Soil science and management Books

Book SynopsisThe sterile insect technique (SIT) is an environment-friendly method of pest control that integrates well into area-wide integrated pest management (AW-IPM) programmes. This book takes a generic, thematic, comprehensive, and global approach in describing the principles and practice of the SIT. The strengths and weaknesses, and successes and failures, of the SIT are evaluated openly and fairly from a scientific perspective. The SIT is applicable to some major pests of plant-, animal-, and human-health importance, and criteria are provided to guide in the selection of pests appropriate for the SIT. In the second edition, all aspects of the SIT have been updated and the content considerably expanded. A great variety of subjects is covered, from the history of the SIT to improved prospects for its future application. The major chapters discuss the principles and technical components of applying sterile insects. The four main strategic options in using the SIT â suppression, containment, prevention, and eradication â with examples of each option are described in detail. Other chapters deal with supportive technologies, economic, environmental, and management considerations, and the socio-economic impact of AW-IPM programmes that integrate the SIT. In addition, this second edition includes six new chapters covering the latest developments in the technology: managing pathogens in insect mass-rearing, using symbionts and modern molecular technologies in support of the SIT, applying post-factory nutritional, hormonal, and semiochemical treatments, applying the SIT to eradicate outbreaks of invasive pests, and using the SIT against mosquito vectors of disease. This book will be useful reading for students in animal-, human-, and plant-health courses. The in-depth reviews of all aspects of the SIT and its integration into AW-IPM programmes, complete with extensive lists of scientific references, will be of great value to researchers, teachers, animal-, human-, and plant-health practitioners, and policy makers.Table of ContentsPART I. INTRODUCTION . History Of The Sterile Insect Technique. Misconceptions And Constraints Driving Opportunities. PART II. PRINCIPLES OF THE STERILE INSECT TECHNIQUE. Area-Wide Integrated Pest Management And The Sterile Insect Technique. Biological Basis Of The Sterile Insect Technique. Genetic Basis Of The Sterile Insect Technique. Inherited Sterility In Insects. Mathematical Models For Using Sterile Insects. PART III. TECHNICAL COMPONENTS OF THE STERILE INSECT TECHNIQUE. Role Of Population And Behavioural Ecology In The Sterile Insect Technique. Mass-Rearing For The Sterile Insect Technique. Managing Pathogens In Insect Massrearing For The Sterile Insect Technique, With The Tsetse Fly Salivary Gland Hypertrophy Virus As An Example. Sterilizing Insects With Ionizing Radiation. Sterile Insect Quality Control/Assurance. Supply, Emergence, And Release Of Sterile Insects. Monitoring Sterile And Wild Insects In Area-Wide Integrated Pest Management Programmes. PART IV. SUPPORTIVE TECHNOLOGIES TO IMPROVE THE STERILE INSECT TECHNIQUE. Role Of Population Genetics In The Sterile Insect Technique. Population Suppression In Support Of The Sterile Insect Technique. Practical And Operational Genetic Sexing Systems Based On Classical Genetic Approaches In Fruit Flies, An Example For Other Species Amenable To Large-Scale Rearing For The Sterile Insect Technique. Insect Symbiosis In Support Of The Sterile Insect Technique. Improving Post-Factory Performance Of Sterile Male Fruit Flies In Support Of The Sterile Insect Technique. Applying Modern Molecular Technologies In Support Of The Sterile Insect Technique. Using Geographic Information Systems And Spatial Modelling In Area-Wide Integrated Pest Management Programmes That Integrate The Sterile Insect Technique. PART V. ECONOMIC, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS. Design And Economic Evaluation Of Programmes Integrating The Sterile Insect Technique. Environment And The Sterile Insect Technique. Management Of Area-Wide Pest Management Programmes That Integrate The Sterile Insect Technique. Communication And Stakeholder Engagement In Area-Wide Pest Management Programmes That Integrate The Sterile Insect Technique. PART VI. APPLICATION OF THE STERILE INSECT TECHNIQUE. Strategic Options In Using Sterile Insects For Area-Wide Integrated Pest Management. Invasive Insect Pests: Challenges And The. Role Of The Sterile Insect Technique In Their Prevention, Containment, And Eradication. Procedures For Declaring Pest Free Status. PART VII. IMPACT OF AREA-WIDE PEST MANAGEMENT PROGRAMMES THAT INTEGRATE THE STERILE INSECT TECHNIQUE. Impact Of Screwworm Eradication Programmes Using The Sterile Insect Technique. Impact Of Fruit Fly Control Programmes Using The Sterile Insect Technique. Impact Of Moth Suppression/Eradication Programmes Using The Sterile Insect Technique Or Inherited Sterility. Impact Of Tsetse Fly Eradication Programmes Using The Sterile Insect Technique. Potential Impact Of Integrating The Sterile Insect Technique Into The Fight Against Disease-Transmitting Mosquitoes.Prospects For The Future Development And Application Of The Sterile Insect Technique

