Experimental Soil Fertility and Biology

Table of contents

Preface

Good Laboratory Practices and Laboratory Safety

Basic Principles of Analytical Techniques and Instrumental Methods

Analytical Chemistry - Basic Concepts

Laboratory Vessels and Their Uses

Basic Techniques of Analytical Chemistry

Preparation of Primary Standard Solutions

Preparation of Secondary Standard Solution of an Acid

Preparation of Secondary Standard Solution of a Base

Working Principle of Some of Important Instruments

Collection and Preparation of Soil Samples for Laboratory Analyzis

Estimation of Soil pH

Estimation of Electrical Conductivity of Soil

Estimation of Organic Carbon Content of Soil

[Titrimetric/ Walkley and Black (1934) Method]

Determination of Available Nitrogen in Soil

[Alkaline Permanganate / Subbiah and Asija (1956) Method]

Estimation of Available Phosphorus in Soil

[Bray’s Method – Acid Soils ; Olsen’s Method – Neutral and Alkaline Soils ]

Estimation of Available Potassium in Soil

[Hanway and Heidel (1952) Method]

Estimation of Available Sulfur in Soil

[Williams and Steinbergs (1959) Method]

Estimation of Available Micronutrients in Soil

[DTPA / Lindsay and Norvell (1978) Method]

Determination of Water Soluble Carbonate and Bicarbonate in Soil (Titrimetric Method)

Determination of Water Soluble Chloride in Soil (Argentimetric Method)

Determination of Water Soluble Calcium and Magnesium in Soil (Complexometric Titration Method / Versenate Method)

Determination of Water-Soluble Sodium and Potassium in Soil (Flame Photometric Method)

Determination of Cation Exchange Capacity of Soil

Determination of Exchangeable Potassium in Soil

Determination of Exchangeable Sodium in Soil

Determination of Exchangeable Calcium and Magnesium in Soil

Determination of Lime Requirement of Soil

[Shoemaker, Mc Lean and Pratt (SMP) Method, 1961]

Determination of Gypsum Requirement of Soil

[Schoonover (1952) Method]

Enumeration of Microorganisms in Soil : Preparation of Serial Dilution

Composition and Preparation of Microbiological Media

Sterilization Techniques: Sterilization of Media and Glasswares

Determination of Mineralization Rate of Organic Carbon Compounds : A Measure of Microbial Activity in Soil

Estimation of Nitrifying Power of Soil

Isolation and Quantitative Estimation of Azotobacter in Soils

Isolation and Quantitative Estimation of Rhizobia in Soils

Isolation and Purification of Ectomycorrhizal Fungi

Collection and Preparation of Plant Samples for Laboratory Analyzis

Determination of Total Nitrogen in Plants

Determination of Total Phosphorus in Plants

Determination of Total Potassium in Plants

Assessment of Quality of Irrigation Water

Glossary

Appendices

Biography

Dr. A.S.Mailappa, is a renowned Soil Scientist and is currently working as Associate Professor (Soil Science and Agrl. Chemistry) at College of Horticulture and Forestry, Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh, under Central Agricultural University, Imphal, India. He has obtained his M.Sc.(Ag.) in Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry in 2000 from University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS, Bengaluru) under ICAR – Junior Research Fellowship and Ph.D. from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU, Coimbatore) in 2003 under Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) Senior Research Fellowship. He was working as JRF and SRF (Junior & Senior Research Fellow) in various projects including Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) during November, 1998 to March, 2007. He is specialized in Soil Chemistry, Soil Fertility and Soil Microbiology and has published more than 22 research papers in reputed journals, 17 books, 45 book chapters and several practical manuals & technical bulletins. He received 36 prestigious national and international awards for his immense contribution to Teaching, Research and Extension including Best Krishi Shikshak Award (Best Academician Award), Scientist Award – 2019 (Dr.B.V.David Foundation), Excellence in Teaching Award (SVWS), Excellence in Research Award (DRASS), Best Scientist Award (SFSN), Excellence in Innovation Award – 2020 (Dr.B.V.David Foundation, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Scientist Award- 2020, Outstanding Teacher Award – 2020 (SBER), International Education Excellence Award in Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry – 2021 (CPACE), Reviewer Excellence Award (ARCC), Distinguished Scientist Award – 2021 (AETDS), Dr. Rattan Lal Award (AEEFWS – 2022), Excellence in Extension Education Award – 2022 (SBER), Entrepreneurship Development and Excellence Award - 2022 (Dr.B.V.David Foundation), Dr.V.P.Tyagi Memorial Award – 2022 (AETDS) and guided many PG and Ph.D students