Abstract
A FEATURE of the present-day attitude to agriculture is the increasing concern about soil fertility. Formerly this was confined to a limited number of specialists ; but the impact of two world wars and the resulting shortages made all of us think about food, and awakened an interest about soil problems in the more reflective. There is an increasing literature about these matters both from the scientific and economic points of view, and Mr. ‘Hopkins very readable book deals with a section of this field which has perhaps received wider publicity than any other. The late Sir Albert Howard and his followers have for many years advocated certain methods of soil management in which humus maintenance by means of composts plays the chief part, and chemical fertilizers are entirely excluded. It is claimed that crops grown on compost are healthier and of better feeding value than those grown with chemicals and, further, the continued use of inorganic salts damages the soil population. The full thesis of the compost school has never been accepted by soil scientists ; but the case has been put forward with such energy and conviction that there have been many converts, while others are left wondering if there may not be another side to the story. It is here that Mr. ‘Hopkins book fills a real need. Its purpose is to set out for non-specialist readers the evidence for and against fertilizers as fairly as possible. The author is a chemist engaged in the manufacture of fertilizers, so complete detachment can scarcely be expected; nevertheless his case is presented with a skill and moderation not always found in the rival school.
Chemicals, Humus and the Soil
A Simple Presentation of Contemporary Knowledge and Opinions about Fertilizers, Manures and Soil Fertility. By Donald P. Hopkins. Pp. 278 + 5 plates. (London : Faber and Faber, Ltd., 1945.) 12s. 6d. net.
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Chemicals, Humus and the Soil. Nature 161, 39 (1948). https://doi.org/10.1038/161039a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/161039a0