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Advatages of the Use of the Law of Diminishing Returns in the Layout of Fertilizer Test Plots¹

Agricultural Adviser, Tennessee Valley Authority, Knoxville, Tennessee

ABSTRACT

1. A layout of plot treatments is proposed, made up of one, two, three, and even four, elements in basic amounts and scientific proportions, in five or more graded rates of application, using the principles of diminishing returns, ratio triangle, and the dominant composition of crops and soils.

2. Advantages over the prevailing diverse layouts, cited, to which others may be added are:

a. Reduction in need for check plots and replicas.

b. The same layout may be used for all soils and crops.

c. Perhaps the total number of plots required may be reduced.

d. A wider range of comparisons is possible.

e. The efficiency of different carriers of the elements may be more effectively measured.

f. A gage is provided of the supply of the several fertility elements in the soil.

g. More light may be thrown on the comparative needs and efficiency of different crops and cropping systems.

h. The comparative response of different crops to the several fertilizer elements can be more effectively measured.

i. Plot data lend themselves to better graphic presentation.

j. Plot data lend themselves to more effective analysis.

k. Better insight may be gained in scientific facts of soil fertility.

l. The resulting data will have much larger practical value to the farmer and will enable him to determine the most profitable amount of the best fertilizer treatment to use at any level of costs and price of crop.

¹ Program of American Society of Agronomy, Washington, D. C., November 18, 1936.