Plant Nutrition and Crop Production

Plant Nutrition and Crop Production offers an insightful exploration of the scientific discoveries that have shaped our understanding of how plants derive nutrients and the profound implications for agricultural practices. The book traces the historical journey of thought and experimentation, beginning with the speculative ideas of early natural philosophers like Thales, who posited that plants feed solely on water, and moving through pivotal experiments that challenged and reshaped these early beliefs. From van Helmont's 17th-century willow experiment, which mistakenly concluded plants derive mass solely from water, to Woodward's groundbreaking studies on the role of soil in plant growth, this narrative captures the evolution of botanical science.

The book underscores the gradual development of key concepts in plant nutrition, highlighting early breakthroughs such as the role of nitrates, potassium, and phosphates in promoting growth. Despite these advances, the text reveals how misconceptions and fragmented knowledge limited the practical application of scientific findings to agriculture for centuries. By the close of the 18th century, foundational principles of plant nutrition were established, yet their integration into agricultural practices remained elusive. Through a detailed recounting of historical experiments and insights, this work bridges the gap between scientific discovery and its transformative impact on crop production, making it an essential resource for understanding the complex interplay of soil, water, and air in sustaining plant life.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1926.