Organic farming Books

Book SynopsisLow external-input technology (or LEIT) is an increasingly prominent subject in discussions of sustainable agriculture. There are growing calls for self-sufficient agriculture in an era experiencing diminishing returns from reliance upon expensive synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. There are many reasons to support strategies for low external input farming, including a concern for environmental sustainability, increased attention to resource-poor farmers and marginal environments, and the conviction that a better use of local resources in small-scale agriculture can improve farm productivity and innovation. But despite the increased attention to self-sufficient agriculture, there is little evidence available on the performance and impact of LEIT. This book examines the contributions and limitations of low external input technology for addressing the needs of resource-poor farmers. For the first time a balanced analysis of LEIT is provided, offering in-depth case studies, an analysis of the debates, an extensive review of the literature and practical suggestions about the management and integration of low external input agriculture in rural development programmes.Trade Review'...a very valuable addition to the literature and well worth reading...wonderfully written:clear, well-organized, and quite free of jargon' Christine Padoch, Institute of Economic Botany, The New York Botanical Garden. Development and Change, July 2007.Table of ContentsLow External-Input Technology (LEIT) and Agricultural Development * Examples of LEIT and Farmer-Focused Development Strategies * Labour, Information and Agricultural Technology * The Impact of LEIT: Evidence from the Literature * Learning from Success: Revisiting Experiences of LEIT Adoption by Hillside Farmers in Central Honduras * Conservation by Committee: The Catchment Approach to Soil and Water Conservation in Nyanza Province, Western Kenya * After School: The Outcome of Farmer Field Schools in Southern Sri Lanka * The Trajectory of Low External-Input Agriculture *

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Book SynopsisLow external-input technology (or LEIT) is an increasingly prominent subject in discussions of sustainable agriculture. There are growing calls for self-sufficient agriculture in an era experiencing diminishing returns from reliance upon expensive synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. There are many reasons to support strategies for low external input farming, including a concern for environmental sustainability, increased attention to resource-poor farmers and marginal environments, and the conviction that a better use of local resources in small-scale agriculture can improve farm productivity and innovation. But despite the increased attention to self-sufficient agriculture, there is little evidence available on the performance and impact of LEIT. This book examines the contributions and limitations of low external input technology for addressing the needs of resource-poor farmers. For the first time a balanced analysis of LEIT is provided, offering in-depth case studies, an analysis of the debates, an extensive review of the literature and practical suggestions about the management and integration of low external input agriculture in rural development programmes.Trade Review'...a very valuable addition to the literature and well worth reading...wonderfully written:clear, well-organized, and quite free of jargon' Christine Padoch, Institute of Economic Botany, The New York Botanical Garden. Development and Change, July 2007.Table of ContentsLow External-Input Technology (LEIT) and Agricultural Development * Examples of LEIT and Farmer-Focused Development Strategies * Labour, Information and Agricultural Technology * The Impact of LEIT: Evidence from the Literature * Learning from Success: Revisiting Experiences of LEIT Adoption by Hillside Farmers in Central Honduras * Conservation by Committee: The Catchment Approach to Soil and Water Conservation in Nyanza Province, Western Kenya * After School: The Outcome of Farmer Field Schools in Southern Sri Lanka * The Trajectory of Low External-Input Agriculture *

