Nutrient balances and field experimental studies

The Author tries to find an answer to the question: how fertilization practice of our days meets the former fertilizing philosophy? When analysing the NPK balances of Hungarian agriculture, it can be seen that the surplus appearing in the nutrient galance-sheet is a consequence of intensive fertilization in the past. The Author discusses some important factors related to liming and fertilization on poor acid soils, K- and P-responses of some crops and soil fertility and future tasks with regard to mineral fertilization. In conclusion the Author presents an opinion that the need for mineral fertilizer in Hungarian agriculture could be minimized, having the same or even higher yield levels in the near future and applying about 20-30 % less NPK fertilizers based on a more sound recommendation.