2nd Edition

Soil Sampling, Preparation, and Analysis

By Kim H. Tan Copyright 2005
    672 Pages 70 B/W Illustrations
    by CRC Press

    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.

    Principles of Soil Sampling
    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