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Influence of Soil Fertility upon the Quality of Tomatoes
Author(s) -
Hester Jackson B.
Publication year - 1942
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1942.036159950006000c0044x
Subject(s) - citation , quality (philosophy) , soil fertility , fertility , agriculture , library science , computer science , sociology , history , environmental science , archaeology , philosophy , soil science , demography , soil water , epistemology , population
JACKSON B. HESTER SOIL fertility is that general term used in agriculture to imply a soil of a certain crop-producing power. A soil may be in a high, medium, or low state of fertility. There are many factors ( 2 ) B that influence the state of fertility, any one of which may be the limiting factor in crop-producing power. However, the object of this paper is not to discuss the crop-producing power of the soil so much as to outline the influence of soil fertility upon the quality of a crop like tomatoes. Too much emphasis has been placed upon yield per acre without due consideration of the quality of the product for consumption by man or other animals. Undoubtedly, this side of the subject will receive more attention as man learns more about his own food requirements. It is generally recognized that the best quality fruit comes from thrifty vines, but just how the various fertility factors influence the quality, in too many cases, is vague. It must be recognized that certain factors in quality fruit can not always be measured by chemical analyses and such factors as texture, color, taste, etc., are a matter of personal judgment. However, during the past 4 years, certain factors regarding fertility in tomato production have been investigated and the findings from these studies are given. Information regarding methods of sampling and preparing the fruit for analysis has been given elsewhere (4) and will not be repeated. It was shown in a former study that the soil type influenced the quality of tomatoes more than the application of certain plant nutrients. It was recognized at that time that the fertility of the soils was undoubtedly a potent factor in quality. It is not reasonable, however, to believe that each soil type was laid down with just the right amount of each element for maximum quality and quantity production.