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Phosphorus nuclear magnetic resonance (31P NMR) spectroscopy is an important tool for the study of soil P and has significantly advanced our knowledge of soil P forms, particularly organic P; however, it must be used correctly to provide meaningful results. This review covers the 31P NMR studies of soil published from 2005 to 2013. The first part discusses preparing samples for 31P NMR, including extractants, pre- and post-extraction treatments, the physical state of the soil sample at the time of extraction, extraction length, the soil/extractant ratio, P recovery, P in residues, methods to concentrate extracts, redissolving samples for 31P NMR experiments, the use of the internal standard methylene diphosphonic acid, and the potential for degradation with any of these steps. The second part of this review focuses on NMR experiment parameters, including delay times, proton decoupling, and experiment length. Potential concerns in these areas are noted, and suggestions are given for procedures to optimize the information obtained from a 31P NMR experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]