1840, Justus von Liebig published a famous paper entitled "Application of Chemistry in Agriculture and Physiology" at the British Society of Organic Chemistry held in London, and put forward the theory of plant mineral nutrition, which denied the popular theory of humus nutrition at that time.
Justus von Liebig believes that minerals are the basic components of plants. Minerals entering plants provide necessary nutrients for plant growth and yield formation, while humus appears on the earth after plants appear, not before them. Therefore, the original nutrients of plants can only be minerals.
Mineral nutrition theory points out that inorganic substances are the most primitive and basic nutrients needed for plant growth and development. Plants absorb minerals in the soil through their roots, which are transformed into their own components through a series of biochemical reactions, and at the same time release the energy needed for growth.
Mineral nutrition theory also points out that different plants have different needs for nutrition, and the types and quantities of minerals needed are also different. Therefore, in order to meet the growth needs of plants, it is necessary to rationally allocate nutrition according to the types and growth stages of plants.
Mineral nutrition theory has laid a foundation for the development of modern plant nutrition, and has important guiding significance for agricultural production, horticulture, forestry and other fields.
Practical application of mineral nutrition theory;
1, mineral nutrition theory provides a scientific basis for rational fertilization. According to the demand of plants for mineral nutrition, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other fertilizers are reasonably allocated to meet the growth needs of plants. At the same time, according to the nutritional needs of different plants, scientific fertilization can be carried out to improve the yield and quality of plants.
2. Mineral nutrition theory also has important application in soil improvement and management. By increasing the mineral content in soil, the structure and fertility of soil can be improved, the water retention capacity and aeration of soil can be improved, and the growth and development of plants can be promoted. At the same time, for some saline-alkali land and desertification areas, the application of mineral nutrients can also improve soil quality and land productivity.
3. Mineral nutrition theory is also widely used in horticulture and forestry. For example, in flower cultivation, appropriate mineral nutrients can be added to promote the growth and flowering of flowers; In afforestation, mineral nutrition can also be applied to improve the growth rate and stress resistance of trees.
4. The practical application of mineral nutrition theory provides important scientific basis and technical support for agricultural production, horticulture, forestry and other fields, promotes the growth and development of plants, and improves the productivity and economic benefits of land. At the same time, it has also made important contributions to the sustainable development of human society.