Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Key textbook references are fundamental to agricultural education and research.
Identifying the authors of classic, globally recognized textbooks is a common theme in agricultural competitive examinations.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us identify the authors and significance of the book mentioned:
- The Nature and Properties of Soils is widely considered the most influential, comprehensive, and globally read introductory textbook in soil science.
- The book was originally written by T. Lyttleton Lyon and Harry O. Buckman.
Following their work, the textbook was revised, updated, and co-authored by Nyle C. Brady and later by Ray R. Weil.
It is currently in its 15th edition and is the standard reference book for students, researchers, and professionals in soil science, agronomy, and environmental sciences worldwide.
Let us review the work of the other authors listed:
- M. L. Jackson is famous for his work on soil chemical analysis and clay mineralogy, writing the classic reference book Soil Chemical Analysis.
- H. Marschner wrote the classic textbook Mineral Nutrition of Higher Plants, which is a key reference in plant physiology and crop nutrition.
- K. Mengel and E. A. Kirkby co-authored the book Principles of Plant Nutrition, which is another leading textbook in plant mineral nutrition.
Therefore, the book *Nature and Properties of Soils* is written by N. C. Brady and R. R. Weil.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The book "Nature and Properties of Soils" is written by N. C. Brady and R. R. Weil.