Educational: Agriculture, horticulture and related subjects

Book SynopsisCovering everything from feeding, housing, and collecting eggs to quirky behaviors and humane treatment, Caughey’s engaging advice helps children understand the best ways to care for their chickens. Spark enthusiasm with creative activities like chicken forts and a veggie piñata for the flock, and feed more than the imagination with egg-centric dishes like Mexican egg pizza.

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Book SynopsisThe rich variety of life on Earth is a breathtaking culmination of natural evolution, with all natural ecosystems and cultivated lands teeming with biodiversity. This diverse array of flora and fauna is essential for a healthy, vibrant, and sustainable biosphere. The book Biodiversity: Concepts, Crises and Conservation is an authoritative and comprehensive guide to the subject, written by a renowned academician, expert, and celebrated author. It covers all aspects of biological diversity, from conception to recognition, discovery, and practical conservation for future generations. The book is structured to provide mental agility exercises for students across multiple disciplines, including life sciences, biological sciences, environmental sciences, agricultural sciences, geography, and natural resource management. It is also a useful resource for planners, policy-makers, environmental activists, government, and non-government organizations. The book delves into emerging concepts, ongoing crises, and potential conservation tactics of biodiversity, and it is composed in a textbook style that is both enriching and innovation-disrupting. It presents magnificent scenarios of agrobiodiversity, pedo-biodiversity, and biodiversity in chemosynthesis-based communities, as well as examining biodiversity-climate links and discussing the vital biodiversity-sustainability relationships. The book elucidates biodiversity-based sustainability principles and provides operationalization techniques. The book is an essential resource for anyone seeking to understand and conserve the rich diversity of life on Earth.

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Book SynopsisAgriculture has traditionally been viewed as a primary means of subsistence, with an emphasis on meeting the basic needs of food, feed, clothing, and shelter. Historically, agricultural activities have been concentrated in rural areas. However, the time has come to harness the potential of urban resources to engage in agriculture-related activities. Technological advancements have created new opportunities for revitalizing these activities in an urban environment. Urban ecosystems, with their unique constraints such as limited land area, restrictions on land use, and high labor costs, require special interventions to engage in agricultural pursuits. The book covers a wide range of topics related to urban agriculture, including floriculture, vegetable production, fruit cultivation, medicinal plants, landscape management, lawn preparation, mushroom cultivation, beekeeping, value addition, vertical gardens, hydroponics, green walls, and bonsai making.

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Book SynopsisThis book is divided into two main sections: Part-I, which focuses on General Considerations, and Part-II, which covers Production Technology. Part-I comprises a chapter that provides an overview of the subject matter, while Part-II is divided into six sections, each of which covers the production technology of 21 temperate vegetables, including cole crops, bulb crops, root crops, fabaceous vegetables, leafy vegetables, and perennial vegetables. Each crop is detailed in terms of cultivar selection, climate and soil requirements, sowing time and rate, field preparation and planting, spacing, nutrient management, water and weed management, use of chemicals and growth regulators, intercultural practices, crop protection, harvesting, yield, and post-harvest handling and marketing. The book is written in a clear and concise style, making it accessible to beginners in the field. It is also accompanied by tables and photographs, and questions are included at the end of each chapter for outcomes assessment purposes. Overall, this book is an invaluable resource for students, field personnel, and anyone interested in forest nursery activities.

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Book SynopsisBougainvillea is a significant crop in floriculture, particularly for its multipurpose use. It thrives well in tropical and subtropical conditions and has been the subject of extensive research in India, covering various aspects such as germplasm collection, breeding, mutagenesis, cytogenetics, disease management, tissue culture, and flower dehydration. The book aims to document the research and demonstrations conducted by Indian scientists, nurserymen, and bougainvillea enthusiasts over the past 50 years, providing a comprehensive and up-to-date account of the crop. The books main objective is to offer a coherent and concise summary of all the work done in India on bougainvillea, with a focus on recent advancements. It covers various topics, including the history of the crop, species and varieties, origin, horto-taxonomical characteristics, nursery culture, development of new varieties, cytogenetics, characterization methods, post-harvest management, in vitro propagation, and dehydration. This book will be beneficial not only for researchers but also for horticulturists, nurserymen, amateur growers, enthusiasts, city and industry planners, as it will provide valuable data and serve as a reference material for future research activities in this area.