Read more less

Book SynopsisClimate is a soil-forming factor and soil can mitigate climate change through a reduction in the emissions of greenhouse gases and sequestration of atmospheric CO2. Thus, there is a growing interest in soil management practices capable of mitigating climate change and enhancing environmental quality. Soil and Climate addresses global issues through soil management and outlines strategies for advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This volume in the Advances in Soil Science series is specifically devoted to describe state-of-the-knowledge regarding the climatesoil nexus in relation to: Soil Processes: weathering, decomposition of organic matter, erosion, leaching, salinization, biochemical, transformations, gaseous flux, and elemental cycling, Soil Properties: physical, chemical, biological, and ecological, Atmospheric Chemistry: gaseous concentrations of (CO2, CH4, N2Table of ContentsSpoil and Climate. Soil--The Hidden Part of Climate: Microbial Processes Regulating Soil-Atmosphere Exchange of Greenhouse Gases. Regionally Diverse Land-Use Driven Feedbacks from Soils to the Climate System. Conservation Agriculture: Maintaining Land Productivity and Health by Managing Carbon Flows. Nutrient Requirements for Soil Carbon Sequestration. Physical Protection and Mean Residence Time of Soil Carbon. Nitrogen Cycling and Dynamics in Terrestrial Ecosystems. Biochar for Climate Change Mitigation: Navigating from Science to Evidence-Based Policy. Silicate Weathering to Mitigate Climate Change. Determination of Secondary Carbonates. Effects of Plant Invasions on the Soil Carbon Storage in the Light of Climate Change. Climate Change Impact on Soil Carbon Stocks in India. Soil Degradation and Climate Change in South Asia. The Soil-Livestock-Climate Nexus. Soil and Human Health in a Changing Climate. Climate Change and the Global Soil Carbon Stocks.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis new edition discusses chemical and engineering principles as they apply to the cleanup and removal of hazardous chemicals from soil and groundwater. There is emphasis on environmental chemistry, soil science, microbiology, and plant science. The first part of the book provides an overview of the recent history of environmental contamination and the formulation of relevant regulations for hazardous waste site remediation. This part also provides a background for several salient aspects of site remediation (e.g., soil science, the site assessment process). The second part of the book examines field remediation technologies, including phytoremediation, bioremediation, and several chemical and physical technologies. Theory of operation, practical considerations, and possible environmental impacts and other consequences of their use are discussed. •Covers both metal- and hydrocarbon-based contamination and remediation •Many competitors only address one industry, or source, of contamination—this title provides an overview of all of the sources. •Presents both the assessment of contaminated sites and the technologies currently available for environmental cleanup •Effective for use in field situations and for academic (i.e., university course) use. •Two new chapters: (i) the use of nanomaterials for remediation of contaminated soil and water; and (ii) revegetation of severely disturbed sites.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisDuring recent decades, tremendous progress and innovations have been made in rice science with the goal of increasing production to meet the world’s growing demands. This new volume provides a concise overview of rice, covering the background and importance of rice; origin, evolution, and domestication of rice; and the world rice production. It goes on to provide new and important recent research advances on many different aspects of rice science and production. The authors look at advances in rice ideotypes, abiotic stress management techniques, biotic stress affecting crop productivity, new methods and technology for cultivation, and new methods and techniques in rice grain quality analysis and processing. It also describes new rice varieties, new hybrid rice technology, and new breeding methods for rice.Table of Contents1. Background and Importance of Rice 2. World Rice Production 3. Origin, Evolution, and Domestication of Rice 4. Rice Ideotype 5. Rice Botany 6. Physiological Basis of Rice Growth and Productivity 7. Research Advances in Abiotic Stress Management 8. Biotic Stress Affecting Crop Productivity 9. Methods of Cultivation 10. Rice Grain Quality Analysis, Food Quality, Chemistry, and Food Processing 11. Improvement of Rice: Rice Varieties and Hybrid Rice Technology 12. Research Advances in Breeding and Biotechnology of Rice

Read more less

Book Synopsis"This two-volume set in Burleigh Dodds Agricultural Science may represent one of the most important projects in their series focused on sustainable agriculture and recent advances in research on key crop and animal species. Many scholars and students today often rely on the web to locate open-source references in research and courses, yet the value of comprehensive books that review specific topics cannot be ignored. The compilation on soil health edited by Prof. Reicosky is an example of quality scholarship, clear and accessible writing, and comprehensive referencing on an emerging topic in agriculture and food production… descriptions of methods and data from a wide range of sources and interpretations by experts in the field contribute to the timeless value of books such as these in the series on agricultural sciences. They should be part of contemporary library collections and available to everyone." Prof. Charles