Sedimentology and pedology Books

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Book SynopsisThis compilation opens with an exploration of the vadose, or unsaturated zone, which is of utmost importance as the nexus between surface water and groundwater. It is the link between what happens on the surface and what happens below, inside the aquifers. As such, understanding this underground natural environment is essential for the sustainable development of society. Due to the complexities involved in considering the hysteretic response of the Soil Water Characteristic Curve and its dependency on volume changes, these two features are often ignored in numerical studies of unsaturated soils. To facilitate their use in numerical modeling, a model for the Soil Water Characteristic Curve equation based on the bounding surface concept is proposed. The authors go on to focus on the temperature distribution and water migration in unsaturated soil, which is of significant importance because these factors are related to the thermal-physical properties of soil. The changes in these properties may cause disastrous engineering problems such as the cracking of pavement, damage of structure foundation and fracture of pipelines. Lastly, the book addresses the measurement and expression of the mass chemical potential in the presence of superficial layers induced by a complex structure. By definition, the mass chemical potential of a constituent in a soil represents the variation of the internal energy of the medium when a unit mass of the constituent is transferred to a reference state with the entropy, volume and mass of the other constituents remaining constant.

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Book SynopsisAlong its existence, humans have used Earth resources in a reckless way, having little consideration for its importance, and for the future generations and their needs. Considering the complexity of this subject, and the extreme difficulty of analyzing all aspects of soil degradation, the Editors nonetheless gather here some contributions, each one addressing different soil conservation problems, strategies or methodologies, trying to add some contributions for the understanding of the overall problem of soil degradation and conservation in the world. The seven chapters that comprise this book address topics related to soil degradation and conservation strategies, presenting some cases and methodological approaches, in different parts of the world, promoting scientific research developed with the objective of contributing to a better knowledge of the problem and to help in its mitigation.Table of ContentsPreface; Soil Conservation: A General Perspective; Soil Conservation After Wildfires: Challenges, Failures, and Successes; Long Term Erosion Rates in Douro Vineyards, Portugal: Effects of Rainfall Characteristics and Plant Density; Space-Time Dynamics of Urban Water Erosive Features in Brazil: the Case of Goiania, Capital of Goiás State; A Simple Method for Conductometer Soil Respiration Measurements in Different Moisture Conditions; Spatio-Temporal Land Use and Land Cover Changes and Soil Conservation Implications. A Case Study in Todos os Santos Bay, Bahia (Brazil); Sustainability of Agricultural Settlement Projects in the Brazilian Savanna: the Example of the State of Goiás; Index.

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Book SynopsisSustaining Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Soils and Sediments brings together the world's leading ecologists, systematists, and evolutionary biologists to present scien-tific information that integrates soil and sediment disciplines across terrestrial, marine, and freshwater ecosystems. It offers a framework for a new discipline, one that will allow future scientists to consider the linkages of biodiversity below-surface, and how biota interact to provide the essential ecosystemservices needed for sustainable soils and sediments. Contributors consider key questions regarding soils and sediments and the relationship between soil, and sediment-dwelling organisms and overall ecosystem functioning. The book is an important new synthesis for scientists and researchers studying a range of topies, including global sustainability, conservation biology, taxonomy, erosion, extreme systems, food production, and related fields. In addition, it provides new insight and understanding for managers, policymakers, and others concerned with global environmental sustainability and global change issues.

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Book SynopsisSoils comprise the largest pool of terrestrial carbon and therefore are an important component of carbon storage in the biosphere-atmosphere system. Structure and Organic Matter Storage in Agricultural Soils explores the mechanisms and processes involved in the storage and sequestration of carbon in soils. Focusing on agricultural soils - from tropical to semi-arid types - this new book provides an in-depth look at structure, aggregation, and organic matter retention in world soils. The first two sections of the book introduce readers to the basic issues and scientific concepts, including soil structure, underlying mechanisms and processes, and the importance of agroecosystems as carbon regulators. The third section provides detailed discussions of soil aggregation and organic matter storage under various climates, soil types, and soil management practices. The fourth section addresses current strategies for enhancing organic matter storage in soil, modelling techniques, and measurement methods.Throughout the book, the importance of the soil structure-organic matter storage relationship is emphasized. Anyone involved in soil science, agriculture, agronomy, plant science, or greenhouse gas and global change studies should understand this relationship. Structure and Organic Matter Storage in Agricultural Soils provides an ideal source of information not only on the soil structure-storage relationship itself, but also on key research efforts and direct applications related to the storage of organic matter in agricultural soils.Table of Contents1. Introduction 2. Analysis of Soil Organic Matter Storage in Agroecosystems Mechanisms and Processes 3. Soil Architecture and Distribution of Organic Matter 4. Formation of Soil Aggregates and Accumulation of Soil Organic Matter 5. Carbon in Primary and Secondary Organomineral Complexes 6. Storage of Soil Carbon in the Light Fraction and Macroorganic Matter Impact of Climate, Soil Type, and Management 7. Aggregation and Organic Matter Storage in Cool, Humid Agricultural Soils 8. Aggregation and Organic Matter Storage in Meso-Thermal, Humid Soils 9. Aggregation and Organic Matter Storage in Sub-Humid and Semi-Arid Soils 10. Aggregation and Organic Matter Storage in Kaolinitic and Smectitic Tropical Soils 11. Organic Carbon Storage in Tropical Hydromorphic Soils Assessment of Soil Organic Matter Storage 12. Conservation Strategies for Improving Soil Quality and Organic Matter Storage 13. Models to Evaluate Soil Organic Matter Storage and Dynamics 14. Methods to Characterize and Quantify Organic Matter Storage in Soil Fractions and Aggregates

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Book SynopsisSoil bioventing is one of the most popular modern techniques for removing contaminants from soil. It has recently emerged as one of the most cost-effective and efficient technologies available for vadose zone remediation of petroleum-contaminated sites. This book explains in practical terms how to carry out a bioventing program. It is an interdisciplinary treatment of the subject, covering everything from basic physical and chemical properties of soils to site evaluation, project design, and post-bioventing monitoring.The wide breadth of coverage makes Soil Bioventing useful to a large audience, including consulting firms, students, contractors, environmental managers, and anyone who is responsible for supervision of soil cleanup for regulatory reasons.Table of ContentsIntroduction. Development of Bioventing. Principles of Bioventing. Case Histories of Early Bioventing Studies. Bioventing Implementation: Site Characterization Activities. Bioventing Implementation: System Design. Bioventing Implementation: Performance Monitoring. Bioventing Implementation: Process Evaluation/Site Closure. Costs. References. Appendices. Index. Back Cover Copy (Already done--book already printed)NTI/Sales Copy

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Book SynopsisThe hydrological and geochemical interactions between clay minerals and organic matter in soils directly influence the reaction, behavior, and mobility of heavy metals in soils. Geochemical and Hydrological Reactivity of Heavy Metals in Soils is one of few books that comprehensively illustrates this cause-and-effect relationship. It highlights analytical techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and environmental electron microscopy and reveals how molecular-level modeling is used to remove metal contaminants from the environment. It is thus a practical guide for soil and groundwater scientists, ecologists, and government regulators.Table of ContentsThe hydrological and geochemical interactions between clay minerals and organic matter in soils directly influence the reaction, behavior, and mobility of heavy metals in soils. Geochemical and Hydrological Reactivity of Heavy Metals in Soils is one of only a few books that comprehensively illustrates this cause-and-effect relationship. It highlights analytical techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and environmental electron microscopy and reveals how molecular-level modeling is used to remove metal contaminants from the environment. It is thus a practical guide for soil and groundwater scientists, ecologists, and government regulators.

