C. M. Geraldson

Keywords: conventional - mass flow - gradient- diffusion

Abstract:  In times past, the soil was considered adequate as a buffer against inefficiency. However, with the transaction of extensive to intensive production systems, the buffer capacity of many soils becomes the factor that limits production. Buffer capacity varies with soil type and decreas4s as the quantity of soil decreases. Conventionally, nutrients in the soil move by mass flow with the water, a hit or miss procedure, which can weaken or destroy nutritional stability. With the gradient concept, soluble nutrients bonded on the surface (primarily N-K) move by diffusion (in, but not with, the water) and equilibrate with less soluble nutrients on the soil to maintain the stability of the gradient. With the separation of nutrients and water, input can be synchronized with rate of removal by the root. In essence, the plant controls its own nutritional needs. The unlimited buffer potential of the gradient concept should replace, not supplement the limited buffer potential of the soil.

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