This title has a strong practical orientation, telling readers what methodologies are available using stable isotopes, how studies should be designed and executed to maximize effectiveness and incisiveness in terms of data obtained and outcomes in terms of understanding events and processes in plant and ecosystem functioning. The readership is very much aimed toward postgraduates with good knowledge of general biological principles and underlying chemical and physical processes. Pre-existing knowledge of or experience in application and assay of stable isotopes is not required. The stable isotope research field is one of the most rapidly growing areas of ecophysiology and techniques using stable isotopes comprise an ever increasing component of research programmes of university postgraduates and a wide range of agencies conducting environmental monitoring and rehabilitation programmes.