This handbook is a reference guide for selecting and carrying out numerous methods of soil analysis. It is written in accordance with analytical standards and quality control approaches. It covers a large body of technical information including protocols, tables, formulae, spectrum models, chromatograms and additional analytical diagrams. The approaches are diverse, from the simplest tests to the most sophisticated determination methods.

Résumé
This new book by Marc Pansu and Jacques Gautheyrou provides a synopsis of the analytical procedures for the physicochemical analysis of soils. It is written to conform to analytical standards and quality control. It focuses on mineralogical, organic and inorganic analyses, but also describes physical methods when these are a precondition for analysis. It will help a range of different users to choose the most appropriate method for the type of material and the particular problems they have to face. The compiled work is the product of the experience gained by the authors in the laboratories of the Institute of Research for Development (IRD) in France and in tropical countries, and includes an extensive review of the literature. The reference section at the end of each chapter lists source data from pioneer studies right up to current works, such as, proposals for structural models of humic molecules, and itself represents a valuable source of information.

Contenu
Mineralogical analysis.- Water Content and Loss on Ignition.- Particle Size Analysis.- Fractionation of the Colloidal Systems.- Mineralogical Characterisations by X-Ray Diffractometry.- Mineralogical Analysis by Infra-Red Spectrometry.- Mineralogical Separation by Selective Dissolution.- Thermal Analysis.- Microscopic Analysis.- Organic analysis.- Physical Fractionation of Organic Matter.- Organic and Total C, N (H, O, S) Analysis.- Quantification of Humic Compounds.- Characterization of Humic Compounds.- Measurement of Non-Humic Molecules.- Organic Forms of Nitrogen, Mineralizable Nitrogen (and Carbon).- Inorganic analysis.- pH Measurement.- Redox Potential.- Carbonates.- Soluble Salts.- Exchange Complex.- Isoelectric and Zero Charge Points.- Permanent and Variable Charges.- Exchangeable Cations.- Exchangeable Acidity.- Lime Requirement.- Exchange Selectivity, Cation Exchange Isotherm.- Cation Exchange Capacity.- Anion Exchange Capacity.- Inorganic Forms of Nitrogen.- Phosphorus.- Sulphur.- Analysis of Extractable and Total Elements.