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Book SynopsisThis report assesses the potential of U.S. cropland to sequester carbon, concluding that properly applied soil restorative processes and best management practices can help mitigate the greenhouse effect by decreasing the emissions of greenhouse gases from U.S. agricultural activities and by making U.S. cropland a major sink for carbon sequestration.Topics include:Describe the greenhouse processes and global tends in emissions as well as the three principal components of anthropogenic global warming potential Present data on U.S. emissions and agriculture's related role Examines the soil organic carbon (SOC) pool in soils of the U.S. and its loss due to cultivation Provides a reference for the magnitude of carbon sequestration potential Analyzes the primary processes governing greenhouse gas emission from the pedosphere Establishes a link between SOC content and soil quality Outlines strategies for mitigating emissions from U.S. cropland Discusses soil erosion management Assesses the potential of using cropland to create biomass for direct fuel to produce power Details the potential for sequestering carbon by intensifying prime agricultural landThe Potential of U.S. Cropland to Sequester Carbon and Mitigate the Greenhouse Effect provides an exceptional framework for the adoption of science-based management methods on U.S. cropland, encouraging appropriate agricultural practices for the sustainable use of our natural resources and the improvement of our nation's environment.Trade ReviewMark Powell, Forestry and Natural Resource Management Unit, Winrock International, Morritlon, ArkansasTable of ContentsObjectivesBasic ProcessesThe Greenhouse ProcessGlobal Trends in Greenhouse Gas EmissionsThe Role of Agriculture in U.S. Emissions of Three GHGsThe SOC Pool in U.S. Soils and SOC Loss from CultivationProcesses in Governing Emissions from the PedospherePlant ActionSoil ProcessesSoil QualityStrategies for Mitigating Emissions from CroplandU.S. CroplandSustainable Management StudiesSoil Erosion ManagementLand Conversion and RestorationConversion of Marginal LandRestoration of Degraded SoilsBiofuels for Offsetting Fossil FuelIntensification of Prime Agricultural LandConservation Tillage and Residue ManagementIrrigation Water ManagementImproved Cropping SystemsThe Carbon Sequestration Potential of Arable LandU.S. Cropland's Overall Potential to Mitigate the Greenhouse EffectTechniques for SequestrationRates of SOC SequestrationPossible Implementation ObstaclesRequired ActionConclusions - The Win-Win StrategyAgricultural Profits from Environmental ImprovementsSOC's Monetary ValueSOC's Environmental ValueGlobal PotentialAppendix 1: DefinitionsAppendix 2: Researchable Topics

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Book SynopsisThis book is an essential knowledge base for both ecological restoration and management. Although tropical lakes are not identical, and therefore require individually developed and restoration and management practices; there are general principles in both restoration and management that can be derived from the case histories in this book and the limnological literature in general.Table of ContentsAbiotic Environment: A Habitat-based Approach to Catchment Assessment and Sustainable Development in East African Freshwater Systems; Surface Water Quality and Sediment Characteristics of the Eutrophic Husainsagar Lake in Twin Cities of Hyderabad - Secunderbad, India; Phosphorus and Eutrophication in a Subtropical Lake Basin: Lake Chapala-Mexico; Detergents and Eutrophication in Temperate Lakes: Relevance to Tropical Aquatic Lake Environments with Reference to India; Natural Eutophication of a Shallow Tropical Freshwater Lake: Impact and Possible Restoration Strategy Biotic Environment: The Impact of Eutrophication on Lake Chivero, Zimbabwe: A Tropical African Reservoir; Invasive Aquatic Weeds and Eutrophication: The Case of Water Hyacinth in Lake Victoria; Phytoplankton Characteristics, Trophic Evolution and Nutrient Dynamics in an Urban Eutrophic Lake: Kandy Lake in Sri Lanka; The Importance of Nutrient Input, Invertebrate Predation and Oxygen Deficit Governing the Temporal and Spatial Distribution of Plankton Community in Tropical Reservoirs; Eutrophication and its Influences on the Fish Fauna of Lake Victoria Restoration and Management: Lake Restoration and Biomanipulation in Temperate Lakes: Relevance for Subtropical and Tropical Lakes; Using Biomanipulation to Control Eutrophication in a Shallow Tropical Urban Reservoir (Lago Paranoa, Brazil); Water Quality Amelioration in an Urban Eutrophic Lake by Preventing Inflow of Municipal Sewage - A Case Study: Husainsagar Lake (Hyderabad, India); Restoration of Tropical Urban Lakes - Case Study: Lake Pampulha, Brazil; Dianchi Lake - A Hypereutophic Lake in China

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Book SynopsisOrganisms, both aquatic and terrestrial, are sources of a wide variety of substances, many of which have already been shown to be bioactive. They play a wide variety of physiological and environmental roles. These chemicals include a broad array of proteins, lipids, and polysaccharides. Many of these natural products find applications in industry, agriculture, and medicine. The emphasis of study now is on testing and the development of new applications to solve medical and environmental problems, among others. This volume explores ongoing efforts to develop these natural products into commercially viable materials that will contribute to solving, especially, health and environmental problems worldwide. Among the chapters in this volume are ones that deal with the use of compounds from plants to treat Alzheimer?s disease, the antimicrobial activity of terpenes from African plants, antioxidant compounds from plants, antiangiogenic compounds from marine invertebrates, bioactive natural products from marine fungiTable of ContentsUse of Plants for Management of Alzheimer‘s Disease; Antiviral Activity of Sulfated Polysaccharides of Marine Red Algae; Anti-Inflammatory and Antiallergic Properties of Triterpenoids from Plants; Antioxidant Compounds Extracted from Several Plant Materials; Antimicrobial Activity of Terpenes Isolated from African Plants; Antimalarial and Antifungal Alkaloids from Plants; Anticancer Compounds from Higher Plants; Biologically Active Natural Products from Marine Fungi; Antioxidant Metabolites from Marine Derived Fungi; Antiangiogenic Compounds from Marine Invertebrates; Biologically Active Terpenoids from Sponges; Bioactive Polyacetylenic Compounds from Marine Sponges; Bioactive Natual Products from Nudibranchs; Barnacle Underwater Adhesive: Complexity from Multi-Functionality in a Multi-Protein Complex; Secondary Metabolites of Biological Significance from Echinoderms

