Farming remains at the forefront of food production and is more than ever concerned with soils, but the properties of soils affect everyone who works with soils. The present text is quickly the basic principles of soil science the need of the students who need to understand earnest attempt has been made herein to introduce to the readers the essential scientific concepts in the discipline presently discussed under three major chapters viz. Soil physics, soil chemistry, and pedology in a clear and concise from. The latest developments in the field of geo-informatics viz. [Remote Sensing (RS), Global Positionong System (GPS) and Geographic Information System (GIS)] and their role in soil resource mapping is discussed. Detailed discussion on “Soils of India” is also accommodated so that the readers get well exposed to the nature and characteristics of soils under Indian scenario together with their extent and distribution. In a nutshell, the text explains the fundmental concepts in soil science in an easy and understandable manner so that the readers will come away with a very basic understanding of the multiple aspects of the subjects. It is hoped that the students and professionals will gain an accurate knowledge of the many aspects of soil science and shall be able to apply the information to the best of their endeavour. Finally, the comprehensive textbook which is primarily meant to cater to the need of undergraduate and post graduate students of Indian Agricultural Universities/Institutes will hopefully be of immense help to the teachers and researches of soil science, as well as to all interwsted in the study of soil in totality, inclusing administrators and land users responsible for taking vital decision towards appropriate and rational use of land resources.
