After foregoing gatherings and meetings of preparatory character in Zurich (1949) and Paris (1949 and 1950). The main subject of this congress was connected with problems of fertilizer production and manufacturing, methods of fertilizer use, and the effects of fertilizers on microorganisms in the soil and on human and animal health.

Apart from the regular conferences, a special meeting of CIEC (3rd General Assembly) had been organized in 1953 in Darmstadt on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the birth of Justus von Liebig. It was the President of CIEC, Dr. E. Feisst, who was asked by the festive committee to present the ceremonial speech.