A Handbook of Soil Fertility

Sustainability of agricultural systems is a major global concern due to population growth and a number of environmental factors. This book “A Handbook of Soil Fertility” addresses the key to the management of soil fertility and also impart a scrupulous understanding of plant nutrition, soil fertility, nutrients supplied through fertilizers and manures, manufacture of fertilizers and preparation of manures. This book portrays the influence of soil properties and interactions on nutrient availability to crops. It also elucidates the nutrient deficiency / toxicity symptoms and recommends appropriate remedial measures. This book enlightens the fertilizer management practices that maximize productivity and profitability. Nutrient absorption by plants, nutrients supply from soil and external inputs viz., fertilizers and manures are well documented. Methods to evaluate soil fertility status, nutrient response patterns and nutrient use efficiency are spotlighted for the benefit of farming community. As soil and crop management procedures have become more complex, County Agricultural Agents, farm advisors, consultants, and fertilizer and chemical dealers have had to specialize in some aspect of soil fertility and crop nutrition management procedures, limiting their ability to provide a range of advice and services. Most farmers and growers can no longer turn to just one source for the information and instruction needed to achieve their production goals. Handbook of Soil Fertility is an excellent reference for environmental and agricultural professionals as well as a textbook for undergraduate and graduate students preparing for a career in agriculture or soil fertility management. Brief note on Fertilizer control orders augments the readers about quality control of fertilizers. This book also facilitates the small scale entrepreneurs / farmers for preparing mixed fertilizers in their units/ farms. Excellent portray of symptoms in plant systems will serve as a guide to solve field fertility problems. The topics and discussion in this self-contained book are practical and user-friendly, yet comprehensive enough to cover material presented in upper-level soil and plant science courses. It allows practitioners with general background knowledge to feel confident applying the principles presented to soil/crop production systems.