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Book SynopsisIn Cows Save the Planet, journalist Judith D. Schwartz looks at soil as a crucible for our many overlapping environmental, economic, and social crises. Schwartz reveals that for many of these problems—climate change, desertification, biodiversity loss, droughts, floods, wildfires, rural poverty, malnutrition, and obesity—there are positive, alternative scenarios to the degradation and devastation we face. In each case, our ability to turn these crises into opportunities depends on how we treat the soil. Drawing on the work of thinkers and doers, renegade scientists and institutional whistleblowers from around the world, Schwartz challenges much of the conventional thinking about global warming and other problems. For example, land can suffer from undergrazing as well as overgrazing, since certain landscapes, such as grasslands, require the disturbance from livestock to thrive. Regarding climate, when we focus on carbon dioxide, we neglect the central role of water in soil—"green water"—in temperature regulation. And much of the carbon dioxide that burdens the atmosphere is not the result of fuel emissions, but from agriculture; returning carbon to the soil not only reduces carbon dioxide levels but also enhances soil fertility. Cows Save the Planet is at once a primer on soil's pivotal role in our ecology and economy, a call to action, and an antidote to the despair that environmental news so often leaves us with.Trade ReviewPermaculture- Cows Save The Planet is a wonderfully comprehensive book, challenging some of the current popular theory relating to climate change and the mending of our damaged planet. Judith D.Schwartz has travelled to meet and interview an impressive mix of people, some well known names from around the world (Allan Savory, Christine Jones for example), and many who I have never heard of prior to reading her book. All, however, in some way, are undertaking a wealth of inspirational and essential work relating to healing the world's soil. At its core, Schwartz's work provides us with solutions and hope, for spiraling environmental and social destruction, through the rehabilitation of the earth beneath our feet. Each chapter of the book is a work in itself but there is also a natural flow and progression in the writing as Schwartz invites us to witness her journey, addressing climate change, loss of biodiversity, desertification, droughts, floods and human health. The new thinking and new understanding you gain from reading and then rereading Schwartz's work gives us motivation and determination to want to make some very real positive changes in our communities and lands. I can recommend it to all.""Here's a secret climate-change activists and energy-efficiency and renewable-energy promoters neglect: Nature is designed to be self-healing, and her most profound 'tool' is photosynthesis. 'Free' sunlight is the best energy source to extract carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, while also producing organic matter and oxygen—and a by-product is healthier soil, forests, wetlands, and ecosystems. When politicians, policy leaders, and activists get serious about cost-effective solutions to climate change, then a top priority will be ecological restoration to harvest and store carbon naturally, and Judith Schwartz's new book will provide a destination and map."--Will Raap, founder, Gardener's Supply and Intervale CenterForeWord Reviews- "Could it really be this easy? Improve soil fertility, preserve biodiversity, reduce obesity, and halt climate change by having more cows graze more land to help 'fix' more carbon into the soil? Well, solving the world’s problems may not be quite that easy, but journalist Judith Schwartz raises these and many equally intriguing questions in Cows Save the Planet: And Other Improbable Ways of Restoring Soil to Heal the Earth. Her book focuses on sustaining and improving the quality of soil, as well as the economic, environmental, and societal benefits we could realize by making that change. Around the globe, topsoil is lost at an alarming rate: up to 40 times faster than we’re generating it (in China and India, particularly). The consequences include a rapid increase in deserts, droughts, floods, and wildfires, not to mention a loss in the fertility of soil and the nutritional quality of food. The losses occur rapidly, but the solutions can work almost as quickly. The soil can be rebuilt from the bottom up, and nature can heal itself with surprising efficiency. For instance, undergrazing can damage the soil as much as overgrazing. study the historical movements of herds of grazing animals over the grasslands and plains of much of the globe, and adjust livestock and land management principles accordingly, the author suggests. Allow for the organic material, natural microbes, and insect life that facilitate plant diversity and soil enrichment. The resulting impact will be far-reaching and transformational on the land, climate, and crops. Schwartz refers frequently to the holistic management principles outlined by agriculturist Allan Savory, views that some consider controversial. Schwartz does not attempt to bridge the gap between these holistic ideals and current practices in the industrial food complex but instead grounds her view in narratives of earnest farmers and ranchers from Australia to Vermont who put these soil management principles into practice. A journalist who has written on marriage, therapy, and other diverse topics, Schwartz tackles complex topics such as the chemistry of the carbon cycle and photosynthesis and counters the myths about cows and methane with an accessible, conversational voice. Her study is lucid, enlightening, and often surprising. It is also an enjoyable, compelling read that will appeal to a wide audience, offering hopeful and creative solutions to some of the most daunting questions of our day."Booklist- "The earth beneath our feet is something most of us acknowledge is important for raising crops and nourishing lawns, yet few of us realize just how vital it is to our planet's overall health. Inviting readers to roll up their pant legs and wade with her into the dirt, veteran journalist [Judith] Schwartz reveals a wealth of detail about soil's beneficial properties and presents a compelling case that proper soil management can end escalating worldwide desertification and slow, or even arrest, global warming. While these assertions may sound surprising, Schwartz collects abundant testimony from leading-edge soil scientists and activists, such as noted Zimbabwe biologist and rancher Allan Savory, whose sophisticated sheep- and cow-herding methods in several countries have completely restored arid grasslands in less than a decade. She also highlights evidence from little-known studies demonstrating that soil restoration techniques can sequester about a billion tons of atmospheric carbon per year, potentially neutralizing damaging greenhouse gases. A well-written and persuasive manifesto for healing earth's environmental woes with one of its most underappreciated resources."“Judith Schwartz’s book gives us not just hope but also a sense that we humans—serial destroyers that we are—can actually turn the climate crisis around. This amazing book, wide-reaching in its research, offers nothing less than solutions for healing the planet.”--Gretel Ehrlich, from the foreword“Judith Schwartz takes a fascinating look at the world right beneath our feet. Cows Save the Planet is a surprising, informative, and ultimately hopeful book.”--Elizabeth Kolbert, author of Field Notes from a Catastrophe: Man, Nature, and Climate Change“In Cows Save the Planet, Judith Schwartz takes us on a fascinating, John McPhee-style journey into the world of soil rehabilitation. The eclectic group of farmers, ranchers, researchers, and environmentalists she visits have one thing in common: they all believe in the importance of organic matter in the soil for solving our most pressing environmental issues. Some of the innovative techniques they use to increase the vitality of their soil include no-tillage, using deep-rooted perennial grasses, cover crops, mulching, and, surprisingly, grazing large herds of animals according to a program called 'holistic management.' Imagine, a book about soil that’s a real page turner!”--Larry Korn, editor of The One-Straw Revolution and Sowing Seeds in the Desert, by Masanobu Fukuoka“Judith Schwartz reminds us that sustainable range management is as much about the microbes in the soil and their feedback loops with cattle as it is about the cattle themselves. When I finally go home on the range to be composted, I want to be part of the miraculous cycle of rangeland renewal that is managed in the way that Schwartz describes so well.”--Gary Nabhan, author of Desert Terroir, Kellogg Endowed Chair in Sustainable Food Systems, University of Arizona

