History of the discovery of the theory of carbon nutrition of agricultural crops

Carbon nutrition is the foundation of yield formation. Almost the entire dry mass of agricultural crops is built from carbon, which plants absorb from the air during the process of photosynthesis. Understanding this process helps the agronomist correctly calculate crop density and light exposure in greenhouses or in the field to achieve maximum productivity.

Stages in the Discovery of Plant Aerial Nutrition

The first experiments to study photosynthesis began in the 18th century. An English chemist (1733–1804) proved that plants are capable of changing the chemical composition of the air. In his experiment, a mouse under a glass bell jar would quickly perish, but would remain alive if a green mint branch was present.

A Dutch naturalist (1730–1799) clarified the conditions of this process. He proved that the purification of air occurs only in the light and exclusively due to the green parts of plants. In the dark, plants continue to respire, absorbing oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide. The researcher presented his findings in the book "Experiments upon Vegetables" (1779).

A Swiss researcher (1742–1809) moved the study of leaf gas exchange to a quantitative level. He established that leaves require carbon dioxide to release oxygen, and that the source of carbon nutrition lies precisely in this process. The scientist proved the role of chlorophyll ("green parenchyma") in the assimilation of carbonic acid and determined the dual role of light: the evaporation of moisture for the flow of sap from the roots and the decomposition of carbon dioxide.

• Air restoration time by mint — 9 days
• Publication of the book "Experiments upon Vegetables" — 1779
• Introduction of the term "plant physiology" — 1791