Agriculture and farming Books

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Book SynopsisWhile organic soils have the potential to contribute greatly to agricultural production, the irreversible processes that occur from draining organic soils need to be managed with caution. The wise use of peatlands must include the avoidance of unacceptable ecological effects on the contiguous and global environment. Organic Soils and Peat Materials for Sustainable Agriculture provides detailed information from a worldwide perspective on the degradation process of fragile peat resources used for agriculture. It documents the best management practices and defines and quantifies soil quality indicators and pedo-transfer functions for organic soils and peat materials.Co-published with the International Peat Society, this reference is the first to integrate the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of organic soils and peat materials for sustainable agriculture and horticulture. It details the principles and indicators behind positive action in sustainable management. The book presents a complete analysis of how peat works chemically, physically, and ecologically. It quantifies the moorsh-forming, or peat degradation, process in tables and figures, provides conversion equations among pH determination methods, and supplies a novel diagnosis of N and P release. In addition, the book revisits water, pesticides, phosphorus, and copper sorption characteristics of organic soils.The authors provide up-to-date information in order to define quality indicators for the optimum use of organic soils. With detailed information and a global perspective, Organic Soils and Peat Materials for Sustainable Agriculture aims to promote a shift from the current paradigm of input-based unsustainable use to a new knowledge-based approach.Table of ContentsThe Moorsh or Muck Horizons as Quality Indicators of Reclaimed Organic Soils. Irreversible Loss of Organic Soil Functions after Reclamation. Water-Related Physical Attributes of Organic Soils. Quality of Peat Substrates for Plants Grown in Containers. Soil Acidity Determination Methods for Organic Soils and Peat Materials. Nitrogen and Phosphorus Balance Indicators in Organic Soils. Retention of Copper in Cu-Enriched Organic Soils. Fate of Pesticides in Organic Soils. Quality of Organic Soils for Agriculture Use of Cutover Peatlands in Russia. Agriculture Production Systems for Organic Soil Conservation.

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Book SynopsisThese three volumes present essential engineering technologies most often used for design and evaluation of the best practices in agricultural production and postharvest processing operations. The choices, requirements, procedures, and expected performances are expertly supported with equations, data tables, illustrations, charts, graphs, and data conversion factors for SI units. Written by highly qualified and experienced agricultural engineers, the chapters emphasize field machines and practices, irrigation engineering, drainage and erosion control, and waste management. Also included is information on electrical systems and electric motors, design of structures, ventilation and lighting systems, and livestock and poultry production. This volume is especially written for engineers of all types, agricultural scientists, extension specialists, ag-industry managers, and engineering students.VOLUME I: CROP PRODUCTION ENGINEERINGVOLUME II: SOIL AND WATER ENGINEERINGVOLUME III: ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

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Book SynopsisBased on discussions at the 2007 SETAC Europe PERAS Workshop in Coimbra, Semi-Field Methods for the Environmental Risk Assessment of Pesticides in Soil presents a timely summary of state-of-the-art higher-tier terrestrial risk assessment of plant protection products (PPPs). Influential regulators, academics, and industry scientists provide a comprehensive, science-based view to guide regulatory authorities and manufacturers in assessing the higher-tier terrestrial risks of PPPs in the environment. The book includes a clear description of how to perform a higher-tier terrestrial risk assessment and provides a single reference on the subject. It examines various types of semi-field methods for soil assessment, including the use of terrestrial model ecosystems for pesticide risk assessment. In addition, the text also explores legislative and regulatory issues and offers technical recommendations. The book provides guidance on how to assess the soil risks of pestTable of ContentsIntroduction. Background. Ecological Considerations. Legislative and Regulatory Background to the Assessment of Risks from Plant Protection Products in Soil. Overview and Evaluation of Soil Semi-Field (higher tier) Methods. Technical Recommendations. Research Needs. References. Appendices.

