The central role of soil chemistry in the ecosystem and other disciplines is becoming increasingly important. For example the effects of the increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide, and accelerated use of pesticides, on soil fertility has been a focus of much high-level debate. This text begins by defining the relationship between soil chemistry and other fields such as plant science and pollution science. A detailed description of the components of soils follows, including inorganic, mineral and organic matter. The book addresses cogent issues such as soil fertility and soil pollution. In a concluding chapter, a review of future analytic advances in the study of soil chemistry is given, emphasising the importance of the soil chemist in equitable and sustainable land use and agricultural policy. The book is an ideal starting point for the student undertaking undergraduate study in the environmental and soil sciences.

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The effects of climate change on economic development in the coastal zone cannot be ignored in future coastal zone management plans. This chapter reports the outcome of the group discussion centred round the three questions posed by Nicholls and Klein on how the coastal zone can be effectively managed in the future. The first question asked how we can marry together the human and natural values of a system in the upcoming decades. The results of the discussion highlighted the utility of using scenarios to obtain good management plans that take into account the three provisions of human safety, economic development and ecological integrity while still achieving a situation of sustainable development. The second question addressed the tools required to achieve these management goals and discusses the role of public participation and media communication. The third question asked what proactive strategies can be used to effectively manage the coastal zone in the 21 st Century and an example of the Humber estuary management plan is given. It is proposed that a robust and flexible integrated coastal zone management plan is the only effective way to manage the coastal zone in a sustainable manner in the uncertain face of climate change. 13. 240E. Rochelle-Newall et al.

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