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Book SynopsisEarthworms are widely used to assess the bioavailability and deleterious effects of metals in contaminated soils. This book discusses some of the direct and indirect methods that have recently been used to determine the ligand-binding speciation and the extent of the toxicologically-important bio-reactive metal and metalloid fractions in the cells of earthworms as receptor organisms. It proceeds to describe suites of cell-based biomarkers (e.g. morphometrics; neutral red retention time and immuno-competence assays), and their variants, that are more-or-less widely used for reporting chemically-evoked stress in earthworms under laboratory, semi-field, and field exposure conditions. NMR-based metabonomic profiling of the tissues of stressed earthworms is reviewed, and the potential of infra-red microspectroscopy for determining the biochemical profiles of specific cells in different functional states is highlighted. The way that the rapidly expanding genomic database is beginning to inform and propel research designed to further understanding of the fundamental mechanisms underpinning metal trafficking and toxicosis at the level of cells, partly through the provision of immuno-histochemical and in situ hybridisation ''tools'', is discussed. The book concludes with the prediction that the future will see the adoption of high-throughput cellular, as well as molecular-genetic, biomarker techniques in earthworm ecotoxicology, possibly with parallel metal fractionation measurements done as a desirable component of experimental design.

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Book SynopsisMuch recent archaeological research focuses on social forces as the impetus for cultural change. This book, however, focuses on the complex relationship between human populations and the physical environment, particularly the land -- the foundation of agricultural production and, by extension, of agricultural peoples. The volume traces the origins of agriculture, the transition to agrarian societies, the socio-cultural implications of agriculture, agriculture's effects on population, and the theory of carrying capacity, considering the relation of agriculture to the profound social changes that it wrought in the New World. Soil science plays a significant, though varied, role in each case study, and is the common component of each analysis. Soil chemistry is also of particular importance to several of the studies, as it determines the amount of food that can be produced in a particular soil and the effects of occupation or cultivation on that soil, thus having consequences for future cultivators. The book demonstrates that renewed investigation of agricultural production and demography can answer questions about the past, as well as stimulate further research. It will be of interest to scholars of archaeology, historical ecology and geography, and agricultural history.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents an overview of plant physiology and the routes of contaminant uptake as well as the potential benefits and limitations of using soil amendments to enhance phytoextraction. While amendments can offer some benefits for contaminant removal from soil, their influence is often dependent on factors such as site conditions, contaminants present and plant species involved. Implementation of phytoremediation technologies, as with other remediation approaches, remains site-specific and therefore requires an understanding of these factors.

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Book SynopsisConcentrations (clarkes) of chemical elements in different components of the environment are indicative of the redistribution of the elements between the main spheres of the planet. Regional clarkes of chemical elements attest to the geochemical diversity of these spheres. The global ecological role of soil is that it, being a product of interaction between biotic and abiotic components of the environment, exerts its own considerable influence on them. This general statement acquires special significance under conditions of constantly growing technogenic impacts on the environment, including the hazardous chemical pollution. Furthermore, the real interaction between chemical elements in all the components of the biosphere is executed by various groups of chemical compounds specific for each of the components of the environment. In this context, the compounds of chemical elements in soils attract special attention.

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Book SynopsisJournalist and bestselling author Kristin Ohlson makes an elegantly argued, passionate case for "our great green hope"—a way in which we can not only heal the land but also turn atmospheric carbon into beneficial soil carbon—and potentially reverse global warming.Thousands of years of poor farming and ranching practices—and, especially, modern industrial agriculture—have led to the loss of up to 80 percent of carbon from the world''s soils. That carbon is now floating in the atmosphere, and even if we stopped using fossil fuels today, it would continue warming the planet. As the granddaughter of farmers and the daughter of avid gardeners, Ohlson has long had an appreciation for the soil. A chance conversation with a local chef led her to the crossroads of science, farming, food, and environmentalism and the discovery of the only significant way to remove carbon dioxide from the air—an ecological approach that tends not only to plants and animals but also to the vast population of underground microorganisms that fix carbon in the soil. Ohlson introduces the visionaries—scientists, farmers, ranchers, and landscapers—who are figuring out in the lab and on the ground how to build healthy soil, which solves myriad problems: drought, erosion, air and water pollution, and food quality, as well as climate change. Her discoveries and vivid storytelling will revolutionize the way we think about our food, our landscapes, our plants, and our relationship to Earth.

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Book SynopsisSoil nutrients are among the most important factors affecting plant growth and yield production as well as the environment. They are subjected to variations by different parameters such as climate, soil and plant. This book presents the effects of different parameters on soil nutrients by researchers and scientists from across the globe. The materials are suitable for students, researchers and scientists. A broad range of topics related to soil nutrients is covered in this book.

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Book SynopsisDegradation of soil and water resources due to food and fibre production has been a concern for centuries in all societies on this planet. While some geographical regions of the world have experienced higher rates of degradation than others due to topography, rainfall, and level of technological development, societies in all regions of the globe have experienced reduced socio-economic viability due to soil displacement on agricultural land. Soil erosion frequently results in reduced productivity of crop land which contributes to loss of future farm income, decline in land value, and reduced output of food and fibre. This book presents and discusses the concerns and strategies being put into place in regards to soil and water conservation on a global level.

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Book SynopsisIn this book, the authors present current research in the study of the sedimentology, geographical distribution and economic importance of carbonates. Topics discussed in this compilation include the alternative procedures for the synthesis of linear carbonates from alcohol and carbon dioxide; functional polymers based on carbonates obtained from CO2; an experiment using soil micromorphology and image analysis for physical redistribution of calcium carbonate in soil pore systems; and the types of petroleum reservoirs in carbonate sediments of the Russian Basin.

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Book SynopsisSoil nutrients are among the most important factors affecting plant growth and yield production as well as the environment. They are subjected to variations by different parameters such as climate, soil and plant. This book presents the effects of different parameters on soil nutrients by researchers and scientists from across the globe. The materials are suitable for students, researchers and scientists. A broad range of topics related to soil nutrients is covered in this book.

