This book is about humic and fulvic acids, two types of organic substances which are increasingly becoming popular in agriculture and organic farming. In this book, the authors study and reveal their research on humic substances and the different aspects related to their formation. Other chapters include recent research on GRSP (Glomalin Related Soil Protein) and its relation to different kinds of fluorescent substances, including fulvic acid-like and humic acid-like substances. The last two chapters of the book explore humic acids and their ability to interfere in molecular ecological studies as well as the various methods one could use to measure the humic acids' concentration in soil-extracted nucleic acids. Finally, this book presents an in-depth look at the role of humic materials in the dispersion of radioactive contaminants in the environment, the latter of which are some of the most broadly circulated substances on the earth's surface, occurring in soils, rivers, lakes and seas.

Recognition of the importance of soil organic matter (SOM) in soil health and quality is a major part of fostering a holistic, preventive approach to agricultural management. Students in agronomy, horticulture, and soil science need a textbook that emphasizes strategies for using SOM management in the prevention of chemical, biological, and physical problems. Soil Organic Matter in Sustainable Agriculture gathers key scientific reviews concerning issues that are critical for successful SOM management. This textbook contains evaluations of the types of organic soil constituents—organisms, fresh residues, and well-decomposed substances. It explores the beneficial effects of organic matter on soil and the various practices that enhance SOM. Chapters include an examination of the results of crop management practices on soil organisms, organic matter gains and losses, the significance of various SOM fractions, and the contributions of fungi and earthworms to soil quality and crop growth. Emphasizing the prevention of imbalances that lead to soil and crop problems, the text also explores the development of soils suppressive to plant diseases and pests, and relates SOM management to the supply of nutrients to crops. This book provides the essential scientific background and poses the challenging questions that students need to better understand SOM and develop improved soil and crop management systems.

Here is a cohesive compilation of recent research results into the many aspects of water purification. Major sections cover the characterization and environmental impact of aquatic humic substances, their reactions in natural water and sediments, and their influences on water treatment. Topics examined include hazardous waste chemicals, water solubility enhancement, sorption, metal speciation, and photochemistry. Specific types of treatment processes are also described.

This book highlights the increasing importance of humic substances in the different scientific fields related to terrestrial ecology, soil quality conservation, and environmental chemistry. It shows that modern humic substances research is not only directed to unravel their yet ill-defined chemical structure but is successfully exploring the interconnected chemical, biological, and physical processes that maintain the ecological equilibrium of soil and ensure a sustainable agricultural production. The book will primarily be of interest to soil scientists and to ecological and environmental scientists. People in the fields of forest science, agronomy, analytical and environmental chemistry, water science, environmental engineering, and coal science will also find this publication worthy of their attention.

Presents papers from the August 1995 national meeting of the American Chemical Society, held in Chicago, IL. Contributions reflect recent advances in analytical methods and separation techniques for chemical characterization of humic and fulvic acids. After an overview section on the acids and organic colloidal materials in the environment, sections on molecular properties and sampling, metal binding, and organic pollutant interactions explore subjects including organic geochemistry and sources of natural aquatic forms; enhancement of the water solubility of organic pollutants by dissolved organic matter; and the role of humic substances and colloids in the behavior of radiotoxic elements in relation to nuclear waste disposal. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

An up-to-date resource on natural nonliving organic matter Bringing together world-renowned researchers to explore natural nonliving organic matter (NOM) and its chemical, biological, and ecological importance, Biophysico-Chemical Processes Involving Natural Nonliving Organic Matter in Environmental Systems offers an integrated view of the dynamics and processes of NOM. This multidisciplinary approach allows for a comprehensive treatment encompassing all the formation processes, properties, reactions, environments, and analytical techniques associated with the latest research on NOM. After briefly outlining the historical background, current ideas, and future prospects of the study of NOM, the coverage examines: The formation mechanisms of humic substances Organo-clay complexes The effects of organic matter amendment Black carbon in the environment Carbon sequestration and dynamics in soil Biological activities of humic substances Dissolved organic matter Humic substances in the rhizosphere Marine organic matter Organic matter in atmospheric particles In addition to the above topics, the coverage includes such relevant analytical techniques as separation technology; analytical pyrolysis and soft-ionization mass spectrometry; nuclear magnetic resonance; EPR, FTIR, Raman, UV-visible adsorption, fluorescence, and X-ray spectroscopies; and thermal analysis. Hundreds of illustrations and photographs further illuminate the various chapters. An essential resource for both students and professionals in environmental science, environmental engineering, water science, soil science, geology, and environmental chemistry, Biophysico-Chemical Processes Involving Natural Nonliving Organic Matter in Environmental Systems provides a unique combination of the latest discoveries, developments, and future prospects in this field.

Humic substances occur in all kinds of aquatic systems, but are particularly important in northern, coniferous areas. They strongly modify the aquatic ecosystems and also constitute a major problem in the drinking water supply. This volume covers all aspects of aquatic humic substances, from their origin and chemical properties, their effects on light and nutrient regimes and biogeochemical cycling, to their role regarding organisms, productivity and food web organization from bacteria to fish. Special emphasis is paid to carbon cycling and food web organization in humic lakes, but aspects of marine carbon cycling related to humus are treated as well.