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Book SynopsisThe new edition of this annual publication (previously published solely by IFOAM and FiBL) documents recent developments in global organic agriculture. It includes contributions from representatives of the organic sector from throughout the world and provides comprehensive organic farming statistics that cover surface area under organic management, numbers of farms and specific information about commodities and land use in organic systems. The book also contains information on the global market of the burgeoning organic sector, the latest developments in organic certification, standards and regulations, and insights into current status and emerging trends for organic agriculture by continent from the worlds foremost experts. For this edition, all statistical data and regional review chapters have been thoroughly updated. Completely new chapters on organic agriculture in the Pacific, on the International Task Force on Harmonization and Equivalence in Organic Agriculture and on organic aquaculture have been added. Published with IFOAM and FiBLTrade Review'An essential reference for anyone concerned with the growing global significance of organic agriculture.' Patrick Holden, CBE, Director of the Soil Association, UK 'A concise, up-to-date overview of how the industry is growing on a global scale, with detailed studies of aquaculture, new standards and regulations, notable achievements, and the challenges ahead. Not only packed with facts and figures, it includes expert insights into the latest issues, from the adoption of the new East African Organic Products Standard to the state of organics in Iran. More general coverage includes information on crop production worldwide... an indispensable manual for organic practitioners, researchers and those simply with a statistical interest in this rising force in world farming.' New Agriculturalist 'For someone in the organic profession, or a student, this is an extremely useful resource. It should be an essential purchase.' David Younie, Scottish Agricultural College, UK 'The best documentation on the state of the art of the organic sector worldwide.' Edith Lammerts van Bueren, Louis Bolk Institute, The Netherlands 'I have seen The World of Organic Agriculture before and find it to be a very useful book. Given how much organic agriculture is growing, it is important to publish these statistics on a yearly basis. Libraries should carry the book, as well as those professionals whose primary concern is organic agriculture.' Ivette Perfecto, University of Michigan, USA 'Because it is regularly updated it offers unique data which are not recorded elsewhere.' Julia Wright, Henry Doubleday Research Association, UK 'A very important publication - unique and comprehensive.' Paul Kristiansen, University of New England, Australia 'Packed with information, charts and graphs on organic agriculture... this meticulously researched hardback volume gives all of the answers. An excellent reference volume. ' William Critchley, WASWC, Amsterdam, June 2008 'A valuable single source.' Experimental Agriculture 'It includes contributioons from representatives of the organic sector from throughout the world and provides comprehensive organic farming statistics that cover surface area under organic management, numbers of farms and specific informaion about commodities and land use in organic systems.' Biotechnology, Agronomy Society and EnvironmentTable of ContentsForeword * The World of Organic Agriculture 2008: Summary * Organic Agriculture Worldwide: Current Statistics * Information Sources: Overview * The Organics Trade Development Programme (OTDP) of the International Trade Centre (ITC) * The Global Market for Organic Food and Drink * Standards and Regulations * East African Organic Products Standard and more * Number of Organic Certifiers Jumps to 468 * Accreditation * The ITF - the FAO/IFOAM/UNCTAD International Task Force on Harmonization and Equivalence in Organic Agriculture * Organic Aquaculture * Organic Farming in Africa * Africa: Organic Farming Statistics * Organic Asia 2007 * Country Report: Organic Agriculture in Iran * Asia: Organic Farming Statistics * Europe: Statistics, Policy and Research * Cropping Patterns in the European Union 2006 (EU 27) * The European Market for Organic Food in 2006 * Trends in the Organic Retailing Sector in Europe 2007 * Europe: Organic Farming Statistics * Organic Farming in the Mediterranean Region: Towards Further Development * Country Report: Organic Food and Farming in Egypt * Organic Farming in Latin America * Latin America: Country Reports * Latin America: Organic Farming Statistics * United States * Canada * North America: Organic Farming Statistics * Organic Farming in Australia * Organic Farming in New Zealand * Organic Agriculture in the Pacific * Oceania/Australia: Organic Farming Statistics * Achievements Made and Challenges Ahead * Annex

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Book SynopsisModern agriculture and food systems, including organic agriculture, are undergoing a technological and structural modernisation and are faced with a growing globalisation. Organic agriculture (OA) can be seen as pioneering efforts to create sustainable development based on other principles than mainstream agriculture. There are however large differences between the challenges connected to, on one hand, modern farming and consumption in high-income countries and, on the other, smallholder farmers and resource poor consumers in low-income countries. The point of departure is the increasing globalisation and the production and trade of food and fodder and how this influences the role of OA. This book provides an overview of the potential role and challenges of organic agriculture in this global perspective, as seen from different perspectives such as sustainability, food security and fair trade.Table of Contents1: Global trends in agriculture and food systems, 2: Globalisation and sustainable development: a potential ecology strategy to realize ecological justice, 3: Organic agriculture and ecological justice: Ethics and practice, 4: Ecological Economics and organic farming, 5: Organic farming in a world of free trade, 6: Certified and non-certified organic farming in the developing world, 7: Possibilities for closing the urban rural nutrient cycles, 8: Soil Fertility Depletion Sub-Saharan Africa: What is the Role of Organic Agriculture, 9: Sustainable veterinary medical practices in organic farming: a global perspective, 10: The impact of organic farming on food security in a regional and global perspective, 11: Towards a global research programme for organic food and farming, 12: Synthesis: The potential of organic farming in a globalised world,