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Book SynopsisCarbon, a major constituent of structural and energy-releasing organic molecules, is essential to life. A substantial amount of C found in soils is available as soluble organic molecules (SOM) or particulate organic matter (POM) derived from plant primary production. Available atmospheric C as CO2, used by plants during photosynthesis, is part of a larger biogeochemical cycle, including the cyclic release of CO2 by respiration in living organisms and its fixation through photosynthesis. Carbon also is fixed through biological calcification and is eventually bound in carbonate-containing rocks, especially in aquatic and marine environments. This book focuses mainly on soil carbon and its environmental benefits.

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Book SynopsisThis book is a compilation of information on airborne microalgae and cyanobacteria. This includes a survey of the literature, biology and ecology of airborne algae, mechanisms involved in their aerosolisation, the role of environmental factors in shaping the structure and composition of aero-algal communities, and information on methodological approaches used to study airborne algae. It also discusses the importance of airborne algae, including their ecological significance, as well as the role they could play in estimating the diversity and biogeography of different microalgal groups. Studies have shown that airborne algae may act as allergens. Since many reported airborne algae are known to produce toxins, they could also therefore be responsible for certain toxicoses. The book is intended to rejuvenate the academia''s interest in the above aspects of this fascinating group of microbes.

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Book SynopsisThe book Microbes in Soil and Their Agricultural Prospects is a collection of advantageous, informative, simulative and holistic viewpoints presenting basic and applied aspects of microbial functioning in soil. This book covers physiological, biochemical and molecular mechanisms of microbiomes pertaining to the production of available nitrogen (nitrogen fixation), phosphorus (P mobilization) and plant-growth promoting hormones for adaptation in agricultural soil. Responses between microbiomes and plants (known as plant-microbe interaction) corresponding to signal molecules and plant reactions to bacterial quorum sensing have been intricately presented as well. This book covers most of the agriculturally important microbes (Bacteria, Frankia, Burkholederia, Cyanobacteria, Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, Bacteriophages, Trichoderma). It addresses various issues in agricultural practices to make it more understandable for various levels of academia. Analysis of microbial diversity and advances in development of microbial fertilizers have also been incorporated to introduce young researchers with biofertilizer. This expert compilation of data analyzes most of the microorganisms supporting soil fertility and crop productivity that is of significant value for sustainable agronomic practices. It is invaluable not only for experienced scientists, research leaders, and agriculturalists, but also undergraduate, postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers beginning their careers. Each chapter in this book has been a contribution from a qualified teachers or researchers of multiple expertise. The chapters are concentrated on microbial metabolism and its agricultural prospects. Concerted efforts have been made to make a quality compilation and presentation of microbiomes in soil. A lot of common queries and practices have been addressed to make it more interesting as well. Microbes in Soil and Their Agricultural Prospects will certainly serve as an invaluable, suitable and sustainable resource for students, teachers, and various scientists interested in sustainable agricultural practices for production of healthy foods.

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Book SynopsisNatural ecosystems provide the basic conditions without which humanity could not survive. Goods and services provided by ecosystems include, for example, provisions of food, fibre and fuel, purification of water and air, cultural and aesthetic benefits, stabilisation and moderation of the Earth''s climate, generation and renewal of soil fertility, including nutrient cycling or maintenance of genetic resources as key inputs to crop varieties and livestock breeds, medicines, and other products. However, the ability of natural ecosystems to continue performing these services is seriously threatened since the diversity of plant species and soil are being seriously deteriorated and, in some cases, destroyed. Various studies worldwide have shown that soils do not support intensive annual plant cultivation without fertiliser applications, and even these may not maintain sustainability. Inappropriate silvicultural operations (or the use of land for intensive agricultural purposes) is one of the main causes of soil degradation, and there is therefore worldwide interest in quantifying the loss of soil quality generated by incorrect agricultural operations or forest management practices. This can only happen if people have the right information, skills, and organisations for understanding and dealing with soil and plant diversity issues. The book shows different studies and research works on the topic of soil management, such us soil degradation, microbiological soil properties, bio-fertiliser soil applications, water dynamics in soil profile, soil erosion and sustainability of soils among others. Transferring information and knowledge within the society is crucial for fighting soil management and soil deterioration. In addition, promoting the sustainable use of soil quality will be of growing importance for maintaining society and biodiversity in the years and decades to come.

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Book SynopsisHealthy soil is key to sustaining life on Earth. While more and more people are starting to see the need for soil restoration, there is very little understanding of just how it can be accomplished. There is a rapidly emerging demand for a “how to” manual for soil restoration. Dale Strickler is an expert on building healthy soil and restoring degraded soil, and in The Complete Guide to Restoring Your Soil, he presents the science of soil, along with proven methods of restoring depleted soil and agricultural practices from around the world that continue to build soil, rather than cause it to deteriorate. Strickler provides a solid foundation in the science of healthy soil, explaining how soil has become so degraded over time and the dire consequences for the human species, not just in terms of food scarcity but also the social, health, and environmental consequences of growing food in poor soil. He addresses the chemical, physical, and biological principles behind soil function, and presents actual farming practices that can be used to regenerate soil, techniques and strategies for remediating contaminated soil, and agriculture systems both past and present that functioned to build soil, such as the ancient chinampas systems of Mexico and the permaculture systems of today.

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Book SynopsisAbiotic stresses are known to adversely impact agricultural productivity on millions of hectares globally, and it is projected that these problems are likely to increase, primarily due to anthropogenic interventions as well as climatic changes. Understanding abiotic stresses—especially salt stress on soil—calls for an interdisciplinary approach because salt-stressed soils need hydro-technical, chemical, and agronomic interventions as well as an understanding of plant response when exposed to these stresses. This volume explores and conveys the latest information on emerging technologies in the management of abiotic salt stress and their field applications. It brings together experts from various fields (academia, technology, and engineering) to provide the latest information and knowledge on this important challenge.Trade Review"A welcome addition to the literature. It presents a holistic interdisciplinary approach to resolve these global problems of irrigated and dry land regions."—Dr. Ashwani Kumar, Former Director, Directorate of Water Management, (Now ICAR- Indian Institute of Water Management), India "In the context of 800 million people remaining hungry currently, to feed 9.7 billion people in 2050 will be a real challenge. While some respite is foreseen through management of land and water resources, reclamation of degraded land and water resources provides an opportunity that needs to be unlocked. This volume presents some interdisciplinary keys to unlock the potential of salt affected saline/sodic soils for higher productivity."—Dr. C. L. Acharya, Former Director, ICAR- Indian Institute of Soil Science, Table of ContentsNomenclature and Reclamation of Sodic (Alkali) Soils Using Gypsum: A Review on Historical Perspective. Soil Salinity Management in Fruit Crops: A Review on Options and Challenges. Role of Conservation Agriculture in Mitigating Soil Salinity in the Indo-Gangetic Plains of India. Physiological and Biochemical Changes in Plants under Soil Salinity Stress: A Review. Biochemical, Physiological and Molecular Approaches for Improving Salt Tolerance in Crop Plants: A Review. Genomics Technologies for Improving Salt Tolerance in Wheat. Morpho-Biochemical and Molecular Markers for Screening and Assessing Plant Response to Salinity. Plants under Waterlogged Conditions: An Overview. Potential and Role of Halophytes Crops in Saline Environments. Approaches for Enhancing Salt Tolerance in Seed Spices.

