Uniquely covering both crops and soils, this handbook provides those in the field with a practical management resource. Written in the author's accessible style, this work describes the genetic history, yield characteristics, cultural requirements, and nutritional requirements of the major agronomic crops, the physical and chemical properties of major soil types, and the formulation and application of fertilizers. It also provides definitions, a glossary of botanical terms, nutrient element requirement levels for major agronomic crops, diagnostic procedures for assessing soil fertility and the nutrient element status of plants, along with pages and pages of essential reference material.