Many current soil science textbooks cater for a traditional student market where able students embark on three years study in a narrow discipline. Today most degree schemes are modular and subjects such as soil science are taught as self-standing units in the first year alone. Students are less willing to read and purchase books and require informative revision textbooks which aid in passing exams. If students study soil science beyond their first year there are a variety of good textbooks to choose from on specialist topics. In reality few students study soil science to a higher level therefore this textbook would be popular both for its format and its relevance to a large population of "environmental" type students.