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Book SynopsisThe Common Agricultural Policy and Organic Farming covers how ideational change came about to enhance the understanding of change within the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and to plan and implement change in European agriculture policy. The contents cover institutional change within the CAP and focus on the institutional construction policy concerned with organic farming.Table of Contents1: The Common Agricultural Policy and Institutional Change 2: Institutional Change: Rational Choice, Historical and Sociological Perspectives 3: A Discursive Institutional Approach and its Analytical Implications 4: The Translation and Institutionalisation of the World Problematique (1968-1977) 5: The Translation and Institutionalisation of Environmental Ideas within the CAP (1978-1985) 6: Conflicts over Meaning and Policy Entrepreneurship within the CAP 7: The Formation of a Policy Field: Organic Farming within the CAP (1993-2005) 8: Conclusions

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Book SynopsisThere is a growing niche market world-wide for organic produce. However there are considerable problems in expanding organic production and it is often considered a lifestyle or philosophical choice rather than an alternative source of ideas to improve farming systems. This book provides an overview of organic systems, from production through to the economic, social and political aspects. It presents a critical appraisal of the successes and limitations of organic production systems and highlights recent innovations. The book concludes by looking at the future challenges facing the organic agriculture industry.Table of Contents1: Organic production 2: Overview of Organic Agriculture 3: Soil Fertility in Organic Farming Systems 4: Crop Agronomy in Organic Agriculture 5: Special topic 1: Developing No-Tillage Systems Without Chemicals: the Best of Both Worlds? 6: Crop Protection in Organic Agriculture 7: Organic Plant Breeding & Seed Production: Ecological & Ethical Aspects 8: Special topic 2: Biodynamic Agriculture Today 9: Organic Livestock Husbandry & Breeding 10: Animal Health & Nutrition in Organic Farming 11: Animal Welfare & Ethics in Organic AgricultureRegulatory and management issues 12: Organic Standards & Certification 13: Special topic 3: Contradiction of Principles in Organic Farming 14: Economic Management in Organic Agriculture 15: Understanding the Market for Organic FoodBeyond the farm gate 16: Environmental Impacts of Organic Farming 17; Special topic 4: Tillage: How Bad is it in Organic Agriculture? 18: Food Quality & Organic Agriculture 19: Social Responsibilities of Organic Agriculture: Learning, Collaboration & Regulation 20: Special topic 5: Voice from the Other Side: A Ghanaian View on Organics 21: Knowledge and capacity building 22: Research to Support the Development of Organic Food & Farming 23: Education & Training in Ecological Agriculture: Nordic Region & the USA 24: Design of Farmer Education & Training in Organic AgricultureSummary 25: Key Issues and Challenges for the Future"

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Book SynopsisPublic concern over impacts of chemicals in plant and animal production on health and the environment has led to increased demand for organic produce, which is usually promoted and often perceived as containing fewer contaminants, more nutrients, and being positive for the environment. These benefits are difficult to quantify, and potential environmental impacts on such benefits have not been widely studied. This book addresses these key points, examining factors such as the role of certain nutrients in prevention and promotion of chronic disease, potential health benefits of bioactive compounds in plants, the prevalence of food-borne pesticides and pathogens and how both local and global environmental factors may affect any differences between organic and conventionally produced food. With contributions from experts in a broad range of related disciplines, this book is an essential resource for researchers and students in human health and nutrition, environmental science, agriculture and organic farming.Table of Contents1: Organic farming and food systems: definitions and key characteristics. 2: The health benefits of n-3 fatty acids and their concentrations in organic and conventional animal-derived foods. 3: Environmental impacts on n-3 content of foods from ruminant animals. 4: Health benefits and selenium content of organic vs conventional foods. 5: Environmental impacts concerning the selenium content of foods. 6: Contaminants in organic and conventional food: the missing link between contaminant levels and health effects. 7: Mycotoxins in organic and conventional foods and effects of the environment. 8: Human pathogens in organic and conventional foods and effects of the environment. 9: What does consumer science tell us about organic foods? 10: The beneficial effects of dietary flavonoids: sources, bioavailability and biological functions. 11: Environmental regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis. 12: Nitrates in the human diet. 13: Impacts of environment and management on nitrate in vegetables and water. 14: Effects of the environment on the nutritional quality and safety of organically produced foods: Round-up and summary.

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Book SynopsisThe grass/clover ley plays a central role in most organic farms, since clover is the foundation stone for the whole farm system through its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. As well as providing an essential forage resource for farm livestock, grass/clover swards also form the basis of sustainable organic arable rotations. The author discusses making the most of clover and soil nitrogen mineralization, the role of herbs and the efficient recycling of manures. He also covers reducing weed invasion, clean grazing systems for worm control, efficient grazing and conservation, and minimizing the environmental impact of grassland.

