Agricultural, horticultural, forestry and fodder production etc. for the burgeoning population are ever increasing enterprises that impose heavy tasks on the management of natural resources. Short term profitability at the cost of sustainability disharmonises the natural forces and processes resulting in peril of the inhabitants of the earth. To this end an understanding with conviction of the principles of soil, plant and water analysis as applied to horticulture will enhance the realization of management goals in harmony with nature. Intended primarily to be a text book, it will help educate learners to follow those principles. Students, planners, faculties and anyone interested in achieving those goals will find it necessarily useful.

This book consists of two parts -soil fertility and nutrient management as applied to agriculture and horticulture. The first part consists of the plant nutrients- principles of their role in nutrition of horticultural crops and behavior in soil with reference to their availability. Problems of soil solution-reaction and salt content- are discussed. All the soil properties excluding two products of weathering-soil texture and depth- are subject to manipulation. These can be scientifically managed for profitable crop production avoiding pollution. The second part elucidates their management with the principles developed in the previous part profitably to sustain agricultural and horticultural production without harming the environment. The principles spread over 20 chapters are clearly elucidated in lucid manner with pictures, figures and tables for easy and comprehensive understanding. Further readings are suggested at the end of the book.