Sustainable agriculture Books

Book SynopsisAround the world the focus is on the relationship between ethics and governance codes and how widely this should be interpreted. Sustainability has three main accepted dimensions: economic growth, social responsibility, and environmental protection. It is a truly multidimensional and multidisciplinary concept, and one which directly affects the risks and opportunities for markets and businesses. In three distinct parts, Sustainable Markets for Sustainable Business explores the relationship between markets and business and sustainable development, as well as issues such as climate change, pollution, land degradation and biodiversity loss. Firstly the authors, all experts from around the world, consider a variety of theoretical issues concerned with sustainability in the new environment. In Part Two the emphasis is on looking at these issues in the market and business practice under various guises. Although every chapter contains discussion and recommended solutions, the final part specTrade Review’Professor Aras has tackled the very timely subject of business sustainability. She has put together a global perspective that presents best practices, discusses the role of businesses and markets, and provides examples of innovative approaches. The book will be a valuable resource not only for scholars but also for the wider business community and policy makers.’ Reena Aggarwal, Georgetown Center for Financial Markets and Policy, USA ’This work demonstrates the multi-dimensional elements of sustainability, moving beyond conceptions of sustainable enterprise and industry, to ask fundamental questions regarding the sustainability of markets. Can markets be made to work towards sustainable development rather than environmental destruction? The book highlights how new modes of regulation, governance, incentives and strategic thinking are essential to reformulate the fundamental objectives and operations of economic endeavour towards sustainable goals.’ Thomas Clarke, University of Technology, Sydney, AustraliaTable of ContentsPart 1 Theoretical Perspectives and Current Issues: Causality and interaction: sustainable markets and sustainable business. The need for a theoretical reexamination of sustainability in economics and business. The relationship between sustainable markets and sustainable development. Part 2 Corporate and Market Approaches: The corporate world and sustainability: eco-efficiency and the doxic shareholder value. The role of small and medium-sized enterprises in sustainable development. The governance mindset: is sustainability a board issue? Sustainability issues in corporate social responsibility and strategy: sustainable or temporary competitive advantage in today's dynamic environment? Part 3 Future Perspectives and Solutions: Systemic crises in global markets: in search of regulatory and sustainable solutions. Disclosure of corporate environmental, social and governance data: toward effective and sustainable systems. What is sustainable: the need for sufficient reporting and its accounting implications. The future perspectives: what do we need for market and business sustainability?

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book offers a comprehensive overview of the state of the art in sustainable dairy production, helping the industry to develop more sustainable dairy products, through new technologies, implementing life cycle analysis, and upgrading and optimization of their current production lines.Trade Review“In summary, a very worth-while addition to the series that provides an excellent source for those working with this technology.” (International Journal of Dairy Technology, 16 July 2013) Table of ContentsPreface ix Contributors xi 1 Introduction 1 Peter de Jong 1.1 Sustainability and the dairy industry: hype or trend? 2 1.2 Quantifying the issue: measuring footprints 4 1.3 Communication: telling the whole story 5 1.4 Structure of this book 6 References 8 2 Greenhouse gas emissions from global dairy production 9 Theun V. Vellinga, Pierre Gerber and Carolyn Opio 2.1 Introduction 9 2.2 Methods for calculating emissions 11 2.3 Total emissions of the dairy sector 14 2.4 Discussion 26 References 28 3 Life cycle assessment 31 Maartje N. Sevenster 3.1 Introduction 31 3.2 Current life cycle assessment 32 3.3 Life cycle assessment in application 37 3.4 Life cycle assessment of dairy products 41 3.5 Life cycle assessment in strategy and policy 50 Acknowledgements 51 References 52 4 Sustainability and resilience of the dairy sector in a changing world: a farm economic and EU perspective 55 Roel Jongeneel and Louis Slangen 4.1 Introduction 56 4.2 Dairy economics and sustainability 62 4.3 Sustainability evaluation of the EU dairy sector 71 4.4 Agricultural policy 79 4.5 Conclusion 83 References 85 5 Dairy processing 87 Arjan J. van Asselt and Michael G. Weeks 5.1 Introduction 87 5.2 Key unit operations and their water and energy use 89 5.3 Possibilities for optimisation 101 5.4 Revisiting dairy processing: breakthrough technologies 114 References 117 6 The role of packaging in a sustainable dairy chain 119 Erika Mink 6.1 Introduction 120 6.2 Packaging sustainability: a growing market expectation 123 6.3 Packaging’s contribution to dairy sustainability 130 6.4 Global alignment of packaging requirements: implications for dairy 139 6.5 A company response: the example of Tetra Pak 150 6.6 Outlook: growing importance of economic and social pillars of sustainability 158 References 160 7 The business case for sustainable dairy products 163 Jaap Petraeus 7.1 Introduction 163 7.2 From a process-driven to a product-driven approach 164 7.3 Success factors for creating more sustainable processes and products 169 7.4 Implementation of sustainability within the company 175 7.5 The business case for sustainability 180 7.6 Policy and strategy adopted by different dairy companies 183 7.7 Looking to the future 183 7.8 Conclusion 184 References 186 Appendix: Overview of the sustainability policy and strategy of various companies 187 8 A case study of marketing sustainability 191 Grietsje Hoekstra, Corine Kroft and Klaas Jan van Calker 8.1 Introduction 191 8.2 What is sustainability? 193 8.3 Motivations for sustainability 196 8.4 Choose your battles: sustainability strategy issues 198 8.5 Getting to work 203 8.6 Communicating sustainability 212 8.7 Conclusion 217 Acknowledgement 218 References 219 9 Cradle to Cradle for innovations in the dairy industry 221 Wil A.M. Duivenvoorden 9.1 Introduction 222 9.2 A tool for C2C®-driven innovation (PROPER model) 229 9.3 Cradle to Cradle for the dairy industry 232 9.4 Conclusion 238 References 241 10 The future of sustainable dairy production 243 Peter de Jong 10.1 Future relevance of sustainable dairy 243 10.2 Next steps in chain innovation 244 10.3 Communication and marketing 247 10.4 Business case: people, planet and profit 247 10.5 Conclusion 249 References 250 Index 251