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Book SynopsisA classic guide from beekeeping expert Ron Brown OBE. A charming and practical guide for anyone wishing to keep bees, accompanying the would-be beekeeper through every season of the bee-keeping year. From spring awakening and summer swarms to the autumn honey harvest and providing winter protection, this essential resource guides you each step of the way. There is extensive advice for beekeeping beginners, from siting and smoking your hives to rearing a queen and controlling your swarm. There is also in-depth information for improvers and more experienced apiarists who wish to experiment with different hive-management and queen-rearing techniques. Troubleshooting tips on protecting your hives and keeping your bees healthy are also covered. The book is also packed with practical advice on using beeswax, and of course, extracting and making the tastiest honey.

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Book SynopsisIn recent years there has been an explosion of interest in organic and biodynamic produce. Although once marginal and 'alternative', escalating concerns about the environment, health, food quality and animal welfare have brought organics into mainstream consciousness. Biodynamics, a unique development of the organic approach, does not narrowly focus on agricultural techniques. It was conceived as a new way of thinking about farming, nutrition and the world of nature, allowing for a revitalized relationship with the living soil, the elemental world and the cosmos. Originating from a series of eight lectures given by Dr Rudolf Steiner in 1924, biodynamics broadens the outlook of agriculture and the science behind it, leading to a holistic perspective that incorporates astronomical rhythms and unique preparations for plants and earth. The author describes the foundations on which not only biodynamics but also the wider organic movement is based. He builds bridges between mainstream science and Steiner's insights, making it easier for the wider organic and ecological movement to approach biodynamic concepts and practise. This book has much to offer to the beginner as well as to those already involved with biodynamics. Its broad range of topics - including the ecology of the farm organism, food quality and nutrition, community supported agriculture, planetary influences, seed quality, and the vitality of water - contribute to a deeper understanding of the subject. The author is also concerned to promote innovation so that biodynamics moves with the times. An appendix includes details for contacting various elements of the biodynamic world.

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Book Synopsis'Biodynamics seeks the holistic and interrelated health of the diverse creatures and beings composing a farm, including human beings and the wider, surrounding community. It is not just a "method" but a whole approach to life - one which could have far-reaching benefits for the health of the soil, plants, animals and human beings across the globe...' Born from a series of eight lectures delivered by scientist and philosopher Rudolf Steiner in 1924, the movement for biodynamic agriculture today encompasses many hundreds of farms and millions of consumers worldwide. Much has been written about biodynamics' unique perspectives on farming, nutrition, the world of nature and the wider cosmos. But how does it work in practise? What is it like to run a farm based on its principles? England's Tablehurst and Plaw Hatch farms form a co-operative venture in which the local community plays a crucial role. As successful, commercial enterprises with high outputs, they have a growing reputation for the excellence of their produce. Through interviews, commentary and dozens of full colour photos, Biodynamics in Practise gives a guided tour of the farms from the viewpoint of a sympathetic visitor. It illustrates how biodynamic farms work, how they differ from conventional and organic farms, and why that difference is important. In short and accessible vignettes, the book looks at many aspects of farm life, including animal rearing and welfare - cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry - crop growth, dairy and cheesemaking, and even bee-keeping and caring for people with special needs. It also gives an introduction to biodynamics itself and brief histories of both farms. Farms are sometimes regarded simply as food-producing factories, but this book shows that they can be much more, offering spiritually-sustaining focal points of community cohesion and participation.

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Book SynopsisBiodynamics is about respect for nature, sustainability and spiritual ecology - but most of all it is about flavoursome, nutritious and enjoyable food! This is a book rich in information, beautifully illustrated and packed with healthy yet tasty recipes. It is a movement that is supported by top chefs, expert viniculturists and numerous celebrities. Even Prince Charles has introduced its methods at his Gloucestershire farm. Yet biodynamic agriculture had humble beginnings, far from the glitz of expensive city restaurants. In 1924 a small group gathered to hear the philosopher and scientist Rudolf Steiner give a series of lectures. At a time when industrial farming and mass production were on the rise, Steiner spoke of the qualitative aspects of food, and outlined an agricultural method founded on a holistic perception of nature. Illustrated with hundreds of full-colour photographs, "The Biodynamic Food and Cookbook" explains the principles behind biodynamics, and places it in the context of food and cooking throughout the ages. Wendy Cook takes us on a journey through the four seasons, presenting over 150 delicious recipes based on years of working with biodynamic nutrition. She studies the ethics of food, the foundations of a balanced diet, and conjures up the colour and vibrancy of Mallorca which has contributed so much to her personal approach. There are supplementary sections on breads, sauces, salads, sweets, drinks and much more.Trade Review'Should be required reading for anyone who cares about good food.' - The Times 'In my experience, biodynamic food is of exceptional quality and taste - so I use it when I can. And it's good for my health!' - Antony Worrall Thompson I know from my own experience that eating biodynamically grown food in good company leaves a fine and lasting impression on the palette. This is because the biodynamic farming which is built upon sound organic principles aims to enhance the quality and vitality of our food. - Patrick Holden, Director, Soil Association