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Book SynopsisA significant crop in our global society, rice is a staple food product for over half of the world’s population. New technologies are being researched and utilized for increasing the overall production of strong rice crops throughout the world. This book focuses on the new areas of research on the most recent biotechnological and molecular techniques to aid in this endeavor. The researchers who have contributed to this compendium are international leaders in their respective fields. The original research included in the volume is strengthened through the addition of surveys, reviews, success stories, and other aspects that impact the global agricultural industry.Table of ContentsEmerging Trends of A20/AN1 Zinc-Finger Proteins in Improving Rice Productivity Under Abiotic Stress. Potent Avenues for Conferring Salinity Tolerance in Rice. Salt Stress Responses of Glycophytic Rice and Halophytic Rice: Physiological, Biochemical and Molecular Aspects. Technological Development for Abiotic Stress (AbS) in Rice. Assessment of Aromatic Content and In-Vitro Responses in Traditional Indian Rice Varieties. Biochemical Evaluation of Irrigated Flooded Transplanted and Aerobic Rice (Oryza sativa L.): A Review. Agrobacterium-Mediated Genetic Transformation Practices for Improvement of Rice Quality and Production. Molecular Markers and Marker Assisted Selection (MAS) Towards Yield and Quality Improvement in Rice. The CRISPR/Cas Genome Editing System and Its Application in Rice Improvement. Role of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology as Molecular Advance Tool and Trend in Quality Improvement of Rice Crop. Association Mapping in Rice: High Resolution Mapping Technique for Complex Traits.

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Book SynopsisFrom the author of the bestselling Waterfalls of Nova Scotia.Benoit Lalonde travels to the bountiful sights of Nova Scotia’s most fabled island in Waterfalls of Cape Breton Island.What Cape Breton Island lacks in size, it makes up for in the number, diversity, and sheer drama of its waterfalls. Bringing together one hundred of the Island’s greatest waterfalls and hidden gems from the Fleur de Lys, Marconi, Bras d’Or Ceilidh, and Cabot trails, this new guide explores iconic and little-known falls from all parts of the Island, including Uisge Bàn Falls and the tallest waterfall in Nova Scotia, Rocky Brook Falls. And yes, each entry includes useful information on the hiking distance to each waterfall, the best seasons to visit, the source, and the height of the fall itself.Complimented by gorgeous colour photographs, full-colour maps, and bonus features, Waterfalls of Cape Breton Island is an invaluable reference for explorers and outdoor enthusiasts.

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Book SynopsisThis book aims to give detailed information on various instruments, techniques and experiment protocols of microbiology and soil biology. The beauty of this book as it comprises chapters for the beginner’s viz. basic microbiological techniques and media preparation for biologists as well as the incorporation of advanced techniques for post graduate and research scholars. This laboratory manual gives a comprehensive idea about the various instruments, their working, troubleshooting and their applications based on student’s feedback, teacher’s input and authors own experiences of 14 years of teaching and research.

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Book SynopsisThis new book, Sustainable Practices in Surface and Subsurface Micro Irrigation, offers a vast amount of knowledge and techniques necessary to develop and manage a drip/trickle or micro irrigation system. The information covered has worldwide applicability to irrigation management in agriculture. Focusing on both subsurface and surface micro irrigation, chapters in the book cover a variety of new research and information on:• Irrigation water requirements for tanier, vegetables, bananas, plantains, beans, and papaya• Irrigating different types of soils, including sandy soils, wet soils, and mollisols• New applications for micro irrigation using existing technology, such as meteorological instruments and MicroCAD• Meteorological instruments for water managementTable of ContentsForeword by Gajendra Singh. Foreword by Miguel Muñoz Muñoz. Foreword by R K Sivanappan. Foreword by Marvin J Jensen. Preface. Part I: Subsurface Micro Irrigation. Wetting Pattern Simulation of Subsurface Micro Irrigation: Part I, Model Development. Wetting Pattern Simulation of Subsurface Micro Irrigation: Part II, Model Validation. Micro Irrigation in Egyptian Sandy Soil: Hydraulic Barrier Technique. Micro irrigation Design using MicroCAD. Part II: Micro Irrigation Research Advances and Applications. Sustainable Subsurface Drip Irrigation in Australia: Vegetables. Mechanics of Clogging in Sustainable Micro Irrigation System. Water Movement in Drip Irrigated Sandy Soils. Crop Coefficients: Sustainable Trickle Irrigated Common Beans. Water Requirements for Papaya on a Mollisol Soil. Water Requirements for Tanier (Xanthosoma spp.). Water Requirements for Tanier (Xanthosoma spp.) on a Mollisol Soil. Water Requirements for Banana on a Mollisol Soil. Water Requirements for Banana on an Oxisol Soil. Water Requirements for Plantains on a Mollisol Soil. Sustainable Drip Irrigation Management: Plantain and Banana. Biometric Response of Eggplant under Sustainable Micro Irrigation with Municipal Wastewater. Appendixes. Index.

