Soil and plant testing and analysis [antikvár]

I. INTRODUCTION Among its other activités, FAO has focused on developing natural resources and approaches for their better utilization in order to increase food production in developing countries. Knowledge gained from scientific research over the years and its successful application have made a tremendous impact on agricultural production in recent times. The introduction of high yielding varieties has resulted in greater demands on plant nutrients which cannot be met from the inherent soil fertility, Eipensive inputs, such as fertilizers, must be introduced if the required yield levels are to be achieved. Rational use of these inputs is imperative, particularly under the conditions in developing countries where the financial limitai tions of the farmers are a major constraint. Even in the developed countries, one cannot overlook the rational and economic use of such inputs as fertilizers because of financial considerations as well as the ever-growing concern for environmental pollution. Methods for evaluating nutrient status in order to obtain better plant growth and increased yields are constantly being developed and improved. New ansdytical techniques and procedures for soil and plant analysis have been invented and tested in many countries and laboratories. There have been innovations in data processing leading to the preparation of more refined and specific fertilizer recommendations. The purpose of the Consultation was: i, to review advances in a) methodologies for soil and plant chemical analysis, and b) interpretation of the results obtained and the preparation of fertilizer recommendations based on these results; ^ ii, to identify progress made and areas requiring further attention with regard to the organization of soil testing services in general and, in particular, in developing countries. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The Consultation, although organized by PAO at its Headquarters, was held with the financial assistance of the Government of Finland. The participants and PAO expressed their appfeciation for this support and the interest displayed by the Grovernment in the technical programme of the Organization, 1/ A publication on Soil and Plant Testing as a basis for Fertilizer Recommendations, prepared by Dr, A. Cottenie, as a result of this Expert Consultation, is printed as PAO Soils Bulletin 38/2,