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Book SynopsisIn 1924 at Koberwitz, the estate of Count and Countess Keyserlingk, Rudolf Steiner gave a key course of lectures on agriculture. At a time when industrial methods were being introduced into farming, Steiner had a radically different, evolutionary, vision. Based on a revitalized relationship with nature, his approach encompassed knowledge of the cosmos, the elemental world and the earth, and utilized special planting methods and preparations. Today his biodynamic agriculture is widely valued and used around the world. In addition to the lively and entertaining accounts of the agriculture course held at Koberwitz, this extraordinary book features Countess Keyserlingk's memories of her meetings with Rudolf Steiner. Steiner told the Countess that she had a consciousness which would be usual 'in the third millennium', and her reminiscences reflect this uncommon quality! Also included are essays by the editor which incorporate rare material such as the communications received by Countess Keyserlingk after Steiner's death. This book will be of interest to students of biodynamics as well as those interested in how Rudolf Steiner worked to develop anthroposophy. It is compiled and edited by Adalbert Graf von Keyserlingk, the son of the Count and Countess who hosted the Koberwitz conference.

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Book SynopsisBiodynamic agriculture, which has consistently increased in popularity over the years, was born from a single course of eight lectures delivered by Rudolf Steiner in Koberwitz (now in Poland) in June 1924. In The Agriculture Course Peter Selg presents an unprecedented study of the context within which the lectures took place, conveying a tangible sense of the celebratory mood and atmosphere of those Whitsun events. He highlights Steiner's intentions for the course - as well as the parallel lectures he gave in Breslau - by drawing widely on the available literature and numerous archive materials. Recognizing that chemical manipulation of agriculture was neither desirable nor sustainable, Rudolf Steiner helped launch an agricultural movement with a truly pioneering outlook. As Selg describes, Steiner saw that '...what was needed instead was new, conscious insight into life forces and laws, into the nature of organisms, into the diverse realms of nature, and the determining factors of both earth and cosmos that influence them.' The vivid picture painted here reveals the importance Rudolf Steiner placed on launching this work, and the extent to which his initiative offered an answer to the emerging forces of cultural and political destruction that would lead to the Second World War.

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Book SynopsisAuthored by a renowned animal scientist with a peerless reputation in organic livestock nutrition, A Practical Guide to the Feeding of Organic Farm Animals aims to translate the science of feeding organic livestock and distil it into practical guidance for farmers and producers. The latest research is broken down into a practical approach to on-the-farm feeding, providing applied methodology backed up by scientific research. There is also advice on making the transition from conventional to organic farming systems regarding feeding. There are sections covering poultry, pigs, cattle, sheep and goats, reviewing the nutritional requirements of the species, identifying suitable ingredients and feeds, overviewing husbandry techniques and system approaches, providing advice on selecting suitable breeds, and advising on nutrition and its relationship to health with a preventative approach. The final section provides advice on organic nutritional regimes under integrated farming operations making this book an ideal resource for the smallholder farmer as well as traditional and aspiring organic livestock farmers.

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Book SynopsisOrganic farming comes with many connotations of ‘natural’, ‘wholesome’, ‘healthy’, ‘superior’, ‘environmentally friendly’, and ‘sustainable’. But just what is the scientific evidence behind the claims of healthier food and better farming systems made by the organic movement? Using peer reviewed literature, the latest studies and a rigorous investigation of claims made by opponents of conventional farming, the author provides an even handed and scientifically objective review of the contributions of organic farming to human health, crop yields, the environment and agriculture from a global perspective. The aim is to separate out the marketing spin, the claims of one camp or another and political ideologies to provide a straightforward appraisal of both the benefits and exaggerated claims of organic farming. The approach taken is to present the evidence – in the form of data, study results and presentation of source material for the claims made by conventional and organic, and leave the reader to make their own judgements on the validity of the case for organic over conventional farming. The book also addresses a fundamental question in modern farming – organic agriculture’s ability to feed the world in the face of a growing population and growing demand for meat, and provides a timely scientific comparison of the practices, relative yields and benefits of organic versus conventional agriculture. The ways conventional farming has progressed from hunter gatherer days and possible future developments are discussed. Conventional and Organic Farming is an ideal book for agricultural policy makers, researchers and academics, as well as agricultural students, conventional and organic farmers.