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisAgriculture as a social-ecological system embraces many disciplines. This book breaks through the silos of individual disciplines to bring ecologists and economists together to consider agriculture through the lens of resilience. It explores the economic, environmental and social uncertainties that influence the behaviour of agricultural producers and their subsequent farming approach, highlighting the importance of adaptability, innovation and capital reserves in enabling agriculture to persist under climate change and market volatility. The resilience concept and its relation to complexity theory is explained and the characteristics that foster resilience in agricultural systems, including the role of biodiversity and ecosystem services, are explored. The book discusses modelling tools, metrics and approaches for assessing agricultural resilience, highlighting areas where interdisciplinary thinking can enhance the development of resilience. It is suitable for those researching sustaiTrade Review'The 36 contributors from various institutions have produced a valuable text that is a vital reminder of the multifaceted nature of agriculture at a time when a warming world is changing rapidly and the global population is increasing.' A. M. Mannion, The Biologist'It is suitable for both researchers and policymakers, especially those who are genuinely interested in bridging economics and ecology in agriculture.' Lixin Wang, The Quarterly Review of BiologyTable of Contents1. Introducing resilience Sarah M. Gardner and Stephen J. Ramsden; Part I. Biodiversity, Ecosystem Services and Resilience in Agricultural Systems: 2. Complexity and resilience in agriculture Sarah M. Gardner; 3. Biodiversity and agriculture David Tilman; 4. Determining the value of ecosystem services in agriculture Rosemary S. Hails, Rebecca Chaplin-Kramer, Elena Bennett, Brian Robinson, Gretchen Daily, Kate Brauman and Paul West; 5. Resilience in agricultural systems Stephen J. Ramsden and James Gibbons; 6. Building resilience into agricultural pollination using wild pollinators Neal Williams, Rufus Isaacs, Eric Lonsdorf, Rachel Winfree and Taylor Ricketts; 7. Conflicts and challenges to enhancing the resilience of small-scale farmers in developing economies Richard Ewbank; 8. Modern biotechnology and sustainable intensification: chances and limitations Rolf Meyer; 9. Pastoralism, conservation and resilience: causes and consequences of pastoralist household decision-making Katherine Homewood, Marcus Rowcliffe, Jan De Leeuw, Mohamed Y. Said and Aidan Keane; Part II. Integrating Biodiversity and Building Resilience into Agricultural Systems: 10. Delivering sustainability in agriculture: some implications for analysis Ian Hodge; 11. The resilience of agricultural landscapes characterised by land sparing versus land sharing Dave Abson, Kate Sherren and Joern Fischer; 12. Ecological-economic modelling for designing cost-effective incentives to conserve farmland biodiversity Martin Drechsler and Frank Wätzold; 13. Viability analysis as an approach for assessing the resilience of agroecosystems Sophie Martin; 14. Integrating economics and resilience thinking: the context of natural resource management in Australia Michael Harris, Graham Marshall and David Pannell; 15. Integrating biodiversity and ecosystem services into European agricultural policy: a challenge for the common agricultural policy Allan Buckwell; 16. Ecosystem-service based metrics of sustainability as tools for promoting conservation and food security Jonathan R. B. Fisher and Peter Kareiva; 17. Conclusions on agricultural resilience Sarah M. Gardner, Stephen J. Ramsden and Rosemary S. Hails.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book is a rich resource of important information on coldwater fish farming and coldwater fisheries management, including new research and recent technological advances. It aims to provide an understanding of the underlying mechanisms of coldwater physiology of fishes, which is essential for effective fishery management and for taking advantage of their vast potential application in aquaculture.Coldwater Fisheries and Aquaculture Management: Technology for Sustainable Food Production elaborates on key aspects associated with reproductive biology and endocrinology of coldwater fishes, such as gonadal development and maturation, vitellogenesis, steroidogenesis, whole genome information of fishes, transcriptomics, proteomics, and more. It also looks at genetic modification of coldwater fishes, phytobiotic-based feed to attain profitability in aquaculture, and the nutritional requirements of coldwater fishes, such as plant-based proteins in fish diets and feeding carbohydrates to fish. It also describes the beneficial dietary nutrition of fish consumption by humans.Several chapters address the various challenges to coldwater fish and fishery management, such as fish bacterial diseases (along with their immune components and defense mechanisms), unpredictable nature of climate change on fish, water pollution, etc. The volume also offers strategies on the sustainable management of fish that include looking at pollution in freshwater ecosystems, biotechnological interventions, predicting threats to fish from climate change, and other factors.This volume will be of value to those in fishery management and fish science as well as to marine researchers, faculty and students, and other involved with aquaculture science and management.Trade Review“Brings together an informative compilation of different aspects of cold-water fisheries and aquaculture management technology for sustainable food production. . . . A comprehensive compilation.” —From the Foreword by S. Ayyappan, Former Secretary, DARE; Director General, ICAR Chairman, Karnataka Science and Technology Academy, Bangalore, Karnataka, India“Covers a wide range of important topics related to cold-water fish reproductive biology and endocrinology, including gonadal development and maturation, vitellogenesis, steroidogenesis, fish whole genome information, transcriptomics, proteomics, artificial intelligence, etc. . . . Of great use to readers of all types . . . . A thorough collection of top-notch chapters.” —From the Foreword by Pramod Kumar Pandey, Director, Anusandhan Bhawan, Industrial Area, Bhimtal, Uttrakhand, India"This book explores the world of coldwater aquaculture and fisheries management, with innovation and sustainability coming together to create a vision for the future of food supply. It investigates the novel approaches that will transform the food supply chain at the global level while protecting our priceless aquatic ecosystems. A must-read for anybody enthusiastic about the future of sustainable food! The book provides learning material on techniques for managing coldwater fisheries and aquaculture! It explores cutting-edge innovations in food supply that could revolutionize the sustainable food industry. This ground-breaking book will help readers realize the possibilities of coldwater fisheries and aquaculture management.” —Dr. Rayees Ahmad Bhat, Department of Zoology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, IndiaTable of Contents1. The Rainbow Trout Genome: A Significant Milestone for Aquaculture Development 2. Economics of Coldwater Fisheries 3. Nutritional Requirements of Coldwater Fishes 4. Bacterial Diseases of Finfish Prevalent in Coldwater Aquaculture 5. Biotechnological Interventions in Coldwater Aquaculture Health Management 6. Coldwater Fish Diversity: Issues and Sustainable Management in India 7. The Zebrafish: A Trending Model for T-Cell and Thymic Development along with Prevailing Challenges 8. Plant-Based Proteins in Fish Diets for Sustainable Coldwater Fisheries 9. Small-Scale Fisheries by Indigenous Fishing Methods 10. Reproductive Physiology and Breeding Biology of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) 11. Feeding Carbohydrates to Fish: Utilization and Looking Beyond Energy Nutrition 12. Application of Plant-Derived Natural Preservatives for Shelf-Life Extension of Fresh Water Fish 13. Perspective of eDNA Application to Control Pollution in Freshwater Ecosystems 14. Nutritional Composition of Coldwater Fishes 15. Genotoxicity in Fishes: With Special Reference to Micronucleus Formation in Hematocytes 16. Infectious Diseases of Coldwater Fishes: Focus on Viral and Fungal Infections 17. Nutrigenomics: Boost for Aquaculture Research and Development 18. Immune Components and Defense Mechanism in Fish: An Overview 19. Comprehensive Transcriptomics Analysis of Coldwater Fish 20. Predictable Threats to Coldwater Fisheries from the Unpredictable Nature of Climate Change: An Indian Perspective

