Previous work on the fertilizer requirements of food crops and vegetables is reviewed, and an attempt is made to assess the present position in Jamaica With regard to research on the fertilizer requirements of these crops. A lack of balance in fertilizer research is 􀀀m􀀀a􀀀n􀀀i􀀀j􀀀~􀀀e􀀀s􀀀t􀀀e􀀀d in an undue emphasis on certain crops e.g. Irish potatoes, and an almost total disregard of others e.g. sweet potatoes, red kidney beans, etc. The need for a balanced co-ordinated programme involving a wider variety of crops than formerly and for an intensification of fertilizer research is stressed.