Soil scientists from the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute (the Macaulay) today paid tributes to former colleague Dr James Reith who passed away in Edinburgh, aged ninety.

Dr Reith had an influential career at the Institute undertaking a diverse range of research and advisory activities. After completing his PhD at the University of Aberdeen in 1950, Dr Reith became an integral member of the Macaulay’s Department of Soil Fertility.

During his forty years of employment, Dr Reith was directly involved in a period which saw great change in the agricultural industry. He contributed to fundamental aspects of soil fertility involving the availability of nutrients with respect to both crop growth and livestock health. He also maintained a close link with the North of Scotland College of Agriculture through the Advisory Soil Service. At its peak more than ten thousand soil samples from around the north of Scotland were tested annually by Dr Reith’s group.

Many of the field experiments used to establish fertiliser and lime requirements also received his guidance and interpretation. It is a worthy complement to James Reith and all the supporting staff that these experiments are still providing valuable information today.

The contribution James Reith made to the local agricultural industry was marked by him receiving the ‘Royal Northern Award’ and ‘Press and Journal Shield’ in 1982.

James William Strachan Reith passed away on 29^th August at the Murrayfield Care Home, Edinburgh. The Funeral Service took place at Drumoak Church on 3^rd September, followed by interment in the Churchyard.

ENDS