Read more less

Book SynopsisAgroforestry is a land use system that allows for the concurrent production of trees and agricultural crops and/or animals from the same piece of land. It has a rich history of development and has been practised in some parts of the world for more than 6,000 years. In 1997, CABI published the seminal book on this subject, Temperate Agroforestry Systems, which was a break from the norm as almost all agroforestry texts up to that date were only relevant to tropical areas. The book explored the development of temperate agroforestry and agroforestry systems, concentrating on those areas within temperate zones where the greatest advances, adoptions and modifications had taken place up to that time: North and South America, China, Australia, New Zealand and Europe. This second fully-updated and expanded edition includes additional chapters on India and Chile and, as a result of ongoing advances in the field, separate chapters on the US, Canada, the UK and continental Europe. Today's challenges of climate change, population growth and food security, in concert with the ongoing global requirement for the energy and water needed for a resilient agricultural paradigm, can be met through the wide-scale adoption of agroforestry practices, in both tropical regions and temperate zones. The 2nd edition ofTemperate Agroforestry Systems brings together many examples of temperate agroforestry and will make valuable reading for all those working in this area as researchers, practitioners and policy makers. The book is also of importance to students and teachers of agriculture, ecology, environmental studies and forestry in temperate regions.Table of Contents1: Temperate Agroforestry: An Overview 2: Agroforestry in Canada and its Role in Farming Systems 3: Temperate Agroforestry in the United States: Current Trends and Future Directions 4: Agroforestry in the United Kingdom 5: Temperate Agroforestry: The European Way 6: Agroforestry in the Indian Himalayan Region: An Overview 7: Temperate Agroforestry in China 8: Agroforestry Systems in Temperate Australia 9: Temperate Agroforestry Systems in New Zealand 10: Novel Agroforestry Systems in Temperate Chile 11: Silvopastoral systems in Patagonia, Argentina 12: Temperate Agroforestry: Key Elements, Current Limits and Opportunities for the Future

