As with the highly popular original, this new edition of Soil Sampling, Preparation, and Analysis provides students with an exceptionally clear description of the sampling and analysis methods most commonly used in modern soil laboratories around the world. What sets it apart as the first choice of professors is the grounding it offers in fundamental principles, professional protocols, and specific procedures. What makes it especially popular with students is that it spares them from having to tote large volumes for the sake of a page or two.
Fully revised to introduce the latest advances, the text is lucidly illustrated with original results garnered from years of hands-on experiments conducted by the author and his students.
In response to requests from active users of the first edition, these new features have been added:
§ Three new chapters on soil and plant test methods
§ A focus on testing and analysis limited to edaphology, as opposed to edaphology and pedology as a whole in the ecosystem
§ Information and insight reflecting the author’s expertise on electron microscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance
§ Extensive revisions and expansion to include recent advances and shifting interests in the field
Soil Sampling, Preparation, and Analysis is divided into three sections: the first covers principles of soil sampling, sources of errors, and variability of results; the second explains common procedures for extraction and analysis in soil plant testing; and the last covers instrumentation.
While Professor Tan designed and further honed the book to serve the practical needs of students, with this volume he also provides them with an essential reference that will continue to serve them throughout their training and into their careers.
Sample Preparation
Errors and Variability, and Chemical Units of Soil Analysis
Methods of Soil Chemical Analysis
Soil and Plant Test
Determination of Soil Water
Determination of Soil Texture
Determination of Soil Density and Porosity
Soil pH Measurement and Lime Requirement
Cation Exchange Capacity and % Base Saturation Determination
Determination of Macroelements
Determination of Microelements
Determination of Soil Organic Matter
Spectrophotometry and Colorimetry
Flame Photometry
Infrared Spectroscopy
X-Ray Diffraction Analysis
Differential Thermal Analysis
Scanning Electron Microscopy and Edax
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Appendices: Fundamental Constants; Greek Alphabet; Atomic Weights of the Major Elements; X-Ray Diffraction 2 D-Spacing Conversion Table; US Weights and Measures; International System of Units (SI) and Conversion Factors. References and Additional Readings
Biography
Kim H. Tan
“… covers principles of soil sampling, sources of errors, and variability of results; … explains common procedures for soil characterization, … extraction and analysis of macro- and micro-elements in soil plant testing; … covers instrumentation, from colorimetry to atomic absorption, atomic emission, and plasma emission spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, thermal analysis (DTA) and NMR, highlighting the major differences between humic and fulvic acids. … provides students with an exceptionally clear description of the sampling and analysis methods most commonly used in modern soil laboratories around the world. … it offers in fundamental principles, professional protocols, and specific procedures.”
— J Albaigés, Editor in Chief, Department of Environment Chemistry CID-CSIC, Barcelona, Spain, in International Journal Of Environmental Analytical Chemistry, Vol. 86, 2006
praise for the first edition
“…a valuable reference for anyone who deals with multi-disciplinary soil and environmental issues
--Journal of Environmental Quality