects and engaged actively with the academic community through 19 workshops, conferences, and seminars, including scientific visits to Brazil and Vietnam. Recognition for this work includes the Bioved Young Scientist Associate Award (2013), Mahima Fellow of Society Award (2016), and the ICAR-IISS Special Award for Innovative Research on Micronutrients (2017), among others.

This prologue is informed by collaborations with IARI, CIMMYT-India, and SKUAST-K, and is intended as a consolidated resource for students, researchers, and professionals in soil science and allied disciplines. I hope the perspectives shared here support sustainable agricultural practices and encourage future research in this vital field.

1 Composition of Earth’s Crust, Soil as A Natural Body – Major Components

2 Eluviation, Illuviation Formation of Various Soils

3 Physical Parameters; Texture – Definition, Methods of Textural Analysis, Stock’s Law, Assumption, Limitations, Textural Classes, Use of Textural Triangle

4 Absolute Specific Gravity/ Particle Density, Definition, Apparent Specific Gravity/Bulk Density – Factors Influencing, Field Bulk Density. Relation Between BD (Bulk Density), AD – Practical Problems

5 Pore Space – Definition, Factors Affecting Capillary and Non-Capillary Porosity, Soil Colour – Definition, Its Significance, Colour Variable, Value Hue and Chroma. Munsell Colour Chart

6 Factors Influencing, Parent Material, Soil Moisture, Organic Matter

7 Soil Structure, Definition, Classification, Clay Prism Like Structure, Factors Influencing Genesis of Soil Structure, Soil Consistency, Plasticity, Atterberg’s Constants

8 Soil Air, Air Capacity, Composition, Factors Influencing, Amount of Air Space, Soil Air Renewal

9 Soil Temperature, Sources and Distribution of Heat, Factors Influencing, Measurement

10 Chemical Properties, Soil Colloids, Organic, Humus, Inorganic, Secondary Silicate, Clay, Hydrous Oxides. Ion Exchange, Cation-Anion Importance

11 Soil Water, Forms, Hygroscopic, Capillary and Gravitational, Soil Moisture Constants, Hygroscopic Coefficient, Wilting Point, Field Capacity, Moisture Equivalent, Maximum Water Holding Capacity

12 Energy Concepts, PF Scale, Measurement, Gravimetric – Electric and Tensiometer Methods – Pressure Plate and Pressure Membrane Apparatus–Neutronprobe – Soil Water Movement–Classification

13 Aerial Photography– Satellite of Soil Features – Their Interpretation

14 Soil Orders

15 Land Capability Classification

16 Soil of Different Eco-Systems and Their Properties

17 Rock and Minerals Classification, Pedogenic Process

18 Objectives of Soil Science Research Institute in India (NBSS and LUP, ISSS, LTFE and NSSTL)

19 Management of Soil Crusting, Soil Compaction and Soil Compression

20 Soil Biology Benefits and Harmful Effects

21 Methods and Objective of Soil Survey

22 Remote Sensing Application in Soil and Plant Studies

23 Soil Degradation