Read more less

Book SynopsisYou don’t have to be an animal rights activist to take an interest in how we treat other creatures. All of us, with few exceptions, use animals in some way: for food, research, recreation and companionship. In Britain we eat around a billion chickens every year, while 60% of all mammals on Earth, by biomass, are now livestock. In 2020, approximately 2.88 million scientific procedures involving living animals were carried out in Great Britain. Because all this happens in our name, as consumers and citizens we have a duty to understand, to care and to exert some influence over how animals are used. But because such use is ingrained in our daily lives and largely happens behind closed doors, we are barely aware of it. The animals deserve better. Understanding the inconsistencies in our attitudes, in the law and in what is deemed acceptable practice is an important first step. This timely and incisive book makes compelling reading for anyone who has an interest in animals, whether wild or domestic, free-living or captive, people intrigued about how their food is produced, and those keen to make informed and intelligent decisions.Trade ReviewThis is a brilliant book and I recommend that you buy it and read it. -- Mark Avery, author and environmental campaignerRefreshingly, [Simmons] is far from puritanical in matters concerning animals... His book is a welcome contribution to debates about the use and abuse of animals and will surely serve to prompt further discussion. -- Josh Loeb, The Veterinary RecordPerhaps in sixty years we’ll look back on Treated Like Animals as helping to initiate a new era of openness, transparency and citizen engagement in all forms of the exploitation of animals. -- Moira Harris, Animal WelfareA thought-provoking tome...This is a book that sets out to ask difficult questions. It does not always provide answers, but it reminds the reader, farmer, animal rights activist or conservationist that there are no easy answers. -- The Leveller[Simmons] encourages us to become better informed about the myriad ways societies and economies depend on animals—and to be more accountable for our choices... his overall message is universal. -- Animal Welfare Institute QuarterlyTable of ContentsPreface 1 The Exploitation of Animals 2 Why Aren’t All Animals Treated the Same Way? 3 The Welfare of Farmed Animals: an Overview 4 Grazing Animals: the Best, and Some of the Worst 5 Pigs, Poultry and the Rest 6 Snares, Guns and Poison: the ‘Management’ of Wildlife 7 Conservation: Exploitation with Clear Limits? 8 Recreation, Sport and a Little Food 9 Pets: Exploitation Begins at Home 10 Animals Used in Research 11 A Personal Ethical Framework 12 Making Sense of It All Notes Glossary and Abbreviations Further Reading Acknowledgements Index

Read more less

Book Synopsis"The book provides an excellent overview of banana cultivation across the world and how the adaptation and adoption of inter-disciplinary management strategies ensure sustainable production…a comprehensive foundation of knowledge on which future research strategies can be built." ISHS - Chronica HorticulturaeThis volume reviews key recent research on improving banana cultivation. Part 1 reviews current challenges in banana production. Part 2 surveys ways of improving cultivation practice across the value chain, from propagation to harvesting, packaging and ripening. The final part of the book assesses ways of measuring and improving the environmental impact of banana cultivation.Highlights of the book include: the latest research on banana domestication and genetic diversity; new research on the limitations of current good agricultural practices and how areas such as soil health can be improved; and summaries of best practice in neglected but critical areas such as harvesting and ripening operations.Drawing on an international range of expertise, the collection will be a standard reference for the banana research community as well as banana producers.Trade Review"The book provides an excellent overview of banana cultivation across the world and how the adaptation and adoption of inter-disciplinary management strategies ensure sustainable production…a comprehensive foundation of knowledge on which future research strategies can be built." ISHS - Chronica HorticulturaeTable of ContentsPart 1 Banana production and its challenges1.The origin, domestication and dispersal of bananas: Hugo Volkaert, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Thailand; 2.Understanding the banana industry: monoculture and beyond: Dan Koeppel, Independent Journalist and Researcher, USA; 3.Banana cultivation in Africa: W. K. Tushemereirwe and J. Kubiriba, National Agricultural Research Laboratories, Uganda; 4.Challenges and opportunities for smallholders in banana value chains: William Tinzaara, Bioversity International, Uganda; Dietmar Stoian, Bioversity International, France, Walter Ocimati, Enoch Kikulwe and Gloria Otieno, Bioversity International, Uganda; and Guy Blomme, Bioversity International, Ethiopia; Part 2 Improving practices across the banana value chain5.A functional approach to bunch formation in banana: D. W. Turner, School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Australia; and D. J. Gibbs, Consultant, Australia; 6.Banana plant propagation methods: Sharon D. Hamill, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Australia; 7.Conserving banana germplasm through field genebanks: Mike Smith, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Australia; 8.Good agricultural practices: an end or a starting point for more sustainable banana production?: Charles Staver, Bioversity International, France; 9.Challenges in cultivation of bananas in the subtropics: Víctor Galán Saúco, Instituto Canario de Investigaciones Agrarias, Spain; 10.Nutrition and soil management in banana cultivation: Jetse J. Stoorvogel, Wageningen University, The Netherlands; and Rafael A. Segura, CORBANA S.A., Costa Rica; 11.Harvesting and packaging of bananas: Juan José Aycart, Dole, Ecuador; 12.Ripening systems for bananas: Frits Popma, Popma Fruit Expertise, The Netherlands; Part 3 Assessing and improving sustainability 13.Life cycle assessment and carbon footprint of banana cultivation: Louis Bockel, Laure-Sophie Schiettecatte and Orane Debrune, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Italy; 14.Sustainable banana cultivation: from standards to multiple solutions: Sietze Vellema and Kees Jansen, Wageningen University, The Netherlands; 15.Organic banana cultivation and sustainability: Frans Wielemaker, Consultant (formerly Director of Research at Dole Fresh Fruit International), Costa Rica;