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Book SynopsisThe depletion of land resources is one of the greatest challenges for mankind in this millennium. Shrinking land resources, weather aberrations, deterioration of land quality, and the globalization and liberalization of market economies have become intertwined to influence the sustainable management of land resources and land use plans. This important volume, Sustainable Management of Land Resources: An Indian Perspective, addresses these challenges. This comprehensive volume, covering important research, much of it gathered with the use of new technology, tools, and applications, is organized into four sections: (add bullets) land resource inventory and characterization geospatial technologies in land resource mapping and management soil nutrient status and management land use planning and livelihood security The volume looks at how scientists translate their knowledge and experience in sustainable land resources and management into implementable policy decisions, with a particular focus on India. Since India is an agrarian economy, the land resources assume a very critical role affecting the livelihood of a vast majority of populace in the country. The information gathered—and the methods by which it is gathered—is applicable globally. This comprehensive publication will be highly useful for the researchers, academicians, extension workers, policymakers, planners, officials of land resources survey, planning and management institutions/agencies/departments, and others. Trade Review"Grouped into four sections, namely land resource inventory and characterization; geospatial technologies in land resource mapping and management; soil nutrient status and management; and land use planning and livelihood security. I appreciate and congratulate the editors of the volume for this excellent achievement. . . . Extremely valuable for students, researchers, planners and policymakers. . . . Highly beneficial for the better understanding of the land resources and to formulate future research, development, and extension programs in optimizing land resources for sustainable agricultural land use planning."—From the Foreword by Alok K. Sikka, Deputy Director General (NRM), Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR), New Delhi, India"First of its kind. Edited by eminent scholars in their respective fields, the volume’s main thrust is the sustainable management of natural resources by employing the latest techniques. It is very interesting to link the nutrient status with managerial skills for livelihood security. Moreover, now with the fast-changing global scenario, the geospatial techniques will help to generate data more quickly and accurately for land resource mapping and management, which is amply documented and effectively explained. This publication of high academic caliber definitely will be of immense use for teachers, research scholars, students and planners."—Dr. G. S. Sidhu, Former National Consultant, Soil Health Card Programme, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, New Delhi, and Former Head & Principal Scientist, ICAR-National Bureau of Soil Survey & Land Use Planning, Regional Centre Delhi, IndiaTable of ContentsLand Resource Inventory, Mapping and Management: An Indian Perspective. Soil Management and Land Use Planning: An Indian Perspective. Land Resource Inventory and Evaluation for Agricultural Land Use Planning in Semi-Arid Ecosystem of Western India. Characterization and Classification of Soils of Purna Valley in Semi-Arid Regions of Central India. Evaluation of Shrink-Swell Soils in Semi-Arid Regions of Central India for Soil Resource Management and Sustainable Agriculture. Mapping and Characterization of Salt Affected Soils for Reclamation and Management: A Case Study from the Trans-Gangetic Plain of India. Characterization of Coastal Soils for Enhancement of Productivity and Livelihood Security: A Case Study from the Coastal Plains of West Bengal, India. Assessment of Land Degradation Vulnerability: A Case Study from Part of Western Ghats and West Coast of India. Major and Trace Element Geochemistry in Ferruginous Soils Developed Under Hot Humid Malabar Region, India. Geospatial Tools and Techniques in Land Resource Inventory. Morphometric Analysis Using GIS Techniques: A Case Study from Basaltic Terrain of Central India. Digital Terrain Analysis and Geomorhological Mapping Using Remote Sensing and GIS: A Case Study from Central India. Time Series Satellite Data and GIS for Crop Acreage Estimation: A Case Study from Central India. Assessment of Gross Primary Productivity in Semi Arid Agricultural Region of Central India Using Temporal Modis Data. Land Suitability Evaluation for Soybean Using Temporal Satellite Data and GIS: A Case Study from Central India. Geospatial Technologies in Development of Soil Information System and Prototype Geoportal. Geo-Referenced Soil Fertility Monitoring for Optimized Fertilizer Use: A Case Study from the Semi-Arid Region of Western India. Assessment of Soil Fertility Status in Soybean Growing Soils: A Case Study from Semi-Arid Region of Central India. Soil Acidity and Poor Nutrient Status: Emerging Issues for Agricultural Land Use Planning in the Jamtara District of Jharkhand. Spatial Distribution of Available Nutrients in Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Grown Soils of Farmer Fields in Andhra Pradesh. Management of Sodic Black Calcareous Soils: A Case Study from Central India. Impact of Land Configuration and Integrated Nutrient Management on Productivity of Rainfed Cotton in Vertisols of Central India. Impact of Tank Silt on Soil Quality and Crop Productivity in Rainfed Areas: A Case Study from Central India. Impact of Treated Domestic Sewage Water Irrigation on Soil Properties, Maize Yield and Plant Uptake: A Case Study from Nagpur City, Central India. Status of Land Use Planning in India. Land Resource Inventory Towards Village Level Agricultural Land Use Planning. a Decade of Bt Cotton in India: Land Use Changes and Other Socio-Economic Consequences. Land Evaluation for Rainfed Cotton: A Case Study from Central India. Nutrient Optima-Based Productivity Zonality and Rationale of Fertilizer Use in Citrus. Impact of Mahatma Gandhi Nregs on Land Use Pattern and Natural Resource Management in Drought Prone Rayalaseema Region of Andhra Pradesh, India.

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Book SynopsisSediments and sedimentary rocks are fundamental to our understanding of the Earth and the array of environments that characterise its surface. Since some 70% of the rocks on the Earth’s surface are sedimentary in origin and sediments are of great economic importance, there is a very good chance that we encounter a sedimentary rock or an associated sedimentary process at some point every day of our lives. Introducing Sedimentology covers all the rudimentary aspects of sedimentology including different types of sedimentary rocks, sedimentary structures, and environments of deposition of sediments. The application of sedimentology in the search for valuable economic resources is explained and how sedimentary rocks play a key role for subsurface storage of carbon dioxide and hydrogen as part of the low-carbon energy transition. Written for students, amateur enthusiasts and professional geologists, Introducing Sedimentology provides a succinct and accessible introduction to the science of sedimentology. It is generously illustrated with many explanatory line diagrams and colour photographs.Trade Review'I cannot recommend Introducing Sedimentology highly enough. The book’s quality and standard are testament to the expertise of the author, together with the resourcefulness of the publisher in putting together the “Introducing…” series, which helps make what can be quite complex science accessible to the widest audience.' Gordon Neighbour, Geoscientist MagazineTable of Contents1. What is Sedimentology? 2. Sediment to sedimentary rock; 3. Sedimentary structures; 4. The sedimentary environments; 5. Fossils and sediments; 6. The riches from sedimentary rocks. Glossary. Further Reading.

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Book SynopsisThis book examines the effects that land-use changes (notably agricultural intensification, logging, soil erosion, urbanisation and mining) have on soil characteristics and processes in tropical and savannah environments. It covers a range of geographical regions and environments as impacts of land use change are often site specific. The effects of land use change on various aspects of the soil ecosystem from both a chemical and biological perspective will be examined.Table of Contents1: Land-use Change Impacts on Soil Processes in Tropical and Savannah Ecosystems: An Introduction 2: Effects of Land-use Changes on Biochemical and Microbial Parameters in Soils of the Andaman Islands, India 3: Evaluating the Impact of Oil Palm Agriculture and Logging on Soil Microbial Communities in South-east Asia 4: Microbial Functioning in Response to a Simulated Drought in Malaysian Rain Forest and Oil Palm Soils 5: Impact of Land-use Changes in the Amazon on Bacterial Diversity, Composition and Distribution 6: Acidification of Tropical Soils under Forest and Continuous Cropping in Thailand and Indonesia 7: The Importance of Soil Quality in the Safe Practice of Urban Agriculture in Zimbabwe, Kenya and South Africa 8: Urbanisation and Soil Nutrient Challenges and Opportunities: Lessons from Malawian Cities 9: Impact of Gold Mining on Mercury Contamination and Soil Degradation in Amazonian Ecosystems of French Guiana 10: Erosion and Sedimentation Effects on Soil Organic Carbon Redistribution in a Complex Landscape in Western Ecuador 11: Pastoralism and Kalahari Rangeland Soils 12: Changes in Soil Properties with Sugarcane Cropping in Mauritius 13: Patterns and Drivers of Soil Carbon Stocks And Isotopic Composition in Secondary Tropical Dry Forests of Costa Rica 14: Conversion of Pastures into Tectona grandis Plantations in Western Panamá: Effects on Soil Properties and the Mechanisms Underlying these Changes 15: Land-use Change Impacts on Soil Processes in Tropical and Savannah Ecosystems: Emerging Themes and Future Research Directions