Francis in Agronomy Journal"The books offer a valuable insight into the fundamentals of managing soil health… The broad range of fundamental information provided makes both volumes worth reading, not only for students and scientists, politicians and farmers but also for laypersons interested in soil health and sustainable agriculture."Applied Soil EcologyThere has been growing concern that both intensive agriculture in the developed world and rapid expansion of crop cultivation in developing countries is damaging the health of soils which are the foundation of farming. At the same time we are discovering much more about how complex soils are as living biological systems. This volume reviews the latest research on soil science.After an overview of the role of soil as a provider of ecosystem services and in conservation agriculture, the book reviews soil structure and chemistry as well organic matter, soil microorganisms and fauna. The second part of the book discusses soil dynamics, from water and nutrient cycles to carbon capture and erosion mechanisms.With its distinguished editor and international team of expert authors, this will be a standard reference for soil scientists and agronomists as well as the farming community and government agencies responsible for monitoring soil health. It is accompanied by a companion volume looking at soil monitoring and management.Trade Review"This two-volume set in Burleigh Dodds Agricultural Science may represent one of the most important projects in their series focused on sustainable agriculture and recent advances in research on key crop and animal species. Many scholars and students today often rely on the web to locate open-source references in research and courses, yet the value of comprehensive books that review specific topics cannot be ignored. The compilation on soil health edited by Prof. Reicosky is an example of quality scholarship, clear and accessible writing, and comprehensive referencing on an emerging topic in agriculture and food production… descriptions of methods and data from a wide range of sources and interpretations by experts in the field contribute to the timeless value of books such as these in the series on agricultural sciences. They should be part of contemporary library collections and available to everyone." Prof. Charles Francis in Agronomy Journal"The books offer a valuable insight into the fundamentals of managing soil health… The broad range of fundamental information provided makes both volumes worth reading, not only for students and scientists, politicians and farmers but also for laypersons interested in soil health and sustainable agriculture."Applied Soil EcologyTable of ContentsPart 1 Overview1.Soil and soil health: an overview: Mark G. Kibblewhite, Cranfield University, UK and Landcare Research, New Zealand; 2.Soil ecosystem services: an overview: Sara G. Baer, Southern Illinois University, USA; and Hannah E. Birgé, University of Nebraska, USA; 3.Soil health and climate change: a critical nexus: Promil Mehra, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Australia; Bhupinder Pal Singh, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, University of Newcastle and University of New England, Australia; Anitha Kunhikrishnan, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and University of Newcastle, Australia; Annette L. Cowie, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and University of New England, Australia; and Nanthi Bolan, University of Newcastle, Australia; 4.Integrated soil health management: a framework for soil conservation and regeneration: Daniel K. Manter and Jorge A. Delgado, USDA-ARS, USA; and Jennifer Moore-Kucera, USDA-NRCS, USA; 5.The economics of soil health: Maria Bowman , USDA-ERS, USA; Part 2 Soil structure and composition6.Soil texture and structure: role in soil health: Rainer Horn, Heiner Fleige and Iris Zimmermann, Institute for Plant Nutrition and Soil Science, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Germany; 7.Chemical composition of soils: role in soil health: Samira Daroub and Claire Friedrichsen, University of Florida, USA; 8.Soil microorganisms: role in soil health: Penny R. Hirsch, Rothamsted Research, UK; 9.The role of soil fauna in soil health and delivery of ecosystem services: George G. Brown, Elodie da Silva and Marcílio J. Thomazini, Embrapa Forestry, Brazil; Cíntia C. Niva, Embrapa Cerrados, Brazil; Thibaud Decaëns, Université de Montpellier, France; Luís F. N. Cunha, Cardiff University, UK; Herlon S. Nadolny, Wilian C. Demetrio, Alessandra Santos, Talita Ferreira, Lilianne S. Maia, Ana Caroline Conrado, Rodrigo F. Segalla and Alexandre Casadei Ferreira, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Brazil; Amarildo Pasini, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Brazil; Marie L. C. Bartz and Klaus D. Sautter, Universidade Positivo, Brazil; Samuel W. James, Maharishi University of Management, USA; Dilmar Baretta, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Brazil; Zaida Inês Antoniolli, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Brazil; Maria Jesus Iglesias Briones, Universidad de Vigo, Spain; José Paulo Sousa, University of Coimbra, Portugal; Jörg Römbke, ECT Oekotoxikologie GmbH, Germany; and Patrick Lavelle, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, France; Part 3 Soil dynamics10.The role of soil hydrology in soil health: Melissa Miller and Henry Lin, Pennsylvania State University, USA; 11.Nutrient cycling in soils: E. A. Stockdale, Head of Farming Systems Research, NIAB, UK; 12.Plant–soil interactions: an overview: Richard W. Zobel, USDA-ARS, USA; 13.Mechanisms of soil erosion/degradation: R. J. Rickson, Cranfield University, UK;

