ABSTRACT
This chapter investigates soil processes, assessment, analysis and amelioration. It provides practical guidance to designers, contractors and managers to facilitate appropriate site and soil management, without which long-term establishment of functional trees is likely to be compromised. The chapter looks at different definitions for soil from different viewpoints — the engineer, the geologist and the grower. As many urban soils are likely to be alkaline, due to the presence of concrete and other alkaline materials, some nutrient availability problems are likely to exist unless a thoughtful approach to appropriate species selection is adopted. The cycling of organic matter and any related nutrient activity tends to be lacking in urban soils, as most fallen organic materials, such as leaves, are considered waste and removed as they fall. In a natural and undisturbed state, an idealised soil comprises horizontal layers that exhibit differing functional characteristics.
