Written specifically for western agriculture, this straightforward handbook gives growers an excellent foundation for developing an understanding of agronomic principles and practices to produce healthy crops and meet 21st-century production demands. The text presents fertilization, nutrient management, and related topics based on the fundamentals of biological and physical sciences. It explains the interrelation of soil type, moisture, and the macro- and micronutrients to grow plants successfully. In the ninth edition, the highly credentialed editors place more emphasis on the relationships of fertilizer application and crop management to environmental quality and long-term productivity. Outstanding features: Clearly rendered diagrams and drawings enhance text descriptions; the generous use of tables and charts distill data for easy access and understanding; a 12-page, 4-color section of photos shows various plants with nutrient deficiencies; supplementary reading lists provide a readymade path for readers who want to delve into topics of their own choosing; appendices contain a model law relating to fertilizer materials, useful tables and conversions, and a listing of professional organizations