The “Wheat Problem” and Synthetic Nitrates

Abstract

MANY years have elapsed and much water has flowed under the bridges since Sir William Crookes startled a heedless world by an address, delivered in his capacity as president of the Bristol meeting of the British Association, in which he drew a somewhat alarming picture of “the serious peril awaiting wheat-eaters who contentedly pursue the present wasteful system of cultivation.” He stated that in his opinion under present conditions of culture a scarcity of wheat is within appreciable distance; that wheat-growing land all over the world is becoming exhausted, and that at some future time—in his opinion not far distant—no available wheat land will be left. The prediction was as doleful as the prospect was disquieting; but fortunately the remedy was comparatively simple and it was near at hand. As the president pointed out, Nature's resources, properly utilised, were ample. The remedy consisted in a more scientific cultivation and, in particular, in the application of so-called chemical manures, whereby, by moderate dressings, the then average world-yield of I2.7 bushels per acre would be increased to 20 bushels —“thus postponing the day of dearth to so distant a period that we, our sons, and grandsons may legitimately live without undue solicitude for the future.”