New horizons in soil fertility management

Abstract

As the 21st century dawns, we can reflect on the progress made during the 20th century in the fields broadly covered by soil fertility and its management and see that progress has been truly amazing. When we consider the many aspects of soil fertility measurement, the management practices, the changes in productivity, the awareness of the off-site effects of management practices, and the speed with which changes can be implemented, we can but wonder what advances the next 100 years will bring.

We can cast our minds back to where the science of soil fertility and its management was at the turn of the 20th century, track the progress since then, and finally discuss where the major advances in the next 10 years are likely to occur.