Mengel, K. and Kirkby, E. A. Principles of plant nutrition

Abstract

That this text book is now in its fifth edition clearly shows the strength of its content and presentation, and its relevance to the scientific community, which should include all those interested in plants and their growth. There are 20 chapters. The first is an overview of definitions and processes which are considered in much greater depth later. Then follow substantial chapters on ‘The Soil as a Plant Nutrient Medium’, ‘Nutrient Uptake and Assimilation’, ‘Plant Water Relationships’ and ‘Plant Growth’ and ‘Crop Production’. These are the basic stuff of any such text and a number of books orientated to soil and plant processes cover them. They are well presented, clear and in considerable detail. The sixth chapter deals with fertilizer application and so is more practical, but very much based on the scientific concepts developed earlier. The effects of fertilizer use on the environment are also considered. This text provides, in the widest terms, a clearly developed, objective and balanced assessment of the current views in the subject of plant nutrition, which one might say is now in its mature phase. Twelve major plant nutrients are considered separately in sections of different length: nitrogen (34 pages), sulfur (15), phosphorus (24), etc, and there is discussion of elements which are of less importance and those with toxic effects in two further parts. So coverage of the potential subject matter is excellent. There is a good index, and extensive coverage of the literature (130 pages, perhaps 2400 citations), grouped into ‘General Reading’, related clearly to each chapter, and then ‘References’. One aspect of the book which I particularly like is that the literature covers a considerable period, as might be expected of its long history (constant regeneration), allowing the development of the subject to be appreciated. However, it may be too much to expect many to have the time to read and follow such detail. Mainly English language literature is cited, with some in German and French (with titles translated into English). Perhaps more recent literature is somewhat neglected: presumably the literature was finished in about 2000. However, this is not crucial as the book takes a more long‐term view of the topic as required, I suspect, by most of the potential readership (some undergraduates on advanced courses; researchers and professionals in many areas) who need to understand the interactions between plants, environment and nutrients. From the point of view of readers, and particularly students, the emphasis on integration of physico‐chemical and plant physiological principles and processes is well achieved and an important feature. The approach is largely descriptive, based on many examples from the literature, which are well discussed with good illustrations, tables of data and equations. Sufficient quantitative analysis is included so that most readers will be able to see the point but not be put off. Those requiring more exact analysis are directed to the literature. SI units are used throughout (so no ppm—thank goodness) but it is a pity that the explanation (page 10) using ‘130 parts of Mn (weight) per 1,100,000 parts (weight) dry matter’ was not correct. Biochemical mechanisms are nicely presented and clarify why nutrients are required. In the case of N, the link with synthesis of proteins, etc., is made, of course, but there was opportunity to make more of it in discussing the efficiency with which N is used by plants and particularly by crops. Here the modelling aspects could have been usefully expanded. Another currently very important research area that is largely not considered is molecular genetics and plant adaptation to nutrition. Given the current emphasis on this in research and teaching (and the tendency in some circles to reject work which does not include it), there is a danger that this book will not reach the audience that would benefit. However, the book provides a rich feast so readers should be well satisfied by the menu, and demanding additional dishes may be greedy. Unfortunately it is an expensive meal for individuals to purchase, and it may then compete with other similar texts on the topic. On scientific grounds and its information content, I recommend this well‐tested and substantial text to the potential readership; it should be available in all central libraries.