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Book SynopsisA toolkit of 6 regenerative food growing systems which have been tried and tested. These can help farmers and growers transform industrial food production systems into resilient, biodiverse, carbon negative, productive farms and bring about an agroecological revolution. Farms and garden design for growing healthy food from living soil in low input closed loop systems. The circular food economy. The four challenges of climate change mitigation, climate adaptation, offsetting biodiversity loss and producing enough healthy food for a growing population. The author's case study of her Huxhams Cross Farm researches how depleted soil was transformed into a thriving living soil drawing on the toolkit of these 6 sustainable methods. She outlines the six main forms of sustainable food production : biodynamic, organic, permaculture, agroforestry, agroecology and regenerative farming methods. The principles and practices of each approach are explained concisely, with illustrative case studies of successful examples.There are follow up resources including articles, books, film references, and training available around the world. The book concludes with the Huxhams Cross Farm case study with hard research evidence, reviewing the extent to which the four challenges have been met and how a successful farm has been developed from bare land in 5 years. The conclusion addresses how farming can be transformed by tackling such barriers as land access for farmers, the psychology of scarcity and building farmer capacity. The key roles of food choices, policy, community supported agriculture are addressed.

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Book Synopsis"It's a great book for any first-time hen-keeper." - YOU magazineKeeping and raising chickens is fun, relaxing, and low maintenance, plus you have the added benefit of your own known source of fresh eggs. In Raising Chickens, poultry breeder Suzie Baldwin offers a practical guide to everything the beginner needs to know, from whether to buy chicks or hens, what varieties to chose, how to tell if you're buying a healthy chicken and how to ensure it stays that way, to how many chickens you should keep, and what kind of coop to buy. They also answer all the questions commonly posed by first-time owners, from whether chickens ever fly away and how quickly they will start laying, to how to prevent them being attacked by foxes and what to do when they become unwell.Previously published as Chickens

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Book SynopsisThis book will collate, review and synthesize information on how Organic Agriculture (OA) practices affect and are affected by climate change, in comparison to the more widely used conventional agricultural practices. Pros and cons of OA practices will be discussed separately for croplands, pasture lands, mixed livestock cropping systems, vegetable fields, fruit and tree orchards, and vineyards. The book concludes with an overview on how conventional and OA practices can be prudently and discriminately combined to identify and adopt climate-resilient agro-ecosystems under site-specific conditions.Table of Contents1. Introduction to Organic Agriculture 1.1. History and Current Organic Agriculture Land Use 1.2. Practices and Principles 1.3. Review Questions 2. Effects of Organic Agriculture on the Soil Carbon Stock 2.1. Basic Principles of Soil Carbon Sequestration 2.2. Soil Inorganic Carbon 2.3. Soil Organic Carbon 2.4 Net Effect of Organic Agriculture on Soil Carbon Sequestration 2.5 Review Questions 3. Organic Agriculture and Greenhouse Gas Emissions 3.1 Carbon Dioxide 3.2 Methane 3.3 Nitrous Oxide 3.4 The Hidden Carbon Cost of Organic Agriculture Practices 3.5 Review Questions 4. Biogeophysical and Biochemical Climate Effects of Organic Agriculture 4.1 Surface Albedo 4.2 Evapotranspiration 4.3 Surface Roughness 4.4 Biogenic Aerosols 4.5 Review Questions 5. Organic Agriculture, Crop Yield Responses, Indirect Land Use Changes and their Climate Effects 5.1 Regional Scale 5.2 Global Scale 5.3 Review Questions 6. Improving Conventional Agriculture by Incorporating Organic Principles to Reduce Climate Impacts 6.1 Cropping Systems 6.2 Livestock Production 6.3 Fruits and Vegetables Production 6.4 Vineyards 6.5 Review Questions 7. The Role of Organic Agriculture in the International Climate Change Policy 7.1 Regulations of Organic Agriculture Principles 7.2 Role of Agriculture in International Climate Change Policy 7.3 Review Questions 8. The Way Forward 9. Appendices

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Book SynopsisThis book provides a comprehensive overview of plant products and their applications in pest management. It includes both theoretical and practical aspects of natural pest management agents from plants, extraction of plant products, characterization and formulation, and bioassay of extracts against different pests. The book reports original research on the stability of prepared extracts and formulations in both water and organic media, making it a valuable resource for researchers and scientists in the fields of Chemical Sciences, Life Sciences, and Agricultural Sciences. This book is an essential tool for anyone working in the field of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and botanicals and natural products.