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Book SynopsisDeveloping countries, particularly those in the Indian subcontinent, are experiencing significant economic, agricultural, and industrial development. The primary objective of modern, mechanized agricultural practices is to increase crop yields to feed the rapidly growing population. As a result, there is an increased reliance on chemical fertilizers and other agrochemicals. However, the high production costs of these chemical products place pressure on the countrys limited fossil fuel reserves. Bioinoculants, which include biofertilizers, biopesticides, and organic decomposers, are a more ecologically and economically sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Biofertilizers are live microbial cells that provide essential nutrients, promote plant growth, and enhance resistance to diseases, resulting in increased crop yields. Biopesticides are live microbial isolates or their metabolic byproducts that eliminate crop-damaging insects and pests. Organic decomposers, such as certain fungal species, bacterial genera, and actinomycetes, accelerate the decomposition of organic matter, releasing nutrients that are otherwise held as organic matter. Among the commercially available biopesticides, Bt cotton has emerged as the first ambassador for modern pesticides. Overall, bioinoculants offer a promising solution to the challenges faced by developing countries in terms of sustainable agriculture and food security.

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Book SynopsisMicrobiology has permeated various branches of biology, and microbiological techniques are employed successfully for various purposes, including quality assessment and for numerous industrial and biotechnological purposes. This book serves as a practical guide to microbiological techniques, covering all aspects of laboratory safety to microbial quality assessment. This book provides essential, clear, and concise knowledge and practical information about enumeration and isolation of microorganisms. The primary objective of writing this book is to offer training protocols to students of Microbiology in handling and comprehending microorganisms and distinguishing eukaryotes and prokaryotes. The book outlines the various methods utilized to characterize and cultivate bacteria. The staining techniques for microbes are also included in the book. This book constitutes a comprehensive compendium of fundamental information on microorganisms, fungi, and yeasts. This book comprises 38 chapters intended for industrial professionals, environmental scientists, soil scientists, and food microbiologists. The segment of the book addresses the occurrence, morphology, and various biochemical assays for isolating and identifying a wide range of bacteria, fungi, and yeasts. The books main features include antibiotic sensitivity tests, soil microbiology, and milk and meat quality assessment. This book also details rapid tests used for milk quality assessment to ensure the suitability of the milk for processing. This book will be beneficial for graduate and postgraduate students of agriculture, microbiology, biotechnology, and food science. Additionally, this book serves as a ready reference for quality assurance personnel working in R&D labs and food processing units.

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Book SynopsisThe primary objective of this textbook is to offer a comprehensive introduction to the various types of renewable energy sources. This publication specifically focuses on bioenergy, solar, wind, MHD, hydro, and OTEC. An in-depth analysis of the diverse renewable energy systems is presented. A total of thirteen chapters compose this book, delivering the cutting-edge advancements and practical applications of renewable energy systems. The introductory chapter of this book provides a comprehensive overview of the current renewable energy landscape in India. The subsequent chapters explore solar, wind, and biomass energy, as well as pellets and baling, biodiesel production, biogas, fuel cells, micro hydropower plants, and energy conservation in agriculture. This valuable resource is intended for undergraduate and postgraduate engineering students, researchers, and any other individuals with an interest in this field.

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Book SynopsisThe book in question has been composed in a language that is both straightforward and easily comprehensible. The information provided in this book is founded on a systematic and scientific approach, which was developed through field and laboratory experiments that were carried out in various ecological zones. It is widely held that this book will prove to be a valuable asset to the scientific community in a number of ways. The book will be of great benefit to undergraduate and postgraduate students, professors, teachers, scientists, and researchers who have interests in diverse areas of specialization. The book features articles written by renowned experts in their respective fields.

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Book SynopsisThis book comprises a range of topics on climate science, including strategies for mitigating the impacts of climate change. It covers a broad spectrum of subjects, such as urbanization, coping mechanisms, water resources, watersheds, land use patterns, atmospheric deposition, agriculture, and carbon footprint. The book serves as an invaluable resource for researchers in the field, providing a comprehensive understanding of the key issues that need to be addressed. The articles included in the book are designed to interpret experimental data, observations from the field, and theoretical concepts to provide a deeper insight into the subject of climate change and its associated impacts.

