Physical Chemistry of Soils provides a comprehensive introduction to the physicochemical principles that govern soil systems. It explains how forces, energy exchanges, and molecular interactions determine soil structure, reactivity, and environmental behavior. The book explores key topics such as surface charge, ion exchange, electrokinetic phenomena, colloidal stability, and the thermodynamics of water and solutes in soils. By combining conceptual clarity with quantitative rigor, it offers a unified framework that links microscopic processes to macroscopic soil functions. Designed for students, researchers, and professionals, it bridges the gap between classical soil science and modern physical chemistry.
Physical Chemistry of Soils provides a comprehensive introduction to the physicochemical principles that govern soil systems. It explains how forces, energy exchanges, and molecular interactions determine soil structure, reactivity, and environmental behavior.
Preface. The Scientific Method and the Soil Science. How to Handle
Numbers in Soil Science? What is the Soil. The Hydrosphere. The Nature and
Chemistry of Water. The Chemical Equilibria in Ideal Conditions. The Chemical
Equilibria in Non-Ideal Conditions. The Physical Science of Soil Colloids.
Fundamental Soil and Colloidal Properties. The Chemistry of Soil Colloids:
The Clay Minerals. The Chemistry of Soil Colloids: The Soil Organic Matter.
The Telluric Air. Soil Fertility. Index.
Pellegrino Conte is Full Professor of Soil Chemistry at the University of Palermo, Italy. His research focuses on the physical chemistry of soils, including surface charge, ion exchange, colloidal stability, and soilwater interactions. Author of over 150 peer-reviewed papers and several books, he serves on national evaluation committees and editorial boards, bridging fundamental chemistry with soil and environmental sciences through both teaching and research.
