Eric John Hewitt facts for kids

Eric John Hewitt (born February 27, 1919 – died January 1, 2002) was a British scientist who studied plants. He was known as a plant physiologist. This means he studied how plants work and grow.

Hewitt is famous for creating special "recipes" for plant food. These recipes are called the Long Ashton Nutrient Solution. They help plants grow well without soil. He wrote about these recipes in an important book in 1952, which was updated in 1966. This book taught people about growing plants in sand or water.

Early Life and Education

Eric Hewitt went to Whitgift School when he was younger. He then studied at King's College London. There, he earned a top degree in botany (the study of plants) and chemistry. Later, he continued his studies at the University of Bristol. He finished his PhD degree there in 1948.

A Scientist's Journey

In 1956, Eric Hewitt's own laboratory opened. It was at the Long Ashton Research Station. This was a special place where scientists studied plants. From 1967 to 1984, he also worked at the University of Bristol. He was a "Reader in Plant Physiology." This means he was a senior researcher and teacher. He helped students learn about how plants function.

The Famous Plant Food Recipe

One of Hewitt's biggest contributions was his work on plant nutrients. Plants need specific minerals to grow, just like people need vitamins. Hewitt figured out the perfect mix of these minerals. His "Long Ashton Nutrient Solution" became a standard for growing plants. It was especially useful for hydroponics, which is growing plants in water without soil. This method is used by many scientists and growers today.

Honored for His Work

Eric Hewitt's important work was recognized by other scientists. In 1982, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very high honor for scientists in the United Kingdom. It means he was one of the top scientists in his field.