1. Soil and soil life -- 2. Aerobic and anaerobic degradation of monomer and polymer plant constituents by soil microorganisms -- 3. Humus and humification -- 4. Turnover of nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur in soils and sediments -- 5. Composting and fermentation of organic materials -- 6. Trace gases in soil -- 7. Heavy metals as pollutants : toxicity, environmental aspects, resistance.