present a mammoth challenge for agricultural scientists. There are those that say the scientific community has over dramatized this issue, and created a credibility problem. Consequently; Volume 11 of Advances in Soil Science was organized by Dr. Rattan Lal who is recognized as a lead­ ing authority on the subject. The objective of Volume 11 was to assess the types and processes of soil degradation and establish some of the major cause-effect relationships. Volume II documented the seriousness of soil degradation in many parts of the world. Therefore, it seemed immediately important to devote a volume to the principles and technologies for restor­ ing degraded soils to a productive status. While the land resources are limited, world population is rapidly increasing, particularly in developing countries. Dr.