Soil Nutrient Fractionation and Plant Nutrient Quantification: A Laboratory Handbook provides a comprehensive guide to standardized analytical procedures used in soil fertility evaluation and plant nutrient analysis. The book emphasizes the scientific importance of accurate nutrient assessment for sustainable agricultural development, improved crop productivity, and environmental protection. It systematically covers methods for determining available nutrient forms, nutrient fractions, micronutrients, heavy metals, soil organic matter, and nutrient concentrations in plant samples. Designed with a practical laboratory-oriented approach, the handbook integrates fundamental principles with step-by-step analytical protocols to ensure precision, reproducibility, and reliability in soil and plant testing.

The text serves as a valuable resource for researchers, postgraduate students, laboratory professionals, and academicians working in soil science, plant nutrition, agronomy, and environmental studies. By strengthening analytical standards and supporting evidence-based nutrient management practices, this handbook contributes significantly to advancing agricultural research, soil health assessment, and sustainable farming systems.

Dr. Pardeep Kumar is a leading soil scientist and Principal Scientist at CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, with over three decades of transformative contributions to soil science research and education. Renowned for his expertise in micronutrient management, soil fertility mapping, geospatial modelling, and agronomic biofortification, he has played a pivotal role in advancing sustainable nutrient management in Himalayan agro-ecosystems. As Professor NFL Chair and Incharge of AICRP on Micro- and Secondary Nutrients and Pollutant Elements in Soils and Plants, he has led high-impact national research programmes and pioneered Himachal Pradesh’s first Micro and Secondary Nutrient Atlas. A dedicated mentor and innovator, Dr. Kumar has guided numerous postgraduate and doctoral scholars and bridged the gap between science, policy, and field application. His international exposure includes research at South Dakota State University, USA, and training at the University of Tübingen, Germany.

Prof. Arvind Kumar Shukla is a distinguished soil scientist and academic leader, currently serving as Vice Chancellor of RVSKVV, Gwalior. With an illustrious career spanning several decades, he has held key positions across premier ICAR institutes and agricultural universities, including Project Coordinator of AICRP on Micro- and Secondary Nutrients and Pollutant Elements in Soils and Plants. His expertise lies in soil fertility, micronutrient management, and natural resource management. He has led numerous nationally and internationally funded research projects and played a pivotal role in developing soil nutrient atlases for India, supporting evidence-based agricultural policies. An award-winning scientist, Prof. Shukla is a recipient of many prestigious awards. His contributions in linking soil health with human and animal health have significantly advanced sustainable agriculture and environmental research.

Dr. Sanjib Kumar Behera is a distinguished soil scientist and currently serves as Head, Division of Soil Chemistry & Fertility at the ICAR–Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal and Project Coordinator of AICRP on Micro- and Secondary Nutrients and Pollutant Elements in Soils and Plants. With nearly two decades of research experience, he specializes in soil chemistry, plant nutrition, and micronutrient management in soil–plant systems. His work has significantly advanced the understanding of spatial variability of soil fertility, development of site-specific nutrient management strategies, and agronomic biofortification. He has been instrumental in generating district-level S and micronutrient maps across India, supporting evidence-based agricultural planning and policy decisions. Dr. Behera has authored over 170 scientific publications, including research papers, books, and technical articles, with wide global recognition. A recipient of several prestigious awards, he continues to contribute actively to research, capacity building, and extension for sustainable soil health and crop productivity.

Chapter 1. Determination of Available Nitrogen and Fractions of Nitrogen in Soil
Chapter 2. Determination of Available Phosphorus and Fractions of Phosphorus in Soil
Chapter 3. Determination of Available Potassium and Fractions of Potassium in Soil
Chapter 4. Determination of Available Calcium and Fractions of Calcium in Soil
Chapter 5. Determination of Available Magnesium and Fractions of Magnesium in Soil
Chapter 6. Determination of Available Sulphur and Fractions of Sulphur in Soil
Chapter 7. Determination of Extractable Micronutrients and Heavy Metals in Soil
Chapter 8. Determination of Fractions of Micronutrients in Soil
Chapter 9. Determination of Available Boron and Fractions of Boron in Soil
Chapter 10. Determination of Molybdenum and Fractions of Molybdenum in Soil
Chapter 11. Determination of Aluminium and Fractions of Aluminium in Soil
Chapter 12. Determination of Soil Organic Matter and Associated Fractions
Chapter 13. Determination of Total Nitrogen in Plant Samples
Chapter 14. Determination of Total Phosphorus in Plant Samples
Chapter 15. Determination of Total Potassium in Plant Samples
Chapter 16. Determination of Total Calcium and Magnesium in Plant Samples
Chapter 17. Determination of Total Sulphur in Plant Samples
Chapter 18. Determination of Total Micronutrient Cations in Plant Samples
Chapter 19. Determination of Total Boron in Plant Samples
Chapter 20. Determination of Total Molybdenum in Plant Samples
Chapter 21. Determination of Total Aluminium in Plant Samples