Read more less

Book Synopsis"This two-volume set in Burleigh Dodds Agricultural Science may represent one of the most important projects in their series focused on sustainable agriculture and recent advances in research on key crop and animal species. Many scholars and students today often rely on the web to locate open-source references in research and courses, yet the value of comprehensive books that review specific topics cannot be ignored. The compilation on soil health edited by Prof. Reicosky is an example of quality scholarship, clear and accessible writing, and comprehensive referencing on an emerging topic in agriculture and food production… descriptions of methods and data from a wide range of sources and interpretations by experts in the field contribute to the timeless value of books such as these in the series on agricultural sciences. They should be part of contemporary library collections and available to everyone." Prof. Charles Francis in Agronomy Journal"The books offer a valuable insight into the fundamentals of managing soil health… The broad range of fundamental information provided makes both volumes worth reading, not only for students and scientists, politicians and farmers but also for laypersons interested in soil health and sustainable agriculture."Applied Soil EcologyThere has been growing concern that both intensive agriculture in the developed world and rapid expansion of crop cultivation in developing countries is damaging the health of soils which are the foundation of farming. At the same time we are discovering much more about how complex soils are as living biological systems. This volume reviews the latest research on soil monitoring and management.Part 1 starts by reviewing soil classification, sampling and ways of monitoring soil dynamics. Part 2 surveys key techniques for managing soil, from irrigation and fertiliser use to crop rotations, intercropping and cover crops. The final part of the book discusses ways of supporting smallholders in maintaining soil health in regions such as Africa, Asia and South America.With its distinguished editor and international team of expert authors, this will be a standard reference for soil scientists and agronomists as well as the farming community and government agencies responsible for monitoring soil health. It is accompanied by a companion volume looking at developments in soil science.Trade Review"This two-volume set in Burleigh Dodds Agricultural Science may represent one of the most important projects in their series focused on sustainable agriculture and recent advances in research on key crop and animal species. Many scholars and students today often rely on the web to locate open-source references in research and courses, yet the value of comprehensive books that review specific topics cannot be ignored. The compilation on soil health edited by Prof. Reicosky is an example of quality scholarship, clear and accessible writing, and comprehensive referencing on an emerging topic in agriculture and food production… descriptions of methods and data from a wide range of sources and interpretations by experts in the field contribute to the timeless value of books such as these in the series on agricultural sciences. They should be part of contemporary library collections and available to everyone." Prof. Charles Francis in Agronomy Journal"The books offer a valuable insight into the fundamentals of managing soil health… The broad range of fundamental information provided makes both volumes worth reading, not only for students and scientists, politicians and farmers but also for laypersons interested in soil health and sustainable agriculture."Applied Soil EcologyTable of ContentsPart 1 Soil monitoring1.Soil health assessment and inventory: Indices and databases: Brian K. Slater, Ohio State University, USA; 2.Soil sampling for soil health assessment: Skye Wills, Stephen Roecker and Candiss Williams, USA-NRCS, USA; and Brian Murphy, Office of Environment and Heritage, Australia; 3.Biological indicators of soil health in organic cultivation : A. Fortuna, Washington State University, USA; A. Bhowmik, Pennsylvania State University, USA; and A. Bary and C. Cogger, Washington State University, USA; 4.The impact of heavy metal contamination on soil health: Santanu Bakshi and Chumki Banik, Iowa State University, USA; and Zhenli He, University of Florida, USA; 5.Modelling soil organic matter dynamics as a soil health indicator: Eleanor E. Campbell, University of New Hampshire, USA; John L. Field and Keith Paustian, Colorado State University, USA; Part 2 Managing soil health6.Drainage requirements to maintain soil health: Jeffrey Strock, University of Minnesota, USA; 7.Managing irrigation for soil health in arid and semi-arid regions: Jeffrey Peter Mitchell and Howard Ferris, University of California-Davis, USA; Anil Shrestha, California State University-Fresno, USA; Francis Larney, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canada; and Garrison Sposito, University of California-Berkeley, USA; 8.Effects of crop rotations and intercropping on soil health; Gilbert C. Sigua, USDA-ARS, USA;9.Use of cover crops to promote soil health: Robert L. Myers, USDA – SARE and University of Missouri, USA; 10.Optimising fertiliser use to maintain soil health: Bijay-Singh, Punjab Agricultural University, India; 11.Manure and compost management to maintain soil health: Francis J. Larney, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canada; 12.Pesticide use and biodiversity in soils: Robert J. Kremer, University of Missouri, USA; 13.Conservation grass hedges and soil health parameters; Humberto Blanco-Canqui, University of Nebraska, USA;14.Managing soil health in organic cultivation: A. Fortuna, Washington State University, USA; A. Bhowmik, Pennsylvania State University, USA; and A. Bary and C. Cogger, Washington State University, USA; Part 3 Regional strategies in the developing world15.Supporting smallholders in maintaining soil health: key challenges and strategies: David Güereña, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Nepal; 16.Maintaining soil health in Africa: A. O. Ogunkunle, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; and V. O. Chude, National Program for Food Security, Nigeria; 17.Organic amendments to improve soil health and crop productivity: a case study in China: Minggang Xu, Wenju Zhang and Zejiang Cai, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China; Shaoming Huang, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China; and Ping Zhu, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China; 18.Soil health assessment and maintenance in Central and South-Central Brazil: Ieda C. Mendes, EMBRAPA Cerrados, Brazil; Cássio A. Tormena, State University of Maringá, Brazil; Maurício R. Cherubin, University of São Paulo, Brazil; and Douglas L. Karlen, USDA-ARS, USA; 19.Maintaining soil health in dryland areas: Pandi Zdruli, Centre International de Hautes Etudes Agronomiques Méditerranéennes (CIHEAM), Italy; and Claudio Zucca, International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Morocco;

