Experimental Techniques for Coordinated Field Fertility Experiments Using Isotopically Labelled Fertilizers. Report of a Panel on the Use of Isotopes and Radiation in Plant Nutrient Supply and Movement in Soil Systems

The Joint FAO/lAEA Division of Atomic Energy in Food, and Agriculture sponsors research contract programmes primarily emphasizing practical field experimentation to study fertilizer and water use efficiency. This research is designed to provide the information required to make the ^best possible use of the limited amounts of fertilizers and water available for crop production in the developing countries. The Joint Division has also recognized that any long term programme of soil fertility and moisture research must consider the more basic aspects of soil-plant relationships, and, therefore, sponsors a Coordinated Programme on Plant Nutrient Supply and Movement in Soil Systems. In previous meetings this group has emphasized the necessity of bridging the gap between the new information on the processes which determine nutrient uptake by plants and the research programmes on efficient use of fertilizers.This Panel meeting of scientists cooperating in the Programme on Plant Nutrient Supply and Movement together with other invited scientists representing different fields of interest in field crop experimentation was held in Vienna from 27 November to 1 December 1967. The panel presented papers, discussed field, greenhouse and laboratory procedures for use in field experimentation, using isotopes and radiation techniques, and made recommendations concerning the best procedures to be used in the coordinated programme on wheat fertilization which is being initiated by the Joint FAO/IAEA Division. All of the papers are published in this report.