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Book SynopsisThis book provides an extensive analysis of climate change and its potential consequences on food security in India. It delves into the global scenario of extreme climatic events and the projected climatic parameters in the coming years. The book also examines the impact of climatic variability on crop productivity, including cereals, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, fruits, and flowers, as well as the incidence of plant diseases. Additionally, it discusses the environmental impact on edible mushroom and rubber cultivation. The book offers information on the impact of climatic variability on the productivity and survival of livestock and freshwater fisheries. To address the challenges posed by weather patterns, the book offers agro-advisory services with a national perspective. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of district-level agro-advisory and proper crop planning.

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Book SynopsisClimate and weather conditions are crucial determinants of the success of plantation crops. Weather affects the yield of a crop, while climate determines the adaptability of the crop in a specific region. The impacts of global warming and climate change on plantation crops are evident in the form of extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, heat waves, cold spells, and strong cyclonic winds, which are becoming increasingly frequent on a global scale. These events have been observed year after year in many parts of the world, including 1998, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2015. The frequency of these events is expected to rise further in the coming decades, posing a significant threat to the plantation economy. The effects of climate variability are already being felt in the form of declining monsoon rainfall, reduced number of rainy days, and rising ambient air temperatures (both day maximum and night minimum). Other issues related to climate change include declining groundwater tables, diminishing wetland areas and surface water resources, increased frequency of forest fires, and decreasing forest cover. In addition, there is an increase in landslides during both monsoon seasons, indiscriminate sand mining from riverbeds, and unscientific land filling. These issues are particularly significant in the Humid Tropics, where the impacts of climate change are being felt acutely.

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Book SynopsisThe book is an attempt to address the important facts and figures relating to climate change impacts on water security: a. Climate change impacts on water resources; b. Climate change impacts on water related diseases; c. Climate change impacts on water dependent biodiversity and ecosystems; d. Climate change adaptation and mitigation measures for water security; and e. Climate change and greenhouse gas emissions from water sector. Climate change is an additional stress on water security in addition to other chemical and biological stressors. Rivers depending on the Himalayan glaciers (the Indus, Ganges, Brahmaputra) could face water shortages or reduced river run-off due to retreat of glaciers, and this would cause dramatic impact on drinking water supplies, biodiversity, hydropower generation, industry, agriculture, ecosystems on which about 2.4 billion people in Asia depends. As a consequence of drought, the annual stream flow in the Murray-Darling basin (Australia) is projected to fall by 10-25% by 2050 and 16-48% by 2100 which would have severe consequences on irrigated agriculture in the region. Rise of water temperatures may enhance proliferation of harmful algae (some of algae produce toxins), causing water quality problems for recreational activities, fisheries/fish farming, irrigation, and drinking and seafood contamination with algal toxins. Global warming is projected to increase river water temperatures in a number of countries including the USA (the Mississippi, Colorado, and Mackenzie basins), Europe (the Rhine, Danube, and Rhone basins), eastern China (the Yangtze), and Australia (the Murray-Darling). Sea-level rise (SLR) will cause salinization of coastal groundwater resources, and may damage or destroy many coastal ecosystems including wetlands, salt marshes, and may cause saline water intrusion in agriculture and freshwater aquaculture facilities, a shift in community composition of mangrove forests, etc. It is projected that a 1C rise of temperature in the future can increase the initial relative risks of cholera by 15 to 29 percent. Both rise of temperature and sea-level may enhance dengue and malaria. To adapt to climate change, we need increasing storage capacity, rainwater harvesting, improvement of water use efficiency, desalination of seawater, water savings, mandatory rainwater tanks in new and old buildings, use of recycled/reclaimed water, virtual water trade, improvements in irrigation efficiency, modification of irrigation techniques, reducing leakage of irrigation pipes, selection of climate resilient crops to save scarcity of water resources. Water processes (abstraction, treatment, end use and wastewater treatment) do emit Greenhouse gases (GHG). In irrigation, pumping of water is the most energy-demanding process and consequently causes more GHG emissions (CO2). Dams/reservoirs emit GHGs such as methane. The most effective way to decrease carbon footprint in water sectors is to use low carbon emitting fuels such as, renewable energy (solar, wind or nuclear). Ecological toilet may be promoted to reduce GHG emissions from septic tanks in developing countries. Stopping or slowing deforestation, forest degradation and sustainable management of forests may significantly contribute to avoid GHG emissions, may conserve water resources and prevent flooding, reduce run-off, control erosion, reduce siltation of rivers, and protect fisheries and preserve biodiversity. Mangrove ecosystems can play an important role in the protection of the coast from the natural disasters (cyclones, tsunamis) and could act as a barrier (live seawalls) against disasters and help minimize damage to property and life.