Read more less

Book SynopsisTurfgrass is required to meet a challenging range of aesthetic, functional and environmental requirements, whilst also adapting to the threat of abiotic and biotic stresses which are being accentuated by climate change. The turfgrass industry is also facing increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact and advance more sustainable maintenance practices that utilise and/or optimise fewer agronomic-related resources.Achieving sustainable turfgrass management summarises the wealth of recent research that addresses these challenges, whilst also identifying potential mitigation strategies to reduce the sector’s contribution to climate change, such as reduced fertilizer use and water conservation. This collection also highlights developments in breeding for improved cultivars of turfgrass with enhanced abiotic and biotic stress responses, as well as climate resilience.In its extensive exploration of turfgrass physiology, breeding and cultivation, the book showcases how the turfgrass industry can adopt more sustainable management practices and reduce its environmental impact.Table of ContentsPart 1 Physiology, breeding and cultivation 1.Advances in understanding turfgrass physiology: David Jespersen, University of Georgia, USA; Benjamin Wherley, Texas A&M University, USA; and Michelle DaCosta, University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA; 2.Advances in breeding for improved cultivars of turfgrass: Phillip L. Vines, University of Georgia, USA; Ambika Chandra, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, USA; and Trent M. Tate, GO Seed, Inc., USA; 3.Advances in soil management for successful establishment and maintenance of turfgrass: Douglas J. Soldat and Paul L. Koch, University of Wisconsin, USA; 4.Advances in phosphite utilization for turfgrass: John Dempsey, Independent Turfgrass Research, Ireland; 5.Advances in irrigation and water management of turfgrass: Marco Schiavon, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida, USA; and Matteo Serena, United States Golf Association, USA; 6.Advances in maintenance practices of turfgrass: Adam W. Thoms, Iowa State University, USA; and Alex J. Lindsey, University of Florida, USA; 7.Advances in turfgrass for athletic fields and sports pitches: Gerald M. Henry, University of Georgia, USA; 8.Advancements in turfgrass for ornamental lawns: Rebecca Grubbs Bowling, Texas A&M University, USA; and Joseph Young, Texas Tech University, USA; Part 2 Biotic and abiotic stresses 9.Advances in turfgrass disease management: James Kerns, North Carolina State University, USA; 10.Advances in turfgrass insect pest management: Benjamin A. McGraw, Audrey Simard and Garrett Y. Price, Pennsylvania State University, USA; 11.Advances in turfgrass weed management: Matthew T. Elmore, Rutgers University, USA; Aaron J. Patton, Purdue University, USA; Travis W. Gannon, North Carolina State University, USA; and James T. Brosnan, University of Tennessee, USA; 12.Advances in plant growth regulation in turfgrass: David Gardner and Ed Nangle, The Ohio State University, USA; 13.Advances in abiotic stress management in turfgrass: Charles Fontanier, Oklahoma State University, USA; and Chrissie A. Segars, Texas A&M University, USA; 14.Advances in managing organic matter in turfgrass ecosystems: Alec Kowalewski, Charles Schmid, Ruying Wang and Emily Braithwaite, Oregon State University, USA; 15.Advances in biostimulants in turfgrass: Michael Fidanza, Pennsylvania State University, USA; Cale Bigelow, Purdue University, USA; Stanley Kostka, Pennsylvania State University, USA; Erik Ervin, University of Delaware, USA; Roch Gaussoin, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA; Frank Rossi, Cornell University, USA; John Cisar, Cisar Turfgrass Research Service, USA; F. Dan Dinelli, North Shore Country Club, USA; John Pope, Pope Soils Consulting and Counseling Services, USA; and James Steffel, Lehigh Agricultural and Biological Services, USA; Part 3 Case studies 16.Considerations with using unmanned aircraft systems in turfgrass: Dale J. Bremer, Kansas State University, USA; Dana G. Sullivan, TurfScout, LLC, USA; Phillip L. Vines, University of Georgia, USA; David McCall, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, USA; Jing Zhang, University of Georgia, USA; and Mu Hong, Colorado State University, USA; 17.Considerations with selecting turfgrass varieties and cultivars: Kevin Morris, National Turfgrass Evaluation Program, USA; Yuanshuo Qu, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, USA; Len Kne, University of Minnesota, USA; and Steve Graham, University of Minnesota, USA; 18.Considerations with turfgrasses and pollinators: Michelle Wisdom and Michael Richardson, University of Arkansas, USA; and Paige Boyle, Utah State University, USA; 19.Considerations with water for turfgrass in arid environments: Brian Whitlark, United States Golf Association, USA; Kai Umeda, University of Arizona, USA; Bernhard R. Leinauer, New Mexico State University, USA; and Matteo Serena, University of California- Riverside, USA; 20.Considerations with soil testing in turfgrass: Cole Thompson, United States Golf Association, USA; Elizabeth Guertal, Auburn University, USA; Pauric McGroary, Waypoint Analytical, USA; Douglas Soldat, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA; and Bryan G. Hopkins, Brigham Young University and Soil Science Society of America, USA;

