Optimum and Excessive Moisture in Its Effect Upon the Soil and the Crop (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1912. Excerpt: ... OPTIMUM AfiD EXCESSIVE MOISTURE IB ITS EFFECT UJPOH THE SOIL AHD THE CROP. I. IHTHODUCTIOH. The functions which water performs in plant growth have been the object of investigation for a great number of years That it acts both as a food and a mechanical regulator is readily understood Its relationship to transpiration has been largely solved. The chemistry of the soil solution in its bearing upon the elaboration of plant food is perhaps in general principles, at leaot, understood The feeding habits of various crops have been studied and their characteristics and peculiarities noted Their chemical compositions under various conditions have been determined and their variations tabulated Yet with all this, there remains much to be investigated as to the relation of water to the plant. It is not enough to determine the optimum moisture necessary for good crop growth, '-e need more than this. The effect that particular soil humidities may bring about in relation to the crop is important. Not only this, but we should know exactly the effect of fertilizers upon the taking up of plant food and the building of tissue. The interaction of these two factors are of vital importance in countries where artificial stimulation must be supplied. It must be kept in mind, however, that the study of the effect of moisture and fertilizer upon the plant is not an easy problem The soil itself does not permit or lend itself readily to oontrol because of the many factors which go to make up its activity Moreover, many of these factors are but little understood and, therefore, even partial oontrol is out of the question In addition we mast deal with the individualities of the plant itself Even plants of the same strain show difference and peculiarities Only careful selection and mu...