New China's Active Developments in Soil Sciences - Communist China -.

摘要

Soil science has very broad applications. Not only does it supply source material for the development of agriculture and the reclamation of arid land but also its research is expected to aid in the expansion of forestry and livestock industries and the complex task of reconstructing nature. Since time immemorial, research on soil has been recorded in Chinese history, and the vast farm population acquired rich production experience. However, because of prolonged feudalistic rule and due to the reactionary regime's disregard for soil conservation, soil science, although traditionally developed in China was discontinued. Prior to the liberation, limited research on soil conditions was undertaken but it was superficial. It was neither planned for all-out development nor pertinent to broad serious research. Divorced as it was from factual situations, it contributed little to the solution of related production problems. The small appropriation set aside for research could not be depended upon; equipment was obsolete and elementary; personnel was limited and incompetent for serious work; and there was neither an independent institute for soil research nor any vital department of soil science in the higher schools. During the reactionary regime, soil science played an ornamental role and as such was of little consequence.