Read more less

Book SynopsisUnderstanding and measuring the different dimensions of soil health is key to achieving regenerative agriculture. There has been a wealth of research on developing better analytical techniques to measure the biological, physical and chemical properties of soils. Advances in measuring soil health reviews these developments and their implications for better management of farm soils. The volume begins by reviewing advances in measuring soil biological activity such as earthworms and fungi as indicators of soil health. The collection also surveys developments in measuring soil physical properties through advances in visual, imaging and geophysical techniques, as well as the methods used to measure chemical properties such as soil organic carbon. It concludes by looking at how measurement can be translated into farming practice through soil health indicators and decision support systems.With its distinguished editor and expert authors, Advances in measuring soil health will be a standard reference for university and other researchers in soil and crop science, government and other agencies responsible for the health of agricultural soils, companies providing soil monitoring services, and farmers wishing to know more about the latest developments in soil monitoring.Table of ContentsPart 1 Measuring soil biological activity1.Assessing soil health by measuring fauna: Felicity Crotty, Royal Agricultural University, UK; 2.Quantifying earthworm community structures as indicators of soil health: Jacqueline L. Stroud, formerly Rothamsted Research, UK; 3.Characterisation of fungal communities and functions in agricultural soils: Andy F. S. Taylor, The James Hutton Institute and University of Aberdeen, UK; and Thomas Freitag, Lucinda J. Robinson and Duncan White, The James Hutton Institute, UK; Part 2 Measuring soil physical and chemical properties4.Advances in visual soil evaluation techniques: Mansonia Pulido-Moncada, Aarhus University, Denmark; Bruce C. Ball, formerly Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), UK; and Wim M. Cornelis, Ghent University, Belgium; 5.Imaging soil structure to measure soil functions and soil health with X-ray computed micro-tomography: Alexandra Kravchenko and Andrey Guber, Michigan State University, USA; 6.Geophysical methods to assess soil characteristics: Ho-Chul Shin, Rothamsted Research, UK; Guillaume Blanchy, Lancaster University, UK; Ian Shield, Peter Fruen, Timothy Barraclough and Christopher W. Watts, Rothamsted Research, UK; Andrew Binley, Lancaster University, UK; and William R. Whalley, Rothamsted Research, UK; 7.Advances in techniques to assess soil erodibility: R. J. Rickson, E. Dowdeswell Downey, G. Alegbeleye and S. E. Cooper, Cranfield University, UK; 8.Advances in measuring mechanical properties of soil in relation to soil health: Muhammad Naveed, University of West London, UK; 9.Advances in near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to assess soil health: Francisco J. Calderón, Oregon State University, USA; Andrew J. Margenot, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA; and Scarlett Bailey, National Resources Conservation Service - National Soil Survey Center, USA; 10.Spectral mapping of soil organic carbon: Bas van Wesemael, Université catholique de Louvain, Belgium;Part 3 From measurement to management11.Developing soil health indicators for improved soil management on farm: Elizabeth Stockdale, NIAB, UK; Paul Hargreaves, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), UK; and Anne Bhogal, ADAS Gleadthorpe, UK; 12.Developing decision support systems (DSS) for farm soil and crop management: Matt Aitkenhead, The James Hutton Institute, UK;