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Book SynopsisComputer applications have gained increasing importance in recent times due to the growth and development of the electronic, communication, information technology, and computer industry. The book in question has been designed to serve as a comprehensive knowledge base while also helping readers to understand the fundamentals of computer applications. Furthermore, the book explains data analysis using Ms-Excel, providing students with the opportunity to analyze their statistical research data. The book commences with an introductory chapter that covers all topics related to computers and the use of statistical tools in solving problems. The first chapter provides an overview of the anatomy, generation, and classification of computers, as well as discussing personal computers, booting, and viruses. The second chapter, titled Operating Systems, describes the disk operating system and its commands. The third chapter discusses working in Windows, while the fourth chapter describes word processing, including creating, saving, opening, and editing documents, as well as formatting options. The fifth chapter introduces Ms-Excel and explains how to create, edit, and save documents, while the sixth chapter discusses mathematical functions and their use in Excel. The seventh and eighth chapters describe the various features of data analysis using Excel, including data analysis tools, tests, graphs, and ANOVA, along with illustrated examples. The ninth chapter introduces the reader to Ms-Access database, and the tenth chapter provides an overview of the basic concepts of the internet. The eleventh chapter discusses pictures, flowcharts, and algorithms, while the twelfth chapter covers data analysis using Excel.

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Book SynopsisThis book consists of 41 chapters that address various issues, prospects, and the significance of conservation agriculture practices employed in diverse regions, with a particular emphasis on rainfed regions. We hope that this book on conservation agriculture will prove to be of great utility to researchers, scientists, students, farmers, and land managers for the purpose of efficient and sustainable natural resource management.

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Book SynopsisThis publication offers a comprehensive overview of the classification of various vegetable crops and the fundamental principles of crop management practices, including seedling management, water management, plant nutrient management, pollination management, integrated pest management (IPM) techniques, disease management, and modern production technologies for 29 important vegetable crops. The books distinctive feature is its 190 color photographs, which illustrate four critical aspects of vegetable production, namely nursery management, physiological disorders, diseases, and insect pests of different vegetable crops. This book serves as an essential resource for students, faculty members, and technical personnel in colleges and universities, commercial vegetable farms, and extension and development officers, as well as nutritionists and dieticians in the field of vegetable science. It is the latest addition to the teaching and demonstrative field, providing extensive photographic documentation to aid in understanding and application of modern vegetable production technologies.

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Book SynopsisThe following text provides an overview of a book that covers the concepts and relevance of organic agriculture in 16 chapters. The book delves into topics such as organic farming, basic information on biofertilizers, and the classification, nitrogen fixation, and Rhizobium, among others. The book is written in a simple and up-to-date manner, with statistics and data. The references for all chapters are included at the end of the book. This comprehensive textbook is suitable for scientists, teachers, research scholars, and students in both urban and rural areas. It is a valuable resource for those seeking to gain a deeper understanding of organic farming systems.

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Book SynopsisHorticulture holds a significant position within the agricultural sector and is constantly evolving to explore new avenues. The subject has expanded beyond its traditional focus on vegetables, fruits, flowers, and postharvest technology, and now encompasses areas such as disease, breeding, pathology, physiology, greenhouse technologies, and other related disciplines. The Hi-Tech Horticulture book series has been specifically designed to address these current issues, with contributions from distinguished professors and scientists.

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Book SynopsisThe book comprises of 16 chapters written by 18 distinguished experts in the field of Ornamental Horticulture. It provides comprehensive and practical information on the day-to-day aspects of applied ornamental horticulture. While it is difficult to provide universally applicable recommendations for all ornamental plants due to differences in ecological and soil conditions across climatic zones, the book presents general cultural practices such as soil and water requirements, planting techniques, fertilization, mulching, flowering season, and storage. Additionally, the book covers various aspects of gardening and landscape planning, making it an informative resource for students, city dwellers, and horticulture scholars. The book serves as a useful guide for housewives and is an indispensable reference book. The transition from conventional gardening to virtual digital gardening is acknowledged, but it is emphasized that natural gardens possess a divine quality that cannot be replicated by digital simulations.

