This book looks at historical developments of soil / plant interactions and then covers in depth the following subjects: crop science and plant genetics, soil fertility and organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorous cycles and their management, properties and management of plant nutrients, water and the soil physical environment and its management, plants and change processes in soils, and management of the soil / plant system. It concentrates on new challenges including food, energy and water security in the changing environment and includes examples and literature from around the globe.