Read more less

Book Synopsis"This book provides an informative global perspective on soilless culture systems (SCS) around the world…the book promises to bring together the current best practice in SCS horticulture to create an important industry reference for all participants." ISHS - Chronica HorticulturaeSoilless cultivation techniques (including hydroponic systems) have attracted growing attention as a way of growing horticultural crops more efficiently without taking up more land. These controlled environment systems are also less vulnerable to climate change and are particularly suited to urban farming as part of the shift to more localised, circular food systems.Advances in horticultural soilless culture provides a comprehensive assessment of recent research in this important area, paying close attention to the advances in optimising substrates for soilless cultivation, as well as the developments in solid and liquid-medium container systems, fertigation systems, modelling and process control. The collection includes case studies on horticultural crops such as tomatoes, strawberries and ornamentals.With its distinguished editor and international range of expert authors, Advances in horticultural soilless culture will be a standard reference for university and other researchers involved in horticultural science, hydroponics and soilless cultivation. It will also be a valuable resource for government and other agencies supporting vertical and urban farming systems, as well as companies involved in this sector.Trade Review"This book provides an informative global perspective on soilless culture systems (SCS) around the world…the book promises to bring together the current best practice in SCS horticulture to create an important industry reference for all participants." ISHS - Chronica HorticulturaeTable of Contents1.Soilless culture systems and growing media in horticulture: an overview: Nazim S. Gruda, University of Bonn, Germany; Part 1 Materials2.Advances in understanding plant root behaviour and rootzone management in soilless culture systems: Youbin Zheng, University of Guelph, Canada; 3.Developments in inorganic materials, synthetic organic materials and peat in soilless culture systems: Jeb S. Fields, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, USA; and Nazim S. Gruda, University of Bonn, Germany; 4.Developments in alternative organic materials for growing media in soilless culture systems: Nazim S. Gruda, University of Bonn, Germany; and Neil Bragg, Substrate Associates Ltd, United Kingdom; 5.Understanding and optimizing the physical properties of growing media for soilless cultivation: Jean Caron, Université Laval, Canada; and Jean-Charles Michel, L’Institut Agro, France; 6.Understanding and optimising the chemical properties of growing media for soilless cultivation: Patrizia Zaccheo and Laura Crippa, University of Milan, Italy; and Francesco Giuffrida, University of Catania, Italy; 7.Understanding and optimising the biological properties of growing media for soilless cultivation: Francesco Giuffrida and Rosario Paolo Mauro, University of Catania, Italy; and Patrizia Zaccheo, University of Milan, Italy; Part 2 Technologies8.Advances in liquid- and solid-medium soilless culture systems: Yüksel Tüzel, Ege University, Turkey; and Astrit Balliu, Agricultural University of Tirana, Albania; 9.Advances in irrigation/fertigation techniques in greenhouse soilless culture systems (SCS): Georgios Nikolaou and Damianos Neocleous, Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Cyprus; and Evangelini Kitta and Nikolaos Katsoulas, University of Thessaly, Greece; 10.Advances in nutrient management modelling and nutrient concentration prediction for soilless culture systems: Jung Eek Son, Tae In Ahn and Taewon Moon, Seoul National University, Korea; 11.Advanced hydroponics design for plant cultivation in cities: Giuseppina Pennisi, Alessandro Pistillo, Elisa Appolloni, Francesco Orsini and Giorgio Gianquinto, DISTAL – University of Bologna, Italy; 12.Optimizing product quality in soilless culture systems (SCS): Pietro Santamaria, Barbara De Lucia and Angelo Signore, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Italy; Part 3 Case studies13.Advances in soilless cultivation of tomatoes and other fruit vegetables: V. Truffault, Futura Gaïa, France; and E. Legast, Centre Technique Interprofessionnel des Fruits et Légumes (CTIFL), France; 14.Advances in soilless culture strawberry production: Mike Nichols, formerly Massey University, New Zealand; 15.Advances in soilless culture of ornamentals: Erik van Os and Arca Kromwijk, Wageningen University & Research, The Netherlands;

Read more less

Book SynopsisAgriculture is one of the biggest contributors to climate change. More sustainable crop production based on agroecological principles is seen as a key solution to this challenge. Understanding and improving soil health is the foundation for this approach.Improving soil health provides a considered assessment of key management strategies to enhance the physical, chemical and biological health of soils in achieving sustainable improvements in crop yields. The book reviews the role of cultivation practices as well as organic and other soil amendments, such as biofertilizers.By assessing the dimensions of soil health, and reviewing the wealth of evidence on how well individual techniques contribute to improving soil, the book shows how farmers can achieve sustainable improvements in both productivity and profitability.Improving soil health will be a standard reference for researchers in soil and crop science, government and other agencies responsible for the health of agricultural soils, companies providing soil monitoring and management services and farmers wishing to further their knowledge on the latest developments in effective soil management.Table of Contents1.Soil health: towards a sustainable world: William R. Horwath, University of California-Davis, USA; Part 1 Dimensions of soil health2.Soil health: definitions, history, key concepts and hurdles: Michelle M. Wander, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA; 3.Understanding biological processes in soil: Regina O’Kelley and David D. Myrold, Oregon State University, USA; 4.Mycorrhizae and soil health: Muhammad Adnan and Fazli Wahid, The University of Swabi, Pakistan; Shah Fahad, The University of Haripur, Pakistan; Muhammad Arif, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan; Songmei Shi, Yunnan Agricultural University, China; and Xinhua He, Southwest University, China, University of California-Davis, USA and University of Western Australia, Australia; Part 2 Cultivation practices and soil health5.Agricultural traffic management systems and soil health: Paula A. Misiewicz, Magdalena Kaczorowska-Dolowy, David R. White, Edward Dickin and Richard J. Godwin, Harper Adams University, UK;6.Assessing the effects of no-till cultivation practices on soil health: Alison Hamm and Daniel K. Manter, USDA-ARS, USA; 7.Cover crops for soil health: Sieglinde S. Snapp, Michigan State University, USA; Carmen M. Ugarte, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA; Dane W. Hunter, Southern Illinois University, USA; and Michelle M. Wander, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA;8.Assessing the effects of crop residue retention on soil health: Hero T. Gollany, USDA-ARS, USA; Part 3 The role of organic and other soil amendments9.Assessing the effects of compost on soil health: Cristina Lazcano, University of California-Davis, USA; Charlotte Decock, California Polytechnic State University, USA; Connie T. F. Wong, University of California-Davis, USA; and Kamille Garcia-Brucher, California Polytechnic State University, USA; 10.Assessing the effects of using animal manure on soil health: Ashraf M. Tubeileh, California Polytechnic State University, USA; and Michael J. Goss, University of Guelph, Canada11.Assessing the effect of biosolids on soil health: Fiona A. Nicholson, Anne Bhogal, Alison Rollett and John R. Williams, ADAS, UK; 12.Biofertilizers: assessing the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on soil health: M. J. Salomon, The Waite Research Institute and The School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Australia; S. F. Bender, Agroscope, Switzerland; T. R. Cavagnaro, The Waite Research Institute and The School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Australia; and M. G. A. van der Heijden, Agroscope and University of Zurich, Switzerland; 13.Biofertilizers: assessing the effects of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) or rhizobacteria (PGPR) on soil and plant health: Elisa Zampieri, Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, Italy; Iakovos S. Pantelides, Cyprus University of Technology, Cyprus; and Raffaella Balestrini, Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, Italy; 14.The role of liming in improving soil health: Richard C. Hayes, Jason R. Condon and Guangdi D. Li, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Australia;