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Book SynopsisThe global changes warranted fastness in food production system and fast foods. In tune with demand, crop production also oriented accordingly. However, the proverb Health is a Wealth is reminded us to keep vigil on system and method of food production and food safety. The ill-effect of conventional chemical based farming well documented and public realized the importance organically produced food and efforts are being made to popularize the organic production. India is a Land of Spices', each state or union territory in India cultivates one or other spice. Since spices form a part of many medicines the demand for organically produced spices is increasing considerably. Assuming a market growth of 10% in Europe, USA and Japan for organic spice products the world demand for organic spices may grow to 57000 tonnes in the next 10 yeaLarge scale use of high analysis fertilizers and pesticides result environmental hazards and imbalances in soil nutrients. Since spices are high valued and export oriented in nature it is imperative to keep the levels of pesticide residues below tolerance limits in view of the standards set by the importing countries. Hence the book on Organic Spices is timely and covers all aspects of organic spice production. The topic includes historical spice trade and importance of spices in food chain. Brief account on organic agriculture movement in the world and its present status and opportunity for organic spices in the world market are given. The chemistry and different methods of composting are included in the organic manures will be informative. Microbes play a greater role in agriculture, a separate devoted on microbes and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria would definitely enrich the reader not only that, the topics on biological control of insect pests, nematodes, fungus and bacteria of spices highlighted in separate chapters would be of interest in organic production system. The importance, composition, uses, botany and varieties, organic way of production of spices like black pepper, cardamom, ginger, turmeric, chillies and paprika, nutmeg, vanilla, seed spices like cumin, fennel, fenugreek, coriander and their harvest and post harvest processing are enumerated. The chapters on good agricultural practices (GAP) and organic certification procedures outlined for adoption. This would serve as a reference book for researchers, teachers and students besides farmers, traders and consumers.

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Book SynopsisOrganic Farming is a comprehensive resource that presents the fundamental principles and practices of organic farming. The text is organized into chapters that systematically cover the following topics: 1) the concepts and relevance of organic farming, 2) organic production requirements, 3) biological intensive nutrient management, 4) integrated pest, disease, and weed management, 5) quality control standards and certification, and 6) organic market opportunities. This book is designed to fulfill the needs of students studying agriculture in colleges and universities and serves as a standing guide for teachers to teach organic farming in the new concept of agriculture education and development.

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Book SynopsisBiotechnology is becoming increasingly prominent in the field of life sciences, providing a range of tools that can be utilized for the sustainable development of agriculture when integrated with other technologies. The application of tissue culture has been instrumental in the rapid propagation of challenging root crops and the conservation of endangered or rare medicinal plants. PCR technology has enabled researchers to better understand genotypes by fingerprinting and analyzing their genetic relationships. Additionally, genetic transformation through direct and vector-mediated gene transfer has facilitated the introduction of novel genes for desirable traits. The use of bioinformatics tools has further aided in the interpretation of complex data generated from various biological experiments. The book in question consists of 8 sessions and includes a total of 148 research articles and papers covering the topics mentioned above.

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Book SynopsisThe author endeavored to fulfill the needs and requirements of both undergraduate and postgraduate students by providing prescribed books for horticulture that focus on practical and laboratory exercises. This text aims to establish a uniform standard for the subject matter, benefiting both educators and learners in the field of horticulture.

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Book SynopsisPesticides and Plant Protection Appliances is a comprehensive manual designed for students and educators specializing in plant protection. The primary objective of this book is to impart knowledge on the rational use of pesticides in plant disease and pest management. The manual comprises 44 chapters that cover a range of topics related to pesticides and plant protection, including their definition, advantages and disadvantages, classification, registration procedures, laboratory and field evaluation methodology, pesticide resistance and its management, residues and environmental pollution, spraying technology, and need-based reduced risk pesticide use, among others. This manual will be of great use to researchers, teachers, extension specialists, and students of plant protection, as well as crop pathologists, plant protectionists, and personnel of agricultural and horticultural departments.

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Book SynopsisThe purpose of this book is to offer a comprehensive understanding of the management of pests and diseases of horticultural crops, as well as the associated soil and beneficial fauna, and the residue status of pesticides and their estimation techniques. The book is divided into four sections. The first part focuses on the practices used in pest management for horticultural crops, including the pest status of insects, mites, rodents, and diseases in fruits, vegetables, ornamentals, spices, and mushrooms, and the management of these pests. The second part discusses the various aspects of biological, cultural, and mechanical controls that are used in pest management. The third part provides an overview of recent scientific developments related to the residue status of pesticides in vegetables, fruits, and spices. The fourth and final part of the book focuses on the estimation techniques of various pesticides.

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