Isotopes and Radiation in Soil Orgnaic-Matter Studies : Proceedings of the Symposium on the Use of Isotopes and Radiation in Soil Organic-Matter Studies Jointly Organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Co-operation with the International Soil Science Society and Held in Vienna, 15-19 July 1968 : Isotopes and Radiation in Soil Orgnaic-Matter Studies

Wien

1968

584 S.

Serie

400094361

Organic matter, as a constituent of soil, is an important factor in determining the productivity of agriculture. Improvements in this productivity are essential if more and better food is to be found for the world's rapidly growing population. Tracer techniques are very pwoerful tools in soil organic-matter studies; they reveal the behaviour and functions of organic matter in soil and thereby help to solve many of the most complex problems. In 1963, at Brunswick-Völkenrode, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the International Atomic Energy Agency jointly convend an international meeting to review the progress that had been achieved in these studies through the use of tracer techniques. Because of the wide interest in this subject, the marked progress of research, and the development of new techniques since 1963, these two organizations decided to sponsor another symposium in 1968. This symposium, on the Use of Isotopes and Radiation in Soil Organic-Matter Studies, convened jointly by the FAO and the IAEA in co-operation with the International Soil Science Society, was held in Vienna on 15-19 July 1968. One hundred and five participants attended from 33 countries and three international organizations, and 48 papers were presented. After hearing and discussing papers on laboratory techniques, the participants considered several specific topics. These included: studies of nitrogen transformations in soils by using nitrogen-15; organic-matter synthesis and decomposition in soils; organic matter in tropcial soils; and the effects of organic matter on nutrient availability in soils. The high calibre of the many papers given by leading world authorities and the liveliness and comprehensive reference work. It is hoped that the volume will prove of great value not only to those working on the enigmatic characteristics of the organic fraction of soils, but also to all researchers in soil-plant nutrition studies.