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Book SynopsisCommercial crops are of paramount importance to the economies and export trades of numerous developing and developed countries, as they are cultivated on a plantation scale. Crops with a long history of cultivation and significant research and development support have made remarkable strides in technological advancements. It is essential to periodically assess newly acquired knowledge in crop production and to evaluate traditional practices. The book Commercial Crops Technology brings together scattered information and provides the latest technological advancements in nine crops grown on a plantation scale. The book is organized into ten chapters, with an introductory chapter and one dedicated to each of the nine commercial crops (Areca Nut, Cashew, Cocoa, Coconut, Coffee, Oil palm, Palmyra, Rubber, and Tea). The chapters have been designed to reflect the rapid progress and challenges in the field of sustainable crop production, and product diversification has been given due importance in light of globalization and free trade. The introductory chapter offers an overview of the current scenario of plantation crop production, including its importance, geographical distribution, soils, growing methods, integrated nutrient management, crop protection strategies, cropping and farming systems, management of drought, organic farming, clean development mechanisms, implications of intellectual property rights, and strategies and recommendations. The individual chapters on crops provide updated information on crop improvement, biotechnology, crop production and management, crop protection, and post-harvest handling, with an emphasis on integrated nutrient and pest management, organic crop production, and value addition, as well as basic information on origin, distribution, production trends, botany, and research and development institutions. The future outlook on these crops will aid in developing achievable programs and projects. The bibliography facilitates further reading. This publication will be useful to farmers, estate managers, extension workers, technologists, policy makers, researchers, and students who are associated with commercial crops.

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Book SynopsisThis book, titled Commercial Horticulture, aims to assist in overcoming the limitations imposed on horticultural development by providing knowledge of modern technologies such as protected cultivation, hybrid seed production, micro irrigation, fertigation, organic farming, mechanization, and processing, post-harvest management, and others. The goal is to strengthen the horticulture industry and encourage sustainable and multifaceted growth in agriculture in India. The inclusion of these modern technologies is intended to accelerate the commercialization of horticulture and support Indias agricultural industry.

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Book SynopsisThis book has been organized into five main sections: Weather and Agromet Services, Pest and Diseases, Climatic Influences on Agriculture and Horticulture, Climatic Influences on Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, and ICT Applications in Agriculture. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information on the potential effects of climate variability on various agricultural and horticultural crops, including pest and disease incidences and their corresponding remedies. The book also elucidates the impact of climate change on the animal husbandry sector, particularly in regards to summer infertility, productivity, and disease spectrum, in a clear and practical manner. Additionally, the book takes into account fisheries, both inland and marine, and discusses fish productivity and disease incidence. The book also includes a section on forecasting models with weather forecasts, with a particular focus on developing strategies for Resilient Agriculture. Furthermore, the book highlights the application of ICT in Agriculture, which serves as a comprehensive guide to the potential impacts on Agriculture and allied sectors, and suggests ways to combat weather variability.

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Book SynopsisThe book comprehensively covers the various challenges faced in the cultivation of cucurbitaceous vegetables, including insect pests, diseases, mites, nematode parasites, weeds, and environmental stresses, while also addressing issues related to nutrients. The text provides detailed, up-to-date information on these subjects, drawing from the latest available literature and research findings. Moreover, the book includes relevant color photographs to enhance understanding. This valuable resource will be of great benefit to students, horticultural experts, extension workers, and policymakers, providing a wealth of knowledge on the management of cucurbitaceous vegetables for improved productivity and profitable cultivation.