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn the ongoing effort to combat global climate catastrophe, animal agriculture has long been a subject of contention. On the one hand, most agree that across the world increasing meat and dairy consumption are accelerating anthropogenic climate change. On the other hand, proponents of the livestock industry argue that modern advancements reduce greenhouse gas emissions from efficient livestock production to negligible quantities. Some even maintain that grass-based livestock production has a net positive impact on the environment, due to the carbon sequestration caused by grazing. Whom are we to believe? This book shows us that the answer is not so clear-cut. Beginning with the implications of the UN’s Livestock’s Long Shadow report, it breaks down the blind spots and highlights the insights of the most prominent pro-meat arguments, as well as of the push for a global switch to vegetarianism. While advances in efficiency might reduce greenhouse gas emissions per unit of meat or milk produced, attendant decreases in cost can enable overconsumption and thus produce more waste. And while carbon sequestration is beneficial, it is not a reliable cure-all for the industry. Due to the economics of farming, however, eliminating meat consumption may not even reduce emissions at all. The truth about livestock production is much more nuanced but, luckily, also far more holistic. The future of agricultural policy will have to take into consideration factors such as human health and economics, as well as climate. Eschewing ideology for empirical rigor, this book paves an actionable path forward for both consumers and producers, offering unique solutions for each livestock system and simple, everyday adjustments for the average omnivore.Table of ContentsPrefaceChapter 1. How we got here, and where we need to go: The bitter fight about meat and climate The UN’s Livestock’s Long Shadow report and its impact in the popular press and in farm country Chapter 2. The consequences for climate of meat consumption The argument for reducing meat consumption to slow climate change. Chapter 3. The Limits of Vegetarianism Critiques of the excesses of the vegetarian argument. In developed nations livestock production contributes relatively little to global warming. It is important to not exaggerate the impact of reduced meat consumption on greenhouse gas emissions. Also, livestock play an important role in sustainable agriculture. Chapter 4. The Benefits of Modern Efficiency The argument that conventional modern techniques of producing meat are highly efficient and thus have a relatively low greenhouse gas footprint (or hoofprint). Chapter 5. The Limits of Efficiency Even with gains in efficiency, meat and especially beef, still has outsized greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, efficient production also translates to low cost, which in turn enables overconsumption and waste. Chapter 6. The Miracle of Grass The argument that grass-based livestock production can result in significant carbon sequestration. Chapter 7. The Limits of Grass Grazing does not always result in carbon sequestration, let alone net sequestration of greenhouse gases after accounting for methane emissions from manure and ruminant digestion and nitrous oxide emissions from soils. Sometimes this is due to poor management, but sometimes it is due to soil and climate factors. In many cases we still don’t fully understand what factors result in carbon storage or loss in soils. We need to be more realistic about what grazing can accomplish in terms of climate change mitigation. Chapter 8. Lightening our Carbon Hoofprint We have spent too much time trying to justify a simplistic response to the challenge posed by the greenhouse gas emissions of livestock. The truth is more nuanced. In fact, greenhouse gas emissions in the US are pretty similar for grazed and conventionally raised animals, but there is wide variation within each system depending on details of manure management and feed production. And although on average meat production generates more greenhouse gases than raising vegetable protein sources, due to the economics of farming it is not clear that eliminating meat consumption would actually reduce greenhouse gas emissions. While this complexity does not support the claim of any of the three viewpoints, it does allow farmers and eaters to reduce their greenhouse gas footprints without completely changing their way of life. Chapter 9. Policy Pathways While climate is a critical challenge for our planet, humans do not and should not make decisions based on climate alone. As we consider what to eat and how to structure agricultural policy we also need to look at other environmental impacts such as water quality and biodiversity, as well as human health, cultural factors, and economics.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA simple design object to overcome food scarcity. The sausage is one of mankind's first-ever designed food items. A paragon of efficient butchery, it was designed to make the most of animal protein in times of scarcity, and dates back as far as 3300 BCE. Today, the sausage remains a cornerstone of our food culture. England alone has over 470 different types of breakfast sausages! Now, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), we are facing a serious shortage of protein-rich-food. Meat, in particular, will be scarce. One reason for this is over-consumption: in today's world, we simply consume too many animal products. So can we look to the sausage to provide a solution once again, in order to reduce the consumption of meat? Can the use of new ingredients replace the meat and increase the diversity of our diets? To answer these questions, a chef of molecular gastronomy, a master butcher and a designer have teamed up to look into sausage production techniques and potential new ingredients - like insects, nuts, and legumes - to create the "future sausage. ' This book takes the reader on a journey through all the building blocks of a sausage and presents lesser-known ingredients, carefully selected for their "future potential." AUTHOR: Carolien Niebling, born 1984, is a designer and researcher who specialises in food-related projects and lives and works in Lausanne. She graduated ECAL Master in Product Design in 2014. 174 illustrations

