Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management in Horticulture

This volume comprises two sections, the first of which pertains to soil fertility and nutrient management as they apply to agriculture and horticulture. The initial section covers the fundamentals of plant nutrients and their role in the nourishment of horticultural crops, as well as their behavior in the soil in relation to their availability. Additionally, it addresses challenges such as soil solution-reaction and salt content. It should be noted that all soil properties, with the exception of two products of weathering—soil texture and depth—are subject to manipulation and can be scientifically managed for profitable crop production while avoiding pollution. The second section provides an in-depth exploration of the principles outlined in the first section and offers guidance on their effective implementation to sustain agricultural and horticultural production without causing harm to the environment. The principles are explained in 20 chapters, each of which is enhanced with illustrations, figures, and tables to facilitate comprehension. Finally, the book concludes with suggestions for further reading.