Fertilizer Use for Horticultural Crops in the U.S. during the 20th Century

Abstract

Tremendous changes have occurred during the past century in the sources and methods for supplying nutrients for horticultural crops. Reliance on animal manure, cover crops, and animal tankage was insufficient to meet the crop nutrient demand for a rapidly expanding population. The Haber-Bosch process for ammonia synthesis (1910s) revolutionized the availability and affordability of nitrogen (N) fertilizer. Discovery of large-scale deposits of rock phosphate in South Carolina (1860s) and Florida (1880s) alleviated widespread nutrient deficiencies. Acidification of rock phosphate and bone material significantly improved phosphorus (P) availability for plants. Discovery of potassium (K)-bearing minerals in New Mexico (1920s) and later in Canada (1960s) now provide a long-term nutrient source. Modern fertilizer technology allows nutrients to be applied in the correct ratio and amount to meet crop needs. Advances in understanding plant nutrition, coupled with slow-release fertilizers, foliar fertilization, soluble nutrients, and the development of soil and tissue testing have all improved the yield and quality of horticultural crops. Future developments will likely focus on fertilization in an increasingly competitive global economy, while requiring sophisticated management to minimize environmental impacts.