Atoms in Agriculture

The Understanding the Atom Series

Nuclear energy is playing a vital role in the life of everyman, woman, and child in the United States today. In theyears ahead it will affect increasingly all the peoples of theearth. It is essential that all Americans gain an understandingof this vital force if they are to discharge thoughtfully theirresponsibilities as citizens and if they are to realize fully themyriad benefits that nuclear energy offers them.

The United States Atomic Energy Commission providesthis booklet to help you achieve such understanding.

Edward J. Brunenkant, DirectorDivision of Technical Information

UNITED STATES ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION

Dr. Glenn T. Seaborg, Chairman

James T. Ramey

Wilfrid E. Johnson

Dr. Theos J. Thompson

Dr. Clarence E. Larson

Atoms in Agriculture

by Thomas S. Osborne

CONTENTS

RESEARCH IN THE UNITED STATES 1

HOW ARE RADIOISOTOPES USED IN RESEARCH? 2

They May be Used as “Tracers” 2

How Effective Are Radioactive Tracers? 3

PLANT NUTRITION AND METABOLISM 4

What Happens to Fertilizer in the Soil? 4

Do Plants Absorb Through Roots Only? 4

Where Should Fertilizer be Placed? 5

Do Fertilizers Move Fast in Plants? 5

What Else Do Radioisotopes Tell Us? 5

PLANT DISEASES AND WEEDS 8

How Can We Combat Plant Diseases? 8

Why Do Chemicals Destroy Some Plants? 10

ANIMAL NUTRITION AND METABOLISM 11

How Nutritious Are Various Feedstuffs? 11

Can Lean Meat be Estimated “on the Hoof”? 12

Does Thyroid Affect Milk—Egg Production? 13

More Tracers in Animal Nutrition Research 13

INSECTS 15

Where and How Fast Do Insects Travel? 15

How Far Do Insects Carry Pollen? 15

Are Predators Used to Destroy Insects? 16

Can Tracers Measure Spray Residues? 17

RADIOISOTOPES AS RADIATION SOURCES 17

Can Radiation Produce New Plants? 18

Can Radiation Destroy Germs and Insects? 19

How Does Radiation Affect Farm Animals? 22

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