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Book SynopsisLearn what it takes to create and implement a truly successful seed policy!This unique book brings together international experts on seed policy and law. While other books approach the subject from the perspective of seed industry development and privatization, Seed Policy, Legislation, and Law makes clear that a successful national seed policy must be based on a thorough analysis of connected issues such as biodiversity and rural development. In addition to giving you an essential overview of seed regulatory reform, this book will also bring you up to date on recent developments in the field, such as intellectual property and the biosafety of GMOs.Seed Policy, Legislation, and Law examines: quality control issues in developing countries case studies from Turkey, Uganda, and Bangladesh property rights for plant varieties the regulation of genetically modified seeds in emerging economies agro-biodiversity as it relates to seed policy why a farmer seed system is essential in a national seed sector the impact of the transition from central seed sector planning to a free market how international seed associations can impact policy development new technological developments like GURTs and appropriate policy responses Table of ContentsPreface; Seed Policy, Legislation and Law: Widening a Narrow Focus; SEED POLICY The Importance of the Farmers’ Seed Systems in a Functional National Seed Sector; Seed Sectors in Transition: From Centrally Planned to Free Market; Policy Measures for Stimulating Indigenous Seed Enterprises; Challenges and Limitations of the Market; The Role of International Seed Associations in International Policy Development; Policy Response to Technological Developments: The Case of GURTs; SEED LEGISLATION AND COUNTRY CASES Seed Regulatory Reform: An Overview; Seed Quality Control in Developing Countries; Variety Controls; The Rules for International Seed Trade; Progresses in the Turkish Seed Industry; Seed Industry Development and Seed Legislation in Uganda; Seed Regulatory Frameworks in a Small Farmer Environment: The Case of Bangladesh; UPCOMING ISSUES Property Rights on Plant Varieties: An Overview; Regulating Genetically-Modified Seeds in Emerging Economies; An Agrobiodiversity Perspective on Seed Policies

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Book SynopsisRice is probably the most important food crop in the world, feeding half its population. Rice Improvement in the Genomics Era examines the findings in the current studies of rice improvement, using the modern genomic tools available in today’s agriculture to better enable food security and human welfare. This comprehensive text describes in detail the latest tools of genomics and the application of biotechnology to improve this crucial food crop that is the most important staple of developing countries. Top respected experts in rice science and genomics offer the latest in cutting-edge science and research based on genome sequencing, gene technology, and molecular biology. Rice Improvement in the Genomics Era provides a wide range of information essential to any professional concerned with food safety, security, and sustainability. This valuable source comprehensively and accurately describes rice science from the basics of modern genomics on up to the application of biotechnology. This text is extensively referenced, and includes photographs, tables, graphs, and figures to clearly present information.Topics discussed include: • rice genome sequencing project and its impact • gene expression using microarray system • haploid breeding • hybrid rice technology • Bt and disease resistance • abiotic stress tolerance • ensuring rice quality • genetically improved nutrition in rice • human milk proteins in rice grains • food safety of transgenic crops • and much more! Rice Improvement in the Genomics Era is an informative resource for educators, students, rice scientists, rice breeders, plant biotechnologists, researchers, and policymakers in agricultural sciences, rice improvement, and biotechnology. This source is a crucial addition to agricultural institutions, libraries, and teaching organizations.Table of ContentsThe International Rice Genome Sequencing Project (IRGSP) and Its Impact on Rice Genomics. Comprehensive Analysis of Rice Gene Expression by Using the Microarray System: What We Have Learned from the Microarray Project. Rice Improvement: Taking Advantage of New Technologies. Haploid Breeding in Rice Improvement. Hybrid Rice Technology. Stem Borer Resistance: Bt Rice. Biotechnological Approach of Disease Resistance in Rice. Molecular Aspects of Rice Blast Disease Resistance: Insights from Structural and Functional Analysis of the Pi-Ta and AVR-Pita Gene Pair. Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Rice. Rice End Use Quality. Genetically Improved Nutrition in Rice. Expression of Human Milk Proteins in Mature Rice Grains. Nitrogen Fixation in Rice: A Reality or Dream. Rice for Sustainable Food and Nutrition Security. Food Safety of Transgenic Crops.

