Soils, their formation, properties, composition, and relations to climate and plant growth in the humid and arid regions

"Soils: Their Formation, Properties, Composition, and Relations to Climate and Plant Growth" by E. W. Hilgard, is a scientific exploration into the world beneath our feet, crafted in the early 1900s as both a textbook and a guide to understanding soil science. Tailored for both students and farming experts, the book lays out how soils are made, what makes them unique, and why they matter for growing crops in different weather conditions, with special attention to dry and wet areas. Beginning with the author's reasons for writing it, the book stresses how understanding soil science is key for successful farming and improving people's lives. It starts by explaining how soil comes from rocks through natural processes, setting the stage for a structured journey through the science of soil, its makeup, and its crucial role in agriculture.