ABSTRACT
Bergman, Ernest L. 1978. Nutrition and its role in plant production. American Nurseryman 158(7): 8, 63, 66.
Plant nutrition is too often discussed without taking into consideration the limiting factors for plant production provided by nature, such as climate, soil and crop characteristics. Only after these have been properly evaluated can man improve plant production through nutrition. There are 17 elements recognized today as being essential for a plant. Moisture and soil temperature will definitely affect availability. The soil of every new seedbed or transplant plot should be tested before anything is put into it. Compost is excellent as organic matter, but it is extremely poor as a source of nutrients. In sandy soils, there is more movement of applied nutrients than in heavier clay soils. Soil pH, as such, has no direct effect on the plants; however, some of the elements become less available with a higher pH.
- © 1980, International Society of Arboriculture. All rights reserved.