Sample Preparation of Soil and Plant Material for Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry: Techdoc No. 1870

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.