Read more less

Book SynopsisAgronomic crops have been used to provide foods, beverages, fodders, fuels, medicines and industrial raw materials since the dawn of human civilization. Today, agronomic crops are being cultivated by employing scientific methods instead of traditional methods. However, in the current era of climate change, agronomic crops are subjected to various environmental stresses, which results in substantial yield loss. To meet the food demands of the ever-increasing global population, new technologies and management practices are being adopted to boost yield and maintain productivity under both normal and adverse conditions. Scientists are now exploring a variety of approaches to the sustainable production of agronomic crops, including varietal development, soil management, nutrient and water management, pest management, etc. Researchers have also made remarkable progress in developing stress tolerance in crops through different approaches. However, achieving optimal production to meet the increasing food demand is an open challenge. Although there have been numerous publications on the above-mentioned problems, and despite the extensive research being conducted on them, there is hardly any comprehensive book available. In response, this book offers a timely resource, addressing all aspects of production technologies, management practices and stress tolerance in agronomic crops in a single volume.Table of ContentsAgronomic Crops: Types and Uses.- Climate Resilient Minor Crops for Food Security.- Climatic Variability and Agronomic Cropping Pattern.- Soil Health in Cropping Systems: An Overview.- Agronomic Cropping Systems in relation to Climatic Variability. -Growth and Development Dynamics in Agronomic Crops under Environmental Stress.- Tillage and Crop Production.- Effect of Planting Dates on Agronomic Crop Production.- Crop production under changing climate – Past, Present and Future.- Cultivation of Aromatic Rice: A review.- Direct Seeding in Rice: Problems and Prospects.- Advanced Production Technologies of Wheat.- Advanced Production Technologies of Maize.- Agrotechnologies of Baby Corn Production.- Advanced Production Technologies of Millets.- Advanced Production Technologies of Legumes Crops.- Advanced Production Technologies of Oilseed Crops.- Advanced Production Technology of Sugar Crops.- Advanced Production Technologies of Potato.- Advanced Production Technology and Processing of Jute.- Tea production in Bangladesh: From bush to mug.- Tea: a worthwhile, popular beverage crop since time immemorial.- Agronomy of Betelvine Crop.- Fundamentals of Crop Rotation in Agronomic Management.- Cool Season Food Legumes in Rice Fallows: An Indian Perspective.- Crop Diversification and Food Security.- Fundamentals of Seed Production and Processing of Agronomic Crops.- Seed Production Technologies of some Major Field Crops.- Postharvest Technologies for Major Agronomic Crops.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThird-generation syrup makers Alison and Steven Anderson show you how to collect sap using a tree-friendly tubing system and then cook, package, and even market your own syrup. With expert advice for first-time bottlers, the Andersons share their passion with a contagious excitement that is as inspiring as a bowl of sugar on snow.

Read more less

Book Synopsis Produce your own milk, cheese, meat, fiber, fertilizer, and more Incorporating dairy goats into a diversified homestead can be the key to greater self-sufficiency. Responding to questions and concerns from readers from all over North America and beyond, this fully revised and expanded edition of Raising Goats Naturally will help readers work with nature to raise dairy goats to produce milk, cheese, meat, fertilizer, leather, fiber, and soap all without relying on drugs or following the factory farm model. By observing your own animals closely and educating yourself about their specific needs, you can create an individualized plan for keeping them healthy and maximizing their productivity. This unique, fully-illustrated guide will teach you to help your herd thrive with: Breed-specific descriptions to help you choose the right goats for your goals and lifestyle Detailed information on housing, fencing, breeding, health, milkingTable of Contents Acknowledgments Preface to the Second Edition Introduction Part I: Planning, Purchasing, and Protecting 1. Choosing Your Goats Breeds Does Bucks Registration Pedigree Purchasing 2. Housing Your Goats Shelter Bedding 3. Protecting Your Goats Fencing Livestock Guardians Part II: Raising, Remedies, and Reproduction 4. Day-to- Day Life With Goats Behavior Anatomy Health Grooming First Aid Supplies Medicating the Sick Goat 5. Feeding Your Goats Rotational Grazing Hay Grain Minerals Baking Soda 6. Parasites Internal Parasites Controlling Internal Parasites Preventing Infection External Parasites Controlling External Parasites 7. Injury, Illnesses, and Diseases Abortion and Stillbirth Abscesses Acidosis Bloat Brucellosis Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Constipation Cryptosporidiosis Enterotoxemia Floppy Kid Syndrome Foot Rot Hardware Disease Hypocalcemia Infertility in Bucks Infertility in Does Johne's Disease Ketosis Listeriosis Mastitis Nutritional Deficiencies Neonatal Mortality Pinkeye Polio (Polioencephalomalacia) Respiratory Conditions Ringworm Scours Scrapie Skin Cancer Sore Mouth Tetanus Tuberculosis Urinary Stones (Urinary Calculi) White Muscle Disease Vaccines 8. Breeding Breeding Season Breeding Age Signs of Estrus Breeding Methods Buck Behavior Successful Breeding Artificial Insemination Feeding for Fertility 9. Pregnancy Gestation Signs of Pregnancy False Pregnancy Feeding During Pregnancy 10. Birthing Getting Ready Signs of Labor Birth Feeding Post Birth Newborn Check Kid Complications 11. Raising Kids Getting Started With Dam Raising Getting Started With Bottle-feeding Poop Feeding Grain and Forage Horns Castrating Males Tattooing and Ear Tags Weaning Barn Hygiene 12. Milking Managing Milkers Naturally Teaching a Doe to Milk Milking Equipment Milking by Hand Milking With a Machine Handling Milk Storing Milk Part III: Milk, Meat, and More 13. The Dairy Kitchen Equipment Ingredients 14. Dairy Products Buttermilk and Sour Cream Yogurt Sweets 15. Acid-ripened Cheeses Vinegar Citric Acid 16. Culture-ripened Cheeses Choosing Cultures Flocculation Cutting Curds Semi-hard and Hard Cheeses 17. Meat Meat Quality Butchering Cooking 18. Soap Processes Safety Equipment Ingredients Step-by- Step Soap Making Final Thoughts Notes Glossary Suggested Reading Recipe Index Index About the Author About New Society Publishers

