Much has been learned about the proper and judicious use of fertilizers.
Fertilizer application by farmers has grown from an art to a science. As
food producers have strived to increase crop yields by overcoming
nutrient deficiencies the use of fertil- izers has increased
dramatically. This has created a large chemical industry capable of
supplying the needed plant food elements. A more complete understanding
of soil chemistry and plant nutrition has led to greater fertilizer use
with improved fertilization methods and crop cultural practices.
Improved fertilizer technology has led to the production of more
efficient forms of fertilizer. The modem fertilizer industry and with it
fertilization practices began in the humid countries of the world. The
use of fertilizers in arid and semiarid regions was later in
development, although agriculture had its beginning in semiarid and arid
regions. The development offertilizer use is parallel to industrial
development in various areas of the world.