Read more less

Book SynopsisSoils are known to be an enormous reservoir of carbon and represent an important and dynamic part of the global carbon cycle. However, this reservoir is under constant threat due to a combination of issues, including mismanagement, climate change and intensive agricultural production which has led to depletion of soil organic carbon.Understanding and fostering soil carbon sequestration reviews the wealth of research on important aspects of soil carbon sequestration, including its potential in mitigating and adapting to climate change and improving global food security. The collection explores our understanding of carbon sequestration in soils, detailing the mechanisms and abiotic factors that can affect the process, as well as the socioeconomic, legal and policy issues that can arise as a result of this use.In its extensive exploration of soil carbon cycling and capture, the book highlights how an informed understanding of carbon sequestration in a variety of soil types can contribute to achieving a more sustainable agriculture, as well as the methods which can be implemented by farmers to optimise the process of fostering carbon in soils.Table of Contents1.Introduction: soil carbon sequestration – a process linking soils to humanity: C. Rumpel, CNRS, Sorbonne University, Institute of Ecology and Environmental Sciences Paris, France; Part 1 Understanding carbon sequestration in soils2.Mechanisms of soil organic carbon sequestration and implications for management: Ingrid Kögel-Knabner, Chair of Soil Science, TUM School of Life Sciences and Institute for Advanced Study, Technical University of Munich, Germany; Martin Wiesmeier, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich and Bavarian State Research Center for Agriculture, Institute for Organic Farming, Soil and Resource Management, Germany; and Stefanie Mayer, Chair of Soil Science, TUM School of Life Sciences, Germany; 3.Plant influences on soil organic carbon dynamics: Xiaojuan Feng, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences and College of Resources and Environment, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, China; 4.Biological basis of soil organic carbon sequestration: a complex set of interactive processes: Patrick Lavelle, Institute of Ecology and Environmental Sciences Paris, Sorbonne University, France; 5.Understanding soil organic carbon dynamics at larger scales: Sebastian Doetterl, ETH Zurich, Switzerland; Rose Abramoff, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, USA; Jean-Thomas Cornelis, University of British Columbia, Canada; Aline Frossard, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Switzerland; Peter Fiener, Institute of Geography, Augsburg University, Germany; Gina Garland, ETH Zurich and Soil Quality and Use Group, Agroscope, Switzerland; Michael Kaiser, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA; Moritz Laub, ETH Zurich, Switzerland; Sophie Opfergelt, Earth and Life Institute, UCLouvain, Belgium; Marijn Van de Broek and Sarah van den Broek, ETH Zurich, Switzerland; and Sophie F. von Fromm, ETH Zurich, Switzerland and Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry, Germany; 6.Benefits and trade-offs of soil organic carbon sequestration: C. Rumpel, CNRS, Sorbonne University, Institute for Ecology and Environmental Sciences Paris, France; B. Henry, Queensland University of Technology, Australia; C. Chenu, AgroParisTech, UMR Ecosys INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, France; and F. Amiraslani, Ulster University, UK; 7.Soil inorganic carbon: stocks, functions, losses and their consequences: Kazem Zamanian, University of Hannover, Germany and Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology (NUIST), China; and Yakov Kuzyakov, University of Göttingen, Germany and RUDN University, Russia; 8.Soil organic carbon sequestration and climate change: M. Sanaullah and T. Afzal, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan; T. Shahzad, Government College University Faisalabad, Pakistan; and A. Wakeel, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan;9.Innovative agriculture management to foster soil organic carbon sequestration: María de la Luz Mora, Jorge Medina, Patricia Poblete-Grant, Rolando Demanet, Paola Durán, Patricio Barra, Cecilia Paredes and Marcela Calabi-Floody, Universidad de La Frontera, Chile;Part 2 Measuring carbon sequestration in soils10.Measuring and monitoring soil carbon sequestration: Matthias Kuhnert, Sylvia H. Vetter and Pete Smith, Institute of Biological & Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, UK; 11.Advances in measuring soil organic carbon stocks and dynamics at the profile scale: Christopher Poeplau, Thünen Institute of Climate-Smart Agriculture, Germany; and Edward Gregorich, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canada; 12.Advances in digital soil mapping to assess baseline levels and carbon sequestration at the landscape scale: Amin Sharififar, University of Tehran, Iran; and Budiman Minasny, The University of Sydney, Australia; 13.Modeling soil organic carbon dynamics, carbon sequestration and the climate benefit of sequestration: Carlos A. Sierra, Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry, Germany and Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Sweden; and Susan E. Crow, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, USA; 14.Digital tools for assessing soil organic carbon at farm and regional scale: M. J. Aitkenhead, The James Hutton Institute, UK; Part 3 Fostering carbon sequestration in soils15.Promoting carbon sequestration in soils: the importance of soil, region and context-specific interventions: Rattan Lal, CFAES Rattan Lal Center for Carbon Management and Sequestration, The Ohio State University, USA; 16.Agriculture practices to improve soil carbon storage in upland soil: Thomas Kätterer and Martin A. Bolinder, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Sweden; 17.Agricultural practices to improve soil carbon sequestration in rice paddy soils: Hyeon Ji Song and Pil Joo Kim, Gyeongsang National University, South Korea; 18.Managing grasslands to optimize soil carbon sequestration: A. Chabbi, Institute National de Recherche Agronomique et Environnement (INRAE) – Unité de Recherche Pluridisciplinaire Prairies et Plantes Fourragères (UR P3F), France; C. Rumpel, CNRS, Sorbonne University, Institute of Ecology and Environmental Sciences Paris, France; K. Klumpp, INRAE – VetAgro Sup, UMR 874 Ecosystème Prairial, France; and A. J. Franzluebbers, USDA-ARS, USA; 19.Optimizing forest management for soil carbon sequestration: Andreas Schindlbacher, Federal Research and Training Centre for Forests, Natural Hazards and Landscape (BFW), Austria; Mathias Mayer, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL), Switzerland and University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Austria; Robert Jandl, Federal Research and Training Centre for Forests, Natural Hazards and Landscape (BFW), Austria; and Stephan Zimmermann and Frank Hagedorn, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL), Switzerland; 20.The contribution of agroforestry systems to improving soil carbon sequestration: Lydie-Stella Koutika, Research Centre on the Durability and the Productivity of Industrial Plantations (CRDPI), Republic of the Congo; Nicolas Marron, UMR 1434 Silva, INRAE Grand-Est Nancy, Université de Lorraine, AgroParisTech 54000 Nancy, France; and Rémi Cardinael, AIDA, University of Montpellier, CIRAD, Montpellier, France, CIRAD, UPR AIDA, Harare and University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe; 21.Management of organic soils to reduce soil organic carbon losses: Sonja Paul and Jens Leifeld, Agroscope, Switzerland; 22.Fostering carbon sequestration in humid tropical and subtropical soils: Deborah Pinheiro Dick and Cimélio Bayer, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; and Jeferson Dieckow, Federal University of Paraná, Brazil; 23.Management of carbonate-rich soils and trade-offs with soil inorganic carbon cycling: Iñigo Virto, Isabel de Soto and Rodrigo Antón, Universidad Pública de Navarra, Spain; and Rosa M. Poch, Universitat de Lleida, Spain; 24.Management of soil carbon sequestration in urban areas: C. Rumpel, CNRS, Sorbonne University, Institute of Ecology and Environmental Sciences Paris, France; F. Amiraslani, Ulster University, UK; J.-C. Lata, Sorbonne University, Institute of Ecology and Environmental Sciences Paris, France; C. Marques-dos-Santos Cordovil, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal; E. Nartey, University of Ghana, Ghana; C. Staudhammer, The University of Alabama, USA; and E. Yeboah, CSIR – Soil Research Institute, Ghana; Part 4 Socioeconomic, legal and policy issues25.Soil organic carbon on the political agenda: Luca Montanarella, European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Italy; 26.Creating frameworks to foster soil carbon sequestration: Beverley Henry, Queensland University of Technology, Australia; Ram Dalal, The University of Queensland, Australia; Matthew Tom Harrison, University of Tasmania, Australia; and Brian Keating, The University of Queensland, Australia; 27.Economic considerations for the development of a carbon farming scheme: Siân Mooney and Kathryn Janoski, O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, USA; 28.Understanding the value of and reasoning behind farmer adoption of carbon centric practices: Michelle M. Wander and Carmen M. Ugarte, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA; 29.Legal issues of implementing soil organic carbon sequestration as negative emission technology: Alexandra Langlais-Hesse, CNRS-Université de Rennes, France;

