Pedology, soil solutions and ecosystem water laboratory
Responsible
Dr. Guia Cecchini , guia.cecchini@unifi.it
Description of the activity
The laboratory is heir to the long lasting experience of the Chair of Geopedology and of the Pedology sector of the former Soil Science and Plant Nutrition Department. It is part, since 1999, of the Pan-European monitoring network established according to the International Convention on Trans-boundary Pollution, forests section (ICP-Forests), and participates to the Quality Assurance/Quality Control activities organized by the network, which include periodical inter-calibration exercises (ring tests) and regular meetings.
The laboratory’s activity develops on two research lines, integrating solid phase and soil solution analysis towards a better understanding of soil genesis and ecology.
A) PEDOLOGY
Implementation and development of soil solid phase analytical methods. All determinations foreseen by international soil classification systems (FAO-WRB, NRCS-ST) are executed. These include chemical (pH, carbonates, cation exchange capacity and base saturation, selective dissolution of Fe, Al, Si) and physical (particle size, bulk density, COLE). Choice of method according to sample nature is available.
B) SOIL SOLUTIONS AND ECOSYSTEM WATERS
Implementation and development of analytical methods for soil solution and waters from natural or artificial ecosystems.
Main environmental parameters (pH, EC, major cations and anions) are determined. It is also possible to determine heavy metals, most inorganic pollutants and their toxic forms, both in terms of general environmental issues and in terms of soil-plant relationships.
Adaptation of specific methods to sample nature is possible for all parameters.
Instruments:
- Analytical balances
- Ovens
- Ultrasonic baths
- Centrifuge
- Combined sieving/milling system
- Semi-automatic pipetting system for particle size analysis
- Dietrich-Fruhling calcimeter
- pH-meters
- EC meters
- Controlled temperature bath
- Ion chromatographs (Dionex)
How to access:
Public agencies, firms of persons can address the laboratory to ask for expertise, technical-scientific assistance, monitoring activities, or to agree research projects of reciprocal interest.
All activities can be supported by either research grants or contracts, according to statutes of the University of Firenze.
It is further possible to carry out analyses based on an agreed offer, according to sample number and characters.
How to cite
To mention the individual members of the research group participating in the works.
Last update
26.10.2021