Welcome to the subject of AgriNutrition [Agricultural Nutrition], which is the first in a series of relating books* which covers the integrated topics of soil, plant and animal nutrition. This shortened document is also part of the reference text of a short course on AgriNutrition.

As with the study of any subject it is essential to be introduced to, and be familiar with, the key foundational principles and some of the assumptions that are often made but not documented. AgriNutrition is no exception as it is a complex and dynamic subject. The following introductory material should be taken seriously, as it will form the foundation on what the rest of the course will be built on.

The five general principles to nutrition can be directly applied to soil, plant, animal nutrition. They are a starting point with general guidelines that you may choose to use to assist your decision-making processes when considering any subject related to coordinated soil, plant and animal nutrition.

From the outset of this course we will be talking about giving nutrition to a living cell. A single cell or a group of cells form living organisms that range from a soil microbe with a life span of less than twenty minutes; to an earthworm that lives about a year, to a cow that can live up to twenty years and to farmers who work till they drop.

The topic of Agricultural Nutrition [AgriNutrition] involves supplying the required balance of chemical compounds to these [food] cells that form soil microbes, earthworms, plants roots, crops, trees, pasture, sheep and cattle via the soil.

Nature has developed many blueprints or models of balance and William Albrecht together with Brookside Laboratories Inc have identified what the different appropriate agricultural soil chemistry balances should be. This concept has been taken up by other laboratories and is now internationally recognised. Neil Kinsey [1995], a former Brookside consultant has also verified this and takes this concept further by relating it to the chemical balance in our blood, which keeps our bodies functioning and the humus in the soil which is the key to sustainable agricultural production and profitability.

This book [and course] introduces the basic principles of AgriNutrition and helps to explain the necessary balance for soil and plant relationships and how to slowly achieve what nature intended. Ultimately, this introductory book aims to assist you to increase your ability to have profitable soils, plants and animals so that healthy food and fibre can be supplied to your Nation and beyond.

* Books in the series include: