Amir,J.,Mufradi, I.,Kleitman,s.,Asido,S.

 

After ten years of intensive research, a new biological method for evaluating soil nitrogen availability to plants was developed. The plant indicator.

approach developed in this method is applicable to other nutrients as well. After calibration and verification under field conditions, the ‘Gilat Method’

was introduced on a commercial scale in 1979. In the last 10 years of

commercial use, the new test for nitrogen availability in the soil has saved

growers approximately $10 million. Even more important, the method

contributed towards a better survival strategy for drought years, which occur in

the Negev-Beer-Sheva area in 4 out of 10 years.

Amir, J. and Ephrat, J. (1971). A biological method for evaluating soil

Nitrogen availability and forecasting nitrogen fertilizer needs of wheat.

Agronomy J. 63:385-388

Amir, L Ephrat, J. and Kafkafi, U. (1972). The evaluation of soil nitrogen

availability in the soil. Gan Sade V’Meshek No. 12: 260-623 (in

Hebrew).

Amir, J., Ephrat, J. and Kafkafi, U. (1973). The nitrogen evaluation in the

soil. Gan SadeV’Meshek No. 9: 356-359 (in Hebrew)

Amir, L Ephrat, J. and Kafkafi, U. (1972). The evaluation of soil nitrogen

availability in the soil. Gan Sade V’Meshek No. 12: 260-623 (in

Hebrew).

Amir, J. (1974). A biological method for evaluating soil nitrogen

availability. Proc.5th Israe lEcological Conf.H: 16-24.

Amir, J. (1975). Development of a biological method for evaluating soil

. available nitrogen. Plant Nutrition Symposium, Bet Dagan (in

Hebrew).

Vanunu.,E., Sadan, 8., Finkel, Y. and Amir, J. (1977). Evaluation of Gilat

method for evaluating nitrogen fertilizer needs for wheat in the

Negev. Gan Sade V’Meshek 926-629 (in Hebrew).

Amir, J., Mufradi, 1., Klitman, S. and Asido, S. (1993). Long-term

Comparitive study of soil nitrate test, Gilat plant indicator method and

wheat nitrogen uptake. Plant andSoil158: 223-231.