This is an excellent report on current knowledge of the many complex interactions that occur between microorganisms and crops in soils. Possibilities for future progress in increasing global crop production, using environmentally benign and beneficial means are also discussed intensely.

The book starts with a report on the fragility of world food production and the challenges faced in this vital area, particularly in the maintenance of soil health and the development of sustainable systems. Other topics covered include the sheer immense diversity present in soil microbial communities, which contain a large proportion of the world's biodiversity, much of which is yet to be defined. Microbial habitats and functional responses to system inputs, in nutrient cycling and the multitude of other functions vital to a sustainable biosphere are described. A fascinating chapter on the beneficial intimate associations between plants and microbes also presents many intriguing examples of biocontrol between microbes. Then the more frequently acknowledged phenomenon of pathogenicity, with its impacts, costs and controls is discussed in great detail.

An intriguing area, the impact of land-use practices on soil microbes, which is infrequently discussed, is introduced. Included are the effects of plants and plant breeding on microbial dynamics, with ideas on the possible potential for system management. Similarly the vast complexity of possible responsive interactions of soils to climate change is investigated.

This book is highly recommended to all those who are interested and involved in this fascinating area, from final year students to research leaders and consultants in all the environmental sciences.