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis hardworking addition to the best-selling Backyard Homestead series offers expert advice on what tasks to do around your farm and when to do them — no matter where on the planet you call home. Author Ann Larkin Hansen sets the priorities for each area of the farm, including the barn, garden, orchard, field, pasture, and woodlot. For every critical turn of the year (12 in all), Hansen provides an at-a-glance to-do list along with tips and a more in-depth discussion of key topics for the season. Easy-reference charts, checklists, and record-keeping sections help you keep track of it all. Also available in this series: The Backyard Homestead, The Backyard Homestead Book of Building Projects, The Backyard Homestead Guide to Raising Farm Animals, and The Backyard Homestead Book of Kitchen Know-How.

Read more less

Book SynopsisPulling carts around the farm or serving as loyal pack animals, goats are naturally hardworking and make for friendly companions. This straightforward guide teaches you how to choose, house, feed, train, and breed the best goats for your space and needs. Whether you want to churn out fresh dairy products, harvest soft cashmere for knitting, or keep goats as playful pets, The Backyard Goat makes it easy to enjoy the benefits of owning goats, with no experience necessary.

Read more less

Book SynopsisDevon Strong was a farmer and bison rancher in the Western United States whose utterly unique approach to biodynamic agriculture and animal husbandry, stemming as it did from his profound connection with the spirituality of the (Native North American) Lakota people, was just beginning to draw worldwide interest at the time of his early and unexpected death in late 2015.Devon Strong twice led workshops and presentations at the Goetheanum in Switzerland on his merging of biodynamic practices with the traditional Lakota buffalo ceremony. This book -- which includes his unfinished manuscript Taking Life Seriously, all of his published articles, as well as reports and remembrances from both his own family and leading figures of the international biodynamic movement -- is both Devon's final word on the legacy of his singular way of relating to land and animals, and a loving tribute to his vision, inspiration, and intentions for the future of agriculture.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review"Missouri grazier Greg Judy has written a textbook of how to build a sizeable ranch starting with absolutely no capital. No Risk Ranching should be ready by every young grazier dreaming of having a big place someday. Judy will show you that you can have it very fast if you will just ask for it."–Allan Nation The Stockman Grass Farmer

Read more less

Book SynopsisBiodynamic methods are increasingly used by farmers, gardeners and winemakers. Dennis Klocek argues that, in order to use such methods effectively, the practitioner must undergo constant self-development.Based on numerous lectures, Klocek discusses the kind of inner development and understanding required to work with the elemental nature of the earth. His views are presented in a framework that includes alchemy, the classical four elements, Goethean observation, and the work of Rudolf Steiner.This is not a book of how-to techniques, but a conceptual guidebook to those looking to implement biodynamics at the deepest level.Trade Review'Well worth the effort of reading it through from cover to cover and discovering the many priceless gems it contains.'-- New View

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review‘This impressive Handbook captures and reflects the vibrancy of, and will propel further, the rapidly expanding field of critical agrarian studies. It is an indispensable reference in the field for students, teachers, researchers, policy experts, and activists.’ -- Saturnino M. Borras Jr., International Institute of Social Studies, the Netherlands and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Peasant Studies‘The Handbook of Critical Agrarian Studies is a magnificent field-building achievement. Ambitious and comprehensive, it marks the coming of age of critical agrarian studies, with first-rate contributions from foundational thinkers and emerging stars on everything from agroecology and land, to financialization, territoriality, extractivism, migrant labour, and dozens of other topics.’ -- Marc