Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
O. W. Willcox formulated laws of agrobiology that define the relationship between plant nutrients, crop genetics, and maximum potential yield.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze both statements:
- Statement I: Willcox proposed that the maximum quantity of nitrogen that can be absorbed by any crop species during a single growing season is a constant, equal to $318\text{ pounds per acre}$ (which corresponds to 100 units of growth, or "Baule units" of nitrogen).
This is a core tenet of Willcox's quantitative agrobiology. Therefore, Statement I is true.
- Statement II: Willcox's "inverse yield nitrogen law" states that the yield of a crop is inversely proportional to the nitrogen percentage in its dry matter.
Modern agricultural science and extensive empirical testing have demonstrated that this law does not hold true under diverse field conditions.
Genetic improvements, modern fertilization methods, and physiological variations have disproven this inverse relationship.
Therefore, Statement II is false.
Consequently, Statement I is true but Statement II is false.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Statement I is true but Statement II is false.