Mikhail Vasilyevich Lomonosov's contribution to the development of national agronomy and soil science

Any work in the field — from fertilizer application to tillage — relies on the fundamental laws of chemistry and physics. The foundations of this knowledge in our country were laid in the XVIII century, when Russia was going through a period of large-scale economic reforms. The development of industry, the construction of canals, and the development of mines required a new scientific base. In 1725, the Academy of Sciences opened in Saint Petersburg, becoming the main center for the development of domestic natural science.

Mikhail Vasilyevich Lomonosov combined research in geology, mineralogy, geography, and agronomy in his works. He described the structure of the Earth in detail and scientifically explained the origin of peat, coal, oil, and oil shale. Understanding the nature of these materials subsequently helped scientists to understand the processes of humus accumulation and soil formation.

The laws of physics and chemistry at the heart of agronomic science

The law of conservation of matter and motion, formulated by the Russian scientist, lies at the basis of plant nutrition and soil chemistry. In 1756, experiments on metal calcination in a closed vessel proved that their mass increases due to combination with air. This conclusion allowed for the correct interpretation of the mechanisms of aerial plant nutrition and gas exchange in the root zone in the future.

The researcher laid the foundations of physical chemistry, clearly distinguishing between the concepts of "corpuscle" (molecule) and "element" (atom). In the work "Essay on the Theory of the Elasticity of Air" (1748), he proved that thermal phenomena depend on the movement of matter particles, refuting the caloric theory. For practical agriculture, this discovery is important, as modern models of moisture evaporation and soil profile warming are built precisely on the laws of thermodynamics.

In addition to chemistry and soil science, the scientist enriched related disciplines with a number of discoveries:

• developed an original theory of atmospheric electricity and proposed the design of a lightning rod;
• established the presence of an atmosphere on Venus in 1761;
• initiated Russian scientific and technical terminology;
• excluded hypothetical phlogiston from the list of chemical elements;
• wrote and published a practical guide on metallurgy.

• M. V. Lomonosov's lifespan — 1711–1765.
• Opening of the Academy of Sciences in Saint Petersburg — 1725.
• Publication of the work on the elasticity of air — 1748.
• Experiments on metal calcination — 1756.
• Discovery of the atmosphere of Venus — 1761.

The success of modern crop production depends on the understanding of plant nutrition and soil formation processes. The foundations of this knowledge in domestic science were laid back in the XVIII century, when naturalists began to view nature as an evolving system. At that time, the first botanical terms in Russian appeared, research on flora using a microscope began, and the study of the chemical composition of medicinal and dye crops commenced. In 1751, in the work "Discourse on the Benefit of Chemistry," a key thought for agricultural chemistry was expressed: it is chemical knowledge that will help increase soil fertility and "cover the earth with wheat instead of thorns."

Management of soil organic matter is the basis for preserving moisture and nutrients in the field. In 1763, in the book "On the Earth's Strata," the correct explanation for the origin of chernozem was given for the first time. Humus was defined not as primordial matter, but as the result of the gradual decomposition of plant and animal residues. This natural process of humus accumulation is completely analogous to what happens in a field during the decomposition of manure and the formation of cultivated arable lands.

In parallel, the theory of foliar plant nutrition was emerging, which is now actively used when applying liquid fertilizers to leaves. In 1753, in the treatise "Discourse on Aerial Phenomena Originating from Electrical Force," it was described how large trees successfully develop on barren sands, absorbing nourishing moisture from the air with the help of leaves. Later, in 1763, in the work "On the Earth's Strata," this mechanism was described in detail using the example of a pine tree: its numerous needles absorb atmospheric moisture and nutrients through small pores, distributing them throughout the entire plant. These ideas anticipated the discovery of photosynthesis and laid the base for the use of foliar top dressing.

• Translation of "Livonian Economy" — 1747.
• Justification of aerial plant nutrition — 1753.
• Foundation of Moscow University — 1755.
• Explanation of the origin of humus — 1763.
• Creation of the "Agriculture Class" — 1765.

Organization of experimental work and development of agronomy

The implementation of advanced technologies required a systematic exchange of experience and staff training. In 1747, the practical guide "Livonian Economy" was translated into Russian, covering key sectors:

• agriculture;
• livestock animal farming;
• poultry farming;
• beekeeping.

At the same time, a project emerged to establish a special department — the "College of Rural Household Management." For practical testing, it was planned to organize experimental plots with various types of soil and relief. In addition to work on the plots, the department was to oversee related infrastructural areas:

• forestry;
• roads;
• canals;
• development of rural crafts.

New scientific institutions became the main base for training specialists and conducting agronomic research. In 1755, Moscow University opened, becoming a center for fundamental science. In 1765, an "Agriculture Class" was organized at the Academy of Sciences and the Free Economic Society was established, which ensured the connection between theory and practice.