Abstract
THE effect of soil conditions on plant and animal health forms the topic of Dr. W. G. Ogg's presidential address to Section M (Agriculture). Great advances have been made in this subject during the past quarter of a century. One of the most interesting discoveries is the part played by what are termed the trace elements from the fact that traces only are normally required. Some of these appear to affect plants only; others both plants and animals; and yet others, animals only. Deficiencies or excesses of these substances have been shown to be responsible for a wide range of plant and animal diseases and cause large annual losses to the agricultural industry. Probably the sub-clinical cases are far more numerous than those with obvious symptoms of disease, and are responsible for even greater losses. We do not know very much about the way in which the trace elements act, but possibly they are catalysts.
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Soils and Health. Nature 160, 290 (1947). https://doi.org/10.1038/160290a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/160290a0