Env Exp Biol (2011) 9: 1–8

Optimization of plant mineral nutrition revisited: the roles of plant requirements, nutrient interactions, and soil properties in fertilization management

Abstract

The aim of the present review is to provide a summary of the research on plant mineral nutrition diagnostics and optimization carried out during 1950 – 1990 in the Laboratory of Plant Mineral Nutrition, Institute of Biology, University of Latvia, under the supervision of professor G. Rinkis. The results of this large-scale and long-term investigation have been published as numerous monographs, dissertation theses and scientific papers. Based on the obtained results, a complex method for optimization of plant mineral nutrition was developed. The main achievements and principles of these studies are widely used today in different research directions of plant mineral nutrition in Latvia: plant adaptive responses to different environmental stresses (heavy metal pollution, salinity, and nutrient imbalances), growth optimization of new crop cultures etc. Only a limited part of this broad scientifically and practically valuable work is included in the present review.