Manures and the principles of manuring

The work combines a historical survey and a practical, chemical account of soil fertility and manuring. It traces theories and experiments about plant nutrition, describing how plants obtain carbon, water, mineral nutrients and nitrogen, and discusses ash constituents, nitrification, and soil retention. It examines physical properties of soils, water and heat relations, and methods to increase absorptive power. Different manures—farmyard, artificial, and chemical fertilisers—are analysed for composition and action, and experimental methods such as water-culture and field trials are explained. Technical appendices and tables present experimental data and practical guidance for managing soil fertility.