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis collection features five peer-reviewed literature reviews on crop rotations in agriculture.The first chapter discusses the effects of crop rotation and intercropping management practices and their impact on soil health enhancement and stability. It also considers the importance of leguminous crops and soil organic matter in maintaining healthy soils, sustaining crop productivity and enhancing biodiversity.The second chapter examines the principles of crop rotation, precrop effects in crop rotations, and the nutrient effects of legumes and other rotation crops. It also reviews the role of rotation crops in suppressing weeds, diseases and pests and studies rotations and crop yields, as well as the challenge of designing a crop rotation.The third chapter illustrates how crop models account for the interactions between soil, genotypes, management, and climate, on crops grown in various rotations, and their effects on yield and environmental outcomes under current and future climate scenarios.The fourth chapter assesses the potential of decision support systems for crop rotations in improving soil health and agricultural sustainability.The final chapter reviews how crop rotations with non-cereal species can be implemented to substantially reduce inoculum sources for residue-borne cereal leaf diseases.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis collection features four peer-reviewed literature reviews on cover crops in agriculture.The first chapter describes the contribution of cover crops to improving soil health. The chapter reviews their key role e.g. supplying a food source for soil organisms, providing a source of carbon to help build soil organic matter, enhancing nutrient dynamics in the soil and improving soil structure.The second chapter considers recent research on the benefits of cover crops in organic cultivation in areas such as soil structure and erosion control as well as nutrient cycling. It also looks at the wider role of cover crops in control of weeds, diseases and pests, promoting biodiversity and reducing greenhouse gases (GHGs).The third chapter highlights the use of different cover crops species to promote live or dead soil mulch cover in Conservation Agriculture systems. It also reviews how cover crops effect aspects such as soil acidity and nutrient availability, soil physical and biological properties, soil nematode control, weed control and grain yield.The final chapter reviews the role of cover crops in weed control. Cover crops are important additions to crop rotations because they suppress weeds during rotational periods when crops are absent and provide ecosystem services that enhance soil quality and fertility.Table of ContentsChapter 1 - Use of cover crops to promote soil health: Robert L. Myers, USDA – SARE and University of Missouri, USA; 1 Introduction 2 Benefits of cover crops for soil organisms and soil organic matter 3 Benefits of cover crops for soil health related to soil physical properties 4 Impacts of cover crops on soil health through increased biodiversity, reintegration of livestock and profitability 5 Summary and conclusions 6 Where to look for further information 7 References Chapter 2 - Cover crops in organic crop cultivation: Peter Von Fragstein und Niemsdorff, Universität Kassel, Germany; 1 Introduction 2 Soil structure and erosion control 3 Nutrient cycling 4 Weed, pest and disease control 5 Promoting biodiversity 6 Carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions 7 Integration of cover crops in no-till cultivation 8 Conclusions and future trends 9 Where to look for further information 10 References Chapter 3 - The role and management of soil mulch and cover crops in Conservation Agriculture systems: A. Calegari, Agricultural Research Institute of Paraná State (IAPAR), Brazil; T. Tiecher, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Brazil; E. B. Wutke, Research Agricultural Institute of Campinas (IAC), Brazil; L. B. dos S. Canalli, Agricultural Research Institute of Paraná State (IAPAR), Brazil; R. Bunch, Consultant, Brazil; and D. dos S. Rheinheimer, Federal University of Santa Maria, Brazil; 1 Introduction 2 The main components of an adequate Conservation Agriculture system and general aspects of soil mulching and cover crops 3 Soil organic carbon and nutrients 4 Effect of cover crops on soil acidity and nutrient availability 5 Effect of cover crops on soil physical properties 6 Effect of cover crops on soil biological properties 7 Effect of cover crops on soil nematode control 8 Effect of cover crops on weed control 9 Effect of cover crops on grain yield 10 Conclusion 11 References Chapter 4 - The use of rotations and cover crops to manage weeds: John R. Teasdale, ARS-USDA, USA; 1 Introduction 2 Crop rotation in weed management 3 Cover crops in weed management 4 Opportunities for weed establishment within rotations 5 Conclusion 6 Future trends 7 Where to look for further information 8 References

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis collection features four peer-reviewed literature reviews on drought-resistant crops.The first chapter assesses the genes involved in drought and heat tolerance, as well as the physiological traits related to increased tolerance to abiotic stress in wheat. It reviews advances in our understanding of the molecular markers associated with these physiological traits, and the roles of key genes in determining a wheat plant’s response to heat and drought stress.The second chapter discusses mechanisms of drought resistance in rice. It reviews ways of assessing drought tolerance performance, identifying genes promoting drought tolerance through quantitative trait loci (QLT) analysis, as well as breeding for drought tolerance.The third chapter highlights the genetic diversity and quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with the traits contributing to drought and heat tolerance in soybean. It also reviews genomic resources that can facilitate a better understanding of phenotype-genotype associations and formulate genomic-assisted breeding strategies.The final chapter addresses the polygenic nature of tolerance to drought and to heat in grain legumes. It reviews advances in understanding plant adaptation to stress, the assembly of molecular and phenotyping tools to support breeding and the development of tolerance through traditional and molecular breeding techniques.Table of ContentsChapter 1 - Improving drought and heat tolerance in wheat: Xinguo Mao, Institute of Crop Science , Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China; Delong Yang, Gansu Agricultural University, China; and Ruilian Jing, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China; 1 Introduction 2 Exploiting physiological traits to assist traditional wheat breeding 3 Genetic analysis and identifi cation of molecular markers: overview 4 Genetic analysis and identifi cation of molecular markers: key physiological traits 5 Genes conferring drought tolerance in wheat: overview 6 Genes conferring drought tolerance in wheat: the roles of protein kinase and phosphatase, TFs and functional genes 7 HS-responsive genes identifi ed in wheat 8 The current status of genetically modifi ed wheat 9 Conclusions and future trends 10 Where to look for further information 11 Abbreviations 12 References Chapter 2 - Mechanisms of drought tolerance in rice: Anuj Kumar, Supratim Basu, Venkategowda Ramegowda and Andy Pereira, University of Arkansas, USA; 1 Introduction 2 Mechanisms of drought resistance 3 Assessing drought tolerance performance 4 Identifying genes promoting drought tolerance: quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis 5 Genetic engineering for drought tolerance 6 Drought-protective genes 7 Plant hormones affecting drought tolerance 8 Future trends in research 9 Where to look for further information 10 Acknowledgements 11 References Chapter 3 - Advances in the drought and heat resistance of soybean: Heng Ye, Babu Valliyodan, Li Song, J. Grover Shannon, Pengyin Chen and Henry T. Nguyen, University of Missouri, USA; 1 Introduction 2 Drought resistance traits: introduction, root system architectures and anatomy 3 Other traits for drought resistance and heat tolerance 4 Genomic resources and strategies 5 Advance in breeding for drought and heat resistance 6 Conclusions and future perspectives 7 Acknowledgements 8 References Chapter 4 - Developing drought- and heat-tolerant varieties of grain legumes: Shoba Sivasankar, Former Director, CGIAR Research Program on Grain Legumes; 1 Introduction 2 Physiological responses in adaptation to stress 3 Biochemical and molecular responses in adaptation to stress 4 Development of tolerance 5 Critical contemporary considerations for strengthened research 6 Crop management for abiotic stress tolerance 7 Conclusion 8 Where to look for further information 9 References

Read more less