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Book SynopsisWhile modern science has always recognized the central role that biodiversity plays in the ecological processes that maintain the Earth's equilibrium, our increasing knowledge of nature has deepened our appreciation of this principle. Consequently, those involved with implementing and maintaining sustainable agriculture systems have begun to take a far more sophisticated approach to understanding and making use of the components and mechanics of biodiversity.Providing a comprehensive and highly practical exploration of the subject, Biodiversity in Agricultural Production Systems examines abiotic ecosystem diversity and biological complexity at every relevant level. Leading researchers detail subspecies diversity, covering ecotypes, lifecycles, genes, physiology, and behavior. They also discuss species richness and supraspecies diversity, which includes foodweb interactions and non-trophic relationships, as well as above- and belowground relationships. Exploring various facets of agricultural crops and cultivation practices, this inter-disciplinary volume-Gives an overview of the pore space dynamic in agroecosystems where most soil microorganisms reside, including bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, and Tardigrada Examines the highly diverse and prominent role played by earthworms Looks at the metabolic processes occurring in soils that result in the release of greenhouse gases Outlines principles and strategies of order between interacting molecules, cells, species and communities Looks at mechanisms of competition, exploring growth regulation, transformation, and feeding strategies, as well as toxin production, mutation, and biofilm formation Discusses matter recycling and the diversity of microbial metabolism in soils Shows how long-term observation plots are used to assess soil qualityBiodiversity in Agricultural Production Systems provides important information for those involved with researching and implementing sustainable agricultural systems, as well as those addressing specific challenges related to soil degradation, water management, and climatic impacts. It also provides recent research and fresh perspectives to enhance the approaches of those working in horticulture, biology, and the environmental sciences.Table of ContentsBiodiversity in Crop Production Systems. Agro-Diversity: Genetic Diversity in Crops and Cropping Systems. Soil Space Diversity and its Dynamics: Qualitative and Quantitative Considerations. Microbial Diversity in Organic Soil Amendments: Liquid and Solid Manure, Compost, Sewage Sludge. Discerning the Diversity of Soil Prokaryotes (Bacteria and Archaea) and their Impact on Agriculture. Microbial Diversity in the Rhizosphere: Highly Resolving Molecular Methodology to Study Plant-Beneficial Rhizosphere Bacteria. Diversity of Biofilms and their Formation Processes. Diversity of Soil Fungi. Biodiversity of Chytrids. Diversity of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi. Protozoa. Diversity of Nematodes. Diversity of Tardigrada. Biodiversity of Lumbricid Earthworms in Temperate Agroecosystems. Soil Enzymes: Spatial Distribution and Function in Agroecosystems. Metabolic Diversity of Microorganisms in Agricultural Soils. Gasous Emissions from Diverse Agricultural Production Systems. Principles Behind Order and Sustainability in Natural Successions and Agriculture. Food Web Interactions and Modeling. Soil Quality Assessment and Long-term Field Observation with Emphasis on Biological Soil Characteristics.

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Book Synopsis“Zhun Xu’s careful analysis debunks the conventional wisdom about the supposed failure of agricultural collectives in China. Xu’s reassessment of the path of agrarian change in China since 1949, which relies on interviews with peasants as well as statistical analysis, provides a fascinating window into the successes and the problems of collective farming in China.”—David M. Kotz, Professor of Economics, University of Massachusetts Amherst; author, The Rise and Fall of Neoliberal Capitalism In the early 1980s, China undertook a massive reform that dismantled its socialist rural collectives and divided the land among millions of small peasant families. Known as the decollectivization campaign, it is one of the most significant reforms in China's transition to a market economy. From the beginning, the official Chinese accounts, and many academic writings, uncritically portray this campaign as a huge success, both for the peasants and the economy as a whole. This mainstream history argues that the rural communes, suffering from inefficiency, greatly improved agricultural productivity under the decollectivization reform. It also describes how the peasants, due to their dissatisfaction with the rural regime, spontaneously organized and collectively dismantled the collective system. A closer examination suggests a much different and more nuanced story. By combining historical archives, field work, and critical statistical examinations, From Commune to Capitalism argues that the decollectivization campaign was neither a bottom-up, spontaneous peasant movement, nor necessarily efficiency-improving. On the contrary, the reform was mainly a top-down, coercive campaign, and most of the efficiency gains came from simply increasing the usage of inputs, such as land and labor, rather than institutional changes. The book also asks an important question: Why did most of the peasants peacefully accept this reform? Zhun Xu answers that the problems of the communes contributed to the passiveness of the peasantry; that decollectivization, by depoliticizing the peasantry and freeing massive rural labor to compete with the urban workers, served as both the political and economic basis for consequent Chinese neoliberal reforms and a massive increase in all forms of economic, political, and social inequality. Decollectivization was, indeed, a huge success, although far from the sort suggested by mainstream accounts.Trade Review“Zhun Xu’s careful analysis debunks the conventional wisdom about the supposed failure of agricultural collectives in China. Xu’s reassessment of the path of agrarian change in China since 1949, which relies on interviews with peasants as well as statistical analysis, provides a fascinating window into the successes and the problems of collective farming in China.”—David M. Kotz, Professor of Economics, University of Massachusetts Amherst; author, The Rise and Fall of Neoliberal Capitalism

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Book SynopsisFrom addled to wind egg and crossed beak to zygote, the terminology of everything chicken is demystified in The Chicken Encyclopedia. Complete with breed descriptions, common medical concerns, and plenty of chicken trivia, this illustrated A-to-Z reference guide is both informative and entertaining. Covering tail types, breeding, molting, communication, and much more, Gail Damerow provides answers to all of your chicken questions and quandaries. Even seasoned chicken farmers are sure to discover new information about the multifaceted world of these fascinating birds.

