Manures and the principles of manuring

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27274

Title

Manures and the principles of manuring

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This foundational text by C. M. Aikman explores the science of soil fertility and artificial manuring, bridging historical agricultural theories with the cutting-edge research of the Rothamsted Experiment Station. Written for practical farmers and students, it demystifies plant nutrition, detailing how plants absorb carbon, nitrogen, and mineral nutrients from air, water, and soil. Aikman argues that modern husbandry relies entirely on artificial manures, offering a concise, popular guide to the chemical and biological principles that revolutionized agriculture in the late...

Summary up to 500 words

In 'Manures and the Principles of Manuring,' C. M. Aikman presents a comprehensive examination of soil fertility and plant nutrition, bridging the gap between complex scientific research and practical agricultural application. The work is dedicated to Sir John Bennet Lawes and Sir J. Henry Gilbert, whose decades of experiments at Rothamsted established the mineral theory of plant nutrition, effectively refuting the outdated 'humus' theory. Aikman traces the evolution of agricultural chemistry from early speculations by figures like Van Helmont and Jethro Tull to the definitive discoveries of Liebig, Saussure, and German researchers. He elucidates that plants derive carbon from atmospheric carbonic acid, hydrogen and oxygen from water, and nitrogen along with mineral ash constituents from the soil. The text details the biological processes of nitrification and denitrification, explaining the roles of soil bacteria and the specific conditions required for these transformations. A significant portion addresses the 'nitrogen question,' analyzing sources of nitrogen loss through drainage and crop removal versus gains from leguminous crops and atmospheric fixation. Aikman emphasizes the economic imperative of managing these nutrients, noting that without artificial manures, modern arable farming would be impossible. The book summarizes Rothamsted's findings on various manures, including guano, bones, and superphosphate. It concludes that while the science is advanced, practical application requires careful consideration of soil physical properties, chemical composition, and biological activity to maximize crop yields and economic return. The work stands as a vital resource for students and practitioners, highlighting how the introduction of artificial manuring revolutionized modern husbandry.

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4.2/5

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2026-07-01 16:48 UTC

Categories

• Science
• Agriculture