In this presented thesis, we delve into the dynamics between metals and soil organic matter. Metals are vital micronutrients essential for plant homeostasis, dynamically interacting within the ecosystem. Many studies typically analyze metal content by quantifying total levels using destructive methods; these approaches can be intrusive and overlook the comprehensive chemical picture, including chemical speciation and binding interactions with organic elements in the soil system. This research presents efforts to design new methods to address this gap by assessing metal availability, extracellular H2O2 in algae media, and flavonoid persistence in the presence of soil organic matter.Chapter One offers background and insights into the current state of research on soil chemistry, metals in soil environments, and how the interconnectivity between the two properties are crucial for the survival of organisms like plants. Chapter Two discusses the optimization of a zinc and copper chelator assay using the chromophoric molecules zincon and pyrocatechol violet under plant physiological conditions, considering variables such as temperature and pH. The assay yielded the desired results when tested with a known chelator, EDTA, demonstrating reduced metal binding to the chromophores when analyzed under a high throughput plate reader assay. Chapter Three implements the colorimetric chelator assay in soil systems, beginning with humic substances at various pH values. Initial tests revealed metal-ligand binding competition between the chelators, humic acids, and fulvic acids, showcasing variability in ligand exchange based on pH. Chapter Four complements the UV-Vis based assays in the preceding chapters and describes efforts to establish LC-MS-based strategies to assess flavonoid persistence in soil systems, including the optimization of soil extractions containing flavonoids. While the results were not as expected, it was complementary toward tool development for analyzing flavonoid persistence in soil environments. Chapter Five focuses on employing an H2O2-responsive bioluminescence probe in algae media, revealing differences in extracellular H2O2 with growth and feed conditions. Overall, this thesis describes initial efforts to uncover the dynamics of metals ions in soil through the development and assessment of a range of analytical methods for studying metal ion speciation in complex mixtures.