Presenting an environmental history of soils, this resource explores the enormous variety of ways people have worked with, thought about, damaged, and restored soils. Examining the complex interrelations between societies in varied parts of the world and the soils they rely on, full discussions are given to unique topics such as a history of soil in Mesoamerica and the Caribbean, original research findings from Easter Island, investigations on nutrient characteristics in pre-modern Europe, and a review of indigenous soil knowledge in Africa. A specific chapter, illustrating some of the ways in which soils—through both their properties and histories—have influenced human affairs, is also included.