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Book SynopsisIn this inspiring memoir, Jenna Woginrich reflects on the joys, sorrows, trials, and blessings discovered through a year of homesteading. With eloquent prose, delightful illustrations, and inspiring snippets of poetry, Woginrich revels in the unique charms of each season on the land. Full of poignant observations and fascinating tidbits of farming lore, this book is a heartfelt testament to the deep fulfillment one can find in the practical tasks and timeless rituals of an agricultural life.

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Book SynopsisProtect your livestock and gardens with electric fencing. In this Storey BASICS® guide, Ann Larkin Hansen describes the pros and cons of different varieties of electric fencing so that you can choose the fence that best suits your property and needs. You’ll also learn how electric fencing works and how to put it together yourself. Whether you’re looking for a standard design to reign in your flock or a portable version for rotational grazing, this accessible volume will help you find an efficient, cost-effective solution.

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Book SynopsisExpert Glenn Drowns offers all the information and guidance you need to successfully exhibit your poultry at fairs and expositions. Learn how to select the best breeds and birds for exhibition and how to raise them with the proper diet, health care, and handling so that they are at their best by showtime. Drowns includes a useful countdown to help you plan tasks, from pest prevention to cage training, as well as dozens of tips on what judges are looking for.

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Book SynopsisUse electric fencing to protect your livestock, poultry, beehives, and garden. Portable electric fencing is key to successful rotational grazing, while permanent electric fencing effectively protects gardens and orchards and secures large pastures. Through clear instructions accessible to everyone, you’ll learn when to use these methods or a combination of the two, plus how to plan for, build, and maintain your electric fencing. This crucial tool is cost effective and versatile, but veteran farmer and author Ann Larkin Hansen also explains what not to do with an electric fence.

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Book SynopsisFor backyard chicken keepers and large-scale farmers alike, the single greatest challenge is protecting poultry from predators. What’s Killing My Chickens? is the ultimate guide to identifying the culprit behind a coop intrusion and ensuring safety for the flock. Often, by the time an attack is discovered, the predator has already left the scene. Best-selling author and chicken expert Gail Damerow uses the style of a detective manual to teach readers how to follow clues such as tracks, trails, scat, and other signs to pinpoint the attacker. Profiles describe key habits of the possible predators — ranging from raptors to rodents, foxes to bullfrogs — and provide the best techniques for blocking their access to the coop and yard, including removing attractants, using poultry guardians and lighting, and installing the most effective type of fencing. This empowering book offers essential knowledge, and peace of mind, for every chicken keeper.

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Book SynopsisTitle 7 presents regulations governing the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture and forty subordinate departments and agencies. Regulated activities include: marketing services, food and consumer services, crop insurance, plant and animal inspection, agricultural research, natural resources, etc. Additions and revisions to this section of the code are posted annually by January. Publication follows within six months.

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Book SynopsisTitle 7 presents regulations governing the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture and forty subordinate departments and agencies. Regulated activities include: marketing services, food and consumer services, crop insurance, plant and animal inspection, agricultural research, natural resources, etc. Additions and revisions to this section of the code are posted annually by January. Publication follows within six months.

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Book SynopsisTitle 7 presents regulations governing the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture and forty subordinate departments and agencies. Regulated activities include: marketing services, food and consumer services, crop insurance, plant and animal inspection, agricultural research, natural resources, etc. Additions and revisions to this section of the code are posted annually by January. Publication follows within six months.

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Book SynopsisTitle 7 presents regulations governing the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture and forty subordinate departments and agencies. Regulated activities include: marketing services, food and consumer services, crop insurance, plant and animal inspection, agricultural research, natural resources, etc. Additions and revisions to this section of the code are posted annually by January. Publication follows within six months.

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Book SynopsisTitle 7 presents regulations governing the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture and forty subordinate departments and agencies. Regulated activities include: marketing services, food and consumer services, crop insurance, plant and animal inspection, agricultural research, natural resources, etc. Additions and revisions to this section of the code are posted annually by January. Publication follows within six months.

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Book Synopsis

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