Resource information
This laboratory manual of analytical methods has been compiled to be used primarily by research
assistants, technicians and student trainees working in the laboratory. The methods have been
selected from different sources and adapted for routine analyses in the WANA region. A detailed
description of the methods can be found in the original publications listed in the references. As
analytical techniques are developed and improving, this manual will be subject to continuous
revision. Any helpful suggestion and feedback from users is most appreciated.
The Third Edition of the manual reflects the changes that have occurred within the past few
years in the region, particularly will respect to water and irrigation. While it is still focused on
production agriculture, it reflects an increasing concern about environmental pollution, mainly from
nitrates, heavy metals, and toxic organic compounds. With greater sophistication in methodologies
and equipment, most soil laboratories can now deal with both agricultural and environmental
concerns. In addition, improvements have occurred in electronic handling of data and establishing
databases. As with the Second Edition, we anticipate translating the Third Edition into Arabic for the
WANA region in general as well as into French, particularly for North Africa.
