Stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry in agricultural sciences. Chapter 19

Agricultural science which is an applied science has now found role of equipment like mass spectrometer in understanding chemistry and cycle of different elements by use of stable isotopes. Nuclei like 2H, 13C, 15N, 18O, 34S are used extensively in the field of plant biochemistry, physiology, nutrition, studies related to the environment and water resources and many fertiliser use efficiency experiments. The most significant contribution of these stable isotopes has been in preparing the fertiliser balance sheet in terms of its fate after application to the crops; the case of nitrogenous fertiliser can be specially mentioned. Use of mass spectrometer in studies of greenhouse gases which is generating lot of interest in all community has shown tremendous potential in exploring the historical happenings and for the monitoring. All this can convince us that the use of mass spectrometry, in future, will be increasing in agricultural sciences