This book is a great primer to understanding what is going on in the symphony of microorganisms and nutrients beneath our feet that we call soil. It is a quick read (an afternoon if you really focus on it) that starts from scratch on the big principles of soil life. I’ve used this as required reading for my college soils class before the first day of class with success.

The Soul of Soil
by Grace Gershuny and Joseph Smillie
Available at Amazon