This work provides detailed coverage of the applications of proven spectometric techniques in soil science. It presents analytical approaches important in the study of pool sizes and the dynamics of macro- and micronutrients, the structure and function of soil organic matter, and the co-evolution of soils, plant communities and climate. Interdisciplinary perspectives from soil science, ecology, geology, chemistry, biogeochemistry, agronomy and physics, are offered.

Archaeological Soil and Sediment Micromorphology goes beyond a mere review of current literature and features the most up to date contributions from numerous scientists working in the field. The book represents a groundbreaking and comprehensive resource covering the plethora of applications of micromorphology in archaeology. Archaeological Soil and Sediment Micromorphology offers researchers, students and professionals a systematic tool for the interpretation of thin sections of archaeological contexts. This important resource is also designed to help stimulate the use of micromorphology in archaeology outside Europe, where the technique is less frequently employed. Moreover, the authors hope to strengthen the proper application of soil micromorphology in archaeology, by illustrating its possibilities and referring in several cases to more specialized publications (for instance in the field of plant remains, pottery and phytoliths). Written for anyone interested in the topic, this important text offers: Contributions from most of the world's leading authorities on soil micromorphology A series of chapters on the major topics selected among the most recurrent in literature about archaeological soil micromorphology Systematic descriptions of all important micromorphological features Special analytical tools employed on thin sections, such as SEM/EDS, image analysis, fluorescence microscopy, mass spectrometry, among others Numerous cross-references 400 illustrated full-colour plates The resource provides the most current and essential information for archaeologists, geoarchaeologists, soil scientists and sedimentologists. Comprehensive in scope, Archaeological Soil and Sediment Micromorphology offers professionals and students a much-needed tool for the interpretation of thin sections of archaeological contexts.

A thorough presentation of analytical methods for characterizing soil chemical properties and processes, Methods, Part 3 includes chapters on Fourier transform infrared, Raman, electron spin resonance, x-ray photoelectron, and x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopies, and more.

As part of a study on the role of natural organics in determining the physical properties of soils, the use of combined gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric methods for identification of the more volatile organic chemicals in soils were explored. Soil was first treated at 100, 150, and 200C to select the optimum temperature where minimum pyrolysis of soil organic matter occurred. The vapors from three soils heated in a closed system at 150C were then analyzed. Subsequent refinement in technique involved collection of vapor from the three soils maintained at 150C using a constant flow sample holder/inlet system. About 50 organic compounds were identified. While application of this approach is restricted to the volatile compounds in the lower molecular weight range, conditions of analysis are thought to be suitable for identification of compounds originally present as opposed to pyrolysis products of soil organic matter. (Author).

Stable isotope techniques can help improve soil management and crop nutrition. To ensure the quality of stable isotope analysis through isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS), appropriate sample preparation is crucial. This publication presents methods for proper plant and soil sample processing for IRMS analysis. The information on such methods is often described in a summarized and non-comprehensive way without illustration of every step. This publication fills this gap and presents a selection of standard operating procedures and provides highly detailed guidance on sample preparation that will support practitioners in conducting reliable isotope analysis on plant and soil materials.