This textbook aims to describe the role of minerals in plant life cycle; how these nutrients are absorbed, distributed, stored; what functions each mineral plays and the disorders that their excess or absence may cause. From an agronomic perspective, such knowledge is key to boost crop production and improve its quality, and it also helps understand how to better manage fertilizers and prevent environmental issues. The book has focus on tropical agriculture and its specific demands, providing examples of major crops (such as sugarcane, soybeans, coffee etc), silviculture and pasture species.

The history and principles of plant nutrition; Experimental methods for the investigation of plant nutrient requirements; Mineral absorption; Soil problems and diagnostic aspects of mineral nutrition; Effects of mineral nutrients on growth and composition; Inorganic nitrogen metabolism; The functions and metabolism of the elements.

An understanding of the mineral nutrition of plants is of fundamental importance in both basic and applied plant sciences. The Second Edition of this book retains the aim of the first in presenting the principles of mineral nutrition in the light of current advances. This volume retains the structure of the first edition, being divided into two parts: Nutritional Physiology and Soil-Plant Relationships. In Part I, more emphasis has been placed on root-shoot interactions, stress physiology, water relations, and functions of micronutrients. In view of the worldwide increasing interest in plant-soil interactions, Part II has been considerably altered and extended, particularly on the effects of external and interal factors on root growth and chapter 15 on the root-soil interface. The second edition will be invaluable to both advanced students and researchers. Key Features* Second Edition of this established text* Structure of the book remains the same* 50% of the reference and 50% of the figures and tables have been replaced* Whole of the text has been revised* Coverage of plant (soil interactions has been increased considerably)

This book deals an essential aspect of crop management in identification of deficiencies of plant nutrients and their diagnostic methods. The book provides soil and tissue analysis standards critical in plant nutrition.

Mineral nutrition of plants. Physico-chemical and biological factors affecting nutrient availability in soils. Mechanism of entry and translocation of mineral nutrients in plants. Some field problems in plant nutrition. Role of minerals in plant nutrition. Modifying influences of various environmental factors upon mineral nutrition.

Nearly all the chemical elements that make up living things are mineral elements, the ultimate source of which is rock weathered into soil. In this thoroughly revised 2nd edition, Epstein and Bloom explain that plant roots 'mine' these nutrients elementsfrom their inorganic substrate and introduce them into the realm of living things.

The elements of plant nutrition. Transport. Aspects of energetics and the metabolism of individual elements. Heredity and environment in plant nutrition.