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Book SynopsisWater is the most basic essential for plant growth; an inadequate supply causes severe problems, as plants rely on the water transmitted by soil to meet their physiological and nutritional needs. Since the first edition was published, flooding and droughts throughout the world have made water an even more topical subject, as the importance and instability of our water supplies have been brought to the forefront of daily life. This new edition of Water Dynamics in Plant Production focuses on the dynamics of water through the hydrologic cycle and the associated mechanisms that plants employ to optimize growth and development. It describes the basic scientific principles of water transport in the soil-plant atmosphere continuum, and explains the linkage between transpirational water use and dry matter production. Paying particular attention to the various agronomic strategies for adaptation to climate-driven limitations of water resources, the efficiency of water use in plant production and in achieving an economic yield is presented in detail. This book offers a multidisciplinary introduction to the fundamentals and applications of water dynamics in natural and managed ecosystems. Including text boxes throughout, as well as online supplementary material, it provides an essential state of-the-art resource for students and researchers of soil and plant science, hydrology and agronomy. This book is enhanced with supplementary resources.Table of Contents1: The Role of Water in Plant Life 1.1: Functions of Water in the Plant Box 1.1: Light and water – prerequisites of photosynthesis 1.2: Adaptation Strategies of Plants to Overcome Water Shortage 1.3: Water and Net Primary Production 1.4: Water and Type of Vegetation 2: The Role of Water in Soil 2.1: Soil Genesis and Soil Functions 2.2: Soil Fauna and Vegetation Cover 3: The Interdependence of Soil Water and Vegetation 3.1: The Significance of the Soil for Water Storage 3.2: Transpiration and Seepage of Water with Different Types of Vegetation 4: Properties and Energy State of Water 4.1: Physical–Chemical Properties 4.2: The Concept of Water Potential and the Darcy Equation 5: Water Storage and Movement in Soil 5.1: Fundamentals and Principles Box 5.1: Measuring soil water 5.2: Evaporation 5.3: Infiltration and Water Transport Box 5.2: Soil structure and preferential flow 6: The Root – the Plant’s Organ for Water Uptake 6.1: The Role of the Root in the Plant 6.2: Structure of the Root Tip Box 6.1: Methods of studying roots 6.3: Root Systems 7: The Water Balance of the Plant 7.1: Water Potentials in Plant Cells 7.2: Water Uptake by Roots Box 7.1: Early experiments for determining water suction and water pressure of roots 7.3: Transpiration by Leaves 7.4: The Action of Stomatal Guard Cells 7.5: Water Transport within the Plant 7.6: Water Potentials in Plants Box 7.2: Searching for the cause of sap ascent 8: The Plant as a Link between Soil and Atmosphere:an Overview 8.1: The Soil–Plant–Atmosphere Continuum (SPAC) 8.2: Potential Evapotranspiration Box 8.1: Potential evaporation 8.3: Relations between Potential Evapotranspiration, Soil Water and Transpiration 9: Water Use by Crops 9.1: Growth of Roots and leaves 9.2: Leaf Area Index (LAI) and Transpiration 9.3: Root System Development and Water Uptake 9.4: How Much of the Soil Water is Extractable by Plant Roots? 9.5: Stomatal Control of Water Vapour Loss 9.6: Water Use Throughout the Growing Season 9.7: How to Determine the Components of the Field Water Balance 9.8: Numerical Simulation Box 9.1: How lysimeters work Box 9.2: Measurement of water flow through plants 10: Radiation and Dry Matter Production 10.1: Radiation and Net Photosynthesis of Single Leaves 10.2: Radiation Interception and Dry Matter Accumulation in Crop Stands 11: Water Use and Dry Matter Production 11.1: Relations and their Optimization Box 11.1: The saturation deficit of the air determines transpiration efficiency 11.2: The Transpiration Ratio and a Related Standard 11.3: Water Use and an Estimate of Dry Matter Production 12: Influence of Nutrient Supply on Water Use and Establishment of Yield 12.1: Yield Dependency on Water and Nutrient Supply 12.2: Influence of Nutrient Supply on the Relationship between Water Use and Yield 12.3: Transpiration Efficiency and Fertilizer Application 13: Development of Economic Yield under Inadequate Water Supply 13.1: Physiological Reactions and Assimilate Partitioning 13.2: Economic Yield 13.3: Water Shortage at Different Phenological Stages 13.4: Relation between Water Use and Economic Yield in Principal Crops 14: Water Stress in Plants 14.1: Measuring Water Stress in Plants 14.2: How Plants Perceive Water Stress Box 14.1: Signalling between roots and shoots 15: Climatic Factors Influencing Yield 15.1: Growth-limiting Climatic Factors 15.2: Climate Change 15.3: Plants, Soils and Cropping Pattern in a Changing Environment 16: Breeding for Yield and Water Use 16.1: Comparing Old and New Cultivars 16.2: Future Strategies in Plant Breeding 16.3: Application of Molecular Biology to Improve Crop Performance under Drought 17: Controlling the Soil’s Water Balance by Soil Management 17.1: Which of the Balance Components can be Changed? 17.2: Controlling Infiltration 17.3: Controlling Evaporation 17.4: Increasing the Quantity of Extractable Soil Water Box 17.1: Collection of water south of Sahel: a man, a hoe and barren land 17.5: Conservation Tillage 18: Controlling Water Use by Crop Management 18.1: Crop Rotation 18.2: Choice of Species and Cultivars 18.3: Seeding and Stand Density 18.4: Fertilizer Application 19: Irrigation 19.1: Need, Concerns, Problems 19.2: Tapping Water – the Basis of Early Civilizations 19.3: Water Requirement of Crops 19.4: Timing and Adjusting the Application of Water 19.5: Efficient Water Use 19.6: Irrigation Methods 20: Epilogue

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