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Show Minor Elements Play Major Production Role SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH Minor becomes major when scientists discuss latest findings find-ings in the vital roles minor elements ' play in soil fertility fertili-ty and crop production. "New evidence that these plant nutrients are as Important Import-ant to plants as vitamins are to human development makes the term minor a misnomer," sv Dr. Rov C. LiDns, chief western agronomist for U. S. Steel. We don't think of them a? minor anymore," he stresses, "because our newest studies o! western soils prove that small amounts of these plant foods make major differences in prjitabe crop production." Careful soil research points out that while such elements as zinc, copper, Iron molybdenum, molyb-denum, and manganese are used by plants in small amounts, an absence of these mieronutrients can have a devastating de-vastating effect on plant growtn. According to Dr. Lipps, these new studies underscore again and again the importance of well-planned soil testing pro grams. While general fertilizer fertiliz-er recommendations are help, tul, only through a scientific test can an individual farmer know exactly what his farm soil contains, Its strengths, its deficiencies and specific needs, he reports. Once tested, the soil can be j fertilized "b y prescription" which successful farmers say takes the guesswork out of farming and greatly increases their profit potential. This way particular needs can be met on a crop by rrop, field ' by field basis. |