PLANT AND SOIL RESEARCH

Abstract

Opening the discussion on soil fertility and its control, Sir John Russell, F.R.S., defined a fertile soil as one which satisfies all the conditions of plant growth, adequately supplying plant nutrients, water, warmth, air for the roots, space for the roots, free from undesirable substances or harmful reaction. The supply of plant nutrients affects crop production in two ways. Other conditions being favourable the amount of plant growth is increased with increasing supply of nutrients up to a certain point. The relationship is not simple; it can be expressed by two factors, one being the minimal amount on the crop of the particular nutrient, and the other the supply of the nutrient already present in the unmanured soil. Some degree of proportiona- lity between the various nutrients is necessary, but there is no evidence that the ratios are narrow. These relationships are much affected by the water supply. In general, nutrients are most effective when there is a good water supply, and the water is most effective when there is a good nutrient supply. A good water supply thus economises the nutrients, and conversely a good nutrient supply economises water. For fruit the relationships are somewhat different, fruiting and growth being in some ways antagonistic. These relationships are important in irrigation practice.