Crop Production in Nutrient Solutions

Abstract

SEVEN years ago Prof. W. F. Gericke, of the University of California, published an article in Science under the title "Hydroponics—Crop Production in Liquid Culture Media", and he followed this up in 1940 by a book, "Complete Guide to Soil-less Gardening". The idea attracted certain people very strongly, and before long it was necessary for some of the staff of the University to point out that some at least of the claims that were being put forward lacked good evidence. The method was critically but impartially investigated in Great Britain by Prof. R. H. Stoughton, of the University of Reading, Dr. G. H. Bewley, of the Cheshunt Research Station, and Messrs. W. G. Templeman and S. J. Watson, of Jealotts Hill, and it is now possible to obtain a much more complete view than could be done before.