Introduction

Abstract

Iran covers an area of about 165 million hectares, a population of about 80 million, and, for a great part, is located in the arid and semiarid regions of the world. This chapter provides introductory information on the contents of the various parts of the book. The main topics include the history of soil research and the prevailing conditions and environment (climate, geology, vegetation, and other soil-forming factors) where the soil resources of the country are developed. The book also provides detailed information on the kinds of soils and their classification and how the soil resources of the country are used and managed. The main physical and chemical properties as well as fertility and biology of the soils are also described. Furthermore, the book contains information on the main agroecological zones, paleosols, and past climate change. In the end, the main challenges facing the soil resources of the country are discussed.