Matching soil nutrient supply and crop demand during the growing season

This chapter discusses the principles of nutrient supply and crop demand dynamics as affected by the differing mobility of nutrients in the soil and in the plant. Practical examples of how demand and supply interact to affect crop responses to nutrient additions in the field are discussed. The effect of seasonal interactions on the need for different timing and placement of the various nutrients makes each situation unique. Modelling at a process level is suggested as a means of addressing seasonal and site variation and developing sound fertilizer recommendation systems.