Konstantin Gedroits (1872-1932) - Russian and Soviet soil scientist and agricultural chemist. The scientist was born on March 25, 1872 in Bendery.
An active member of the USSR Academy of Sciences, the President of the International Association of Soil Scientists highlighted the soil origin issues in a new way. Konstantin Gedroits holds its new classification and theories on improving land efficiency and increasing cultivated areas.
In total, during the period of scientific activity, the scientist has published more than 80 monographs, many of them translated into foreign languages. The soil scientist and agricultural chemist`s researches allowed to understand soil processes better. On the birthday of Konstantin Gedroits we talk about the achievements of the scientist who made a great contribution to the development of soil science and agricultural chemistry.
Soil Science
Konstantin Gedroits devoted a large number of studies to soil science. The scientist discovered the "soil absorption complex" (SAC) - a collection of particles that have the ability to exchange ions (anions and cations).
Konstantin Gedroits found out that all the fertile properties of the soil are associated with the value of SAC, the nature and composition of the absorbed cations. The soil scientist was able to establish that these cations have a direct effect on the growth and development of cultivated plants.
Soil Scientist and Agricultural Chemist`s Handwritten Diagrams
Gedroits developed the principles of a new classification of soils based on the composition of their exchange cations. The scientist identified four main soil types: lateritic, podzolic, chernozemic and solonetzic. Based on the doctrine of the SAC, the soil scientist explained the nature of the solonetzicity of soils by the sodium ions in it. Konstantin Gedroits created a significant number of methods for chemical analysis of soils.
In addition, the scientist proposed the division of all soils into saturated and unsaturated bases. Soils saturated with bases do not contain hydrogen and aluminum ions in the absorbed state (ordinary and southern chernozems, and some others). Soils unsaturated with bases, in addition to calcium and magnesium, contain a significant amount of hydrogen and aluminum ions. Such soils primarily include red soils, podzolic and some others.
Agricultural Chemistry
Discoveries in soil science allowed Konstantin Gedroits to succeed in agricultural chemistry. In this direction, the scientist worked to increase the efficiency and productivity of soils that are introduced into farming business. The soil scientist was convinced that that could be achieved with the help of natural fertilizers and special chemicals.
In addition, the scientist pursued the idea of increasing the number of cultivated areas. Konstantin Gedroits said that there were many lands that have been subject to desertification. This is the land withdrawn from their farming business due to poor productivity. According to the agricultural chemist, this problem can be solved by changing the structure of the soil using special additives and land reclamation.
Vegetation Laboratory at the Forest Institute (St. Petersburg), which Konstantin Gedroits Worked in
Gedroits teacher
Konstantin Gedroits had succeeded not only in science, but also in teaching. One of the students of the agricultural chemist, Alexey Rode`s memories are stored in the Bendery Museum of History and Local Lore. He notes that Konstantin Gedroits worked almost seven days a week without any holidays.
“At first, Konstantin Kaetanovich`s students did not particularly accept him as a teacher: he spoke slowly, quietly, without much enthusiasm. But when they listened to his words, they realized how interesting was everything that he had been talking about. He laid all his knowledge out on the black board, drew diagrams, wrote formulas. He had everything alive, reproduced everything. This enthralled the students so much that soon the audience of Gedroits was filled not only with students, but also with graduates,” Alexey Rode recalls.
During practical exercises, the agricultural chemist forced students to think through experiments on the chemical and methodological part. He taught not to miss the details and immediately demonstrated the correct methods of work. Konstantin Gedroits showed the experiments in the laboratory by himself, although there was a special laboratory assistant for this.
Soil Scientist and Agricultural Chemist Among Students
The scientist tried to help students as much as possible. When he recognized promising students, he put almost all his efforts in them. In Alexey Rode`s memories it is written that a large number of young people dreamed of becoming students of the agricultural chemist.
Awards
In 1927 Konstantin Gedroits received the Lenin Prize for work on agricultural chemistry and soil science. In the same year, the scientist was elected President of the International Association of Soil Scientists. Two years later he became an active member of the USSR Academy of Sciences.
Konstantin Gedroits on the List of Lenin Prize Winners
Anna Turchenko