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Book SynopsisThe book commences with a comprehensive examination of cyanobacterias fossil record. It offers an extensive analysis of the antibacterial properties of cyanobacteria, based on extensive research conducted by the author. The book also sheds light on other aspects of cyanobacterias biological activity, such as anti-fungal, anti-HIV, proteinase inhibitor, anti-mycobacterial, anti-helmintics, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, and anti-cancer characteristics. The book provides a comprehensive monograph on nine cyanobacterial species, including Anabaena variabilis, Anabaena fertilissima, Nostoc muscorum, Nostoc punctiforme, Nostoc linckia, Nostoc commune, Spirulina platensis, Westiellopsis prolifica, and Hapalosiphon sp. The book is written in a clear and concise manner, with explanatory diagrams to aid in comprehension. The volume also includes a glossary of technical terms and a comprehensive list of references and index for the readers convenience. Overall, this book will be a valuable resource for research students, teachers, and professionals in the fields of microbiology, medicine, and pharmaceutical sciences, as well as pharmaceutical industries for R&D related to drug discovery.

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Book SynopsisThe book in question is of exceptional quality, as it effectively encompasses the three major characteristics of plant systems, namely Plant Physiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology, under one comprehensive canopy. Plant Physiology addresses the vital activities of plants and their capacity to endure natural adversities. Meanwhile, Biochemistry involves the production of various compounds through biochemical reactions at different stages of growth and development, which occur at the molecular level. Additionally, Molecular Biology seeks to understand and manipulate biochemical reactions at the molecular and genetic levels for human benefit. Given the boundless curiosity and thirst for knowledge inherent in human beings, scientists have dedicated countless years of research to exploring the intricacies of plant systems at ever-higher levels of complexity. This dedication has resulted in a vast body of research spanning the last fifty years, much of which holds significant academic and practical value. Now is the time to distill this wealth of knowledge and present the most relevant findings in a form that is accessible and applicable to a wide range of audiences.

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Book SynopsisThe book in question is comprised of six chapters, primarily focusing on the foundational principles of extension education, community development, rural development, and significant rural as well as community development programs as per the syllabus. Additionally, the book also covers some contemporary topics in the field of extension education.

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Book SynopsisSince the late 19th century, efforts have been made to determine the feasibility of employing electric trolley systems in farming. In the early 20th century, German farmers extensively utilized trolley/cable ploughs, while the introduction of gasoline tractors later reduced the use of electricity in agriculture to limited applications such as electroculture, short-distance farm machinery, and lawn mowers. However, the advent of lithium-ion batteries in the past decade has revived interest in electrically powered equipment, including drones and tractors, for more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices. In his latest installment of his electric transport history series, Kevin Desmond highlights the contributions of the innovative engineers who have developed and refined these electric tractors and agricultural drones.

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Book SynopsisThe book provides extensive information on profitable soil less farming techniques, such as hydroponics, as well as modern techniques like precision farming, conservation agriculture, and remote sensing. It also covers the use of nanotechnology, leaf color charts for efficient nitrogen use, laser land leveling, and value-added farming practices. Climate-smart agriculture, organic farming, and global warming are also discussed, along with crop residue management techniques and the use of bioherbicides. The book also covers the latest practices for cultivating cereal, oilseed, pulse, and commercial crops. In addition, it discusses the integrated farming system and allied enterprises, as well as the important uses of medicinal, aromatic, and spice crops. The book includes information on dry land agriculture, plant nutrition, and crop management in problematic soils. It also provides tips for achieving higher crop yields and using herbicides effectively to control problematic weeds. This book will be extremely useful for students of agriculture, particularly in the field of agronomy.

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Book SynopsisTrees are essential for human survival and well-being, as they provide numerous benefits to the environment and society. They serve as an important component of any landscape, both aesthetically and functionally, and help to improve the quality of life in urban areas. In recent times, the significance of cultivating trees has gained widespread recognition. The book Flowering Trees begins by exploring Indias rich history of tree cultivation, including its spiritual and religious significance, as well as its role in indigenous landscaping and the conservation of biodiversity in sacred groves. The book then delves into the practical applications of trees in modern landscaping, such as their ability to reduce glare, modify the climate, control pollution, and provide aesthetic appeal. It also discusses the principles and designs for planting trees, as well as the methods and cultural practices involved in their care and maintenance. The book also covers the problems that may arise in tree cultivation and the various methods that can be used to overcome them. Additionally, the psychological effects of plants on humans and the astrological significance of trees are also discussed in the book. The book provides detailed descriptions of various types of trees, including ornamental, economic, and medicinal species. Separate chapters are also dedicated to Bonsai and renewable energy.

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