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The book covers the various diagnostic techniques that can be used to provide intelligent use of the different inputs in six selections. Section I which consists of three chapters covers those techniques that can impact on the intelligent use of soil. Chapter 1 in this section outlines soil testing in general with details for soil sampling. Chapter 2 details the physical characteristics that are important in crop production and outlines the tests to measure them while Chapter 3 features the chemical aspects. Section II outlines tests of plant materials useful for improving crop production. Chapter 4 in this section deals with the testing of seeds for vigor and purity; Chapter 5 with leaf or tissue analyses to determine plant nutrient needs; and Chapter 6 with the maturity of commodities so that they will be harvested at a time that maximizes yield and quality. Section III deals with the application of water for crops emphasizing those tests that determine the need for water and the suitability of water for irrigation. Section IV summarizes diagnostic techniques that maximize pest control by counting and identifying pests proper application of pesticides and calibration of application equipment. Section V outlines the methods of evaluating climate that will provide suitable conditions of light temperature air humidity carbon dioxide and freedom from air pollutants for growing storing and transporting plants and plant-commodities. About the Author Benjamin Wolf PhD has over 55 years of research and consulting experience in soil plant and water analysis and crop production. Throughout his career Dr. Wolf has made innovative analyses and discoveries. He developed practical methods of soil and plant analysis showed that rapid soil tests can be used to evaluate fertilizer and lime requirements used plant analyses to diagnose nutritional problems as early as 1945 used the nitrogen test as a basis for applying nitrogen fertilizers as early as the mid-1940s introduced micronutrients into fertilizer programs in several states and foreign countries introduced foliar feeding for cooperative growers as early as 1949 introduced the practice of fertigation to cooperative growers in 1952 and was largely responsible for the development of the cut flower business in Columbia. Most of Dr. Wolfs present consulting work is done in Guatemala Honduras Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic. His research and activities have greatly increased crop yields and quality while lifting general farming in many areas to much higher productive levels. He has published two books and over 40 articles in trade magazines and scientific journals.