John R. Webb, 76, retired professor of agronomy and soil fertility researcher, died May 31 of a heart attack at his home. A native West Virginian, he obtained his Ph.D. from Purdue University and joined the Iowa State University Agronomy Department faculty in 1952. He is survived by his wife, two stepsons, two grandchildren, and one sister.

Webb conducted field research in soil fertility throughout his career. The basis for Iowa State University's current recommendations for phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and lime are primarily from research initiated by Webb, and some of this work is still ongoing. Because he was meticulous in his research, a great deal of confidence could be placed on the results. He willingly and unselfishly shared his research results with extension, which allowed rapid transmittal to growers and agribusiness.

Research areas included phosphorus fertilizer materials, nitrogen fertilizer sources, the time of N fertilizer application on corn, the response of corn and soybean to sulfur and zinc, methods to place fertilizer on corn, the effects of soil test levels and annual applications of fertilizer P and K, as well as lime rates, on corn and soybean yields, soil pH, and micronutrients.

Webb was a quiet unassuming person who efficiently carried out his responsibilities. He helped and guided many graduate students, and taught them how to conduct quality field research. He served as a radio operator on B-29s and participated in many missions in the Far East during World War II. We will miss him and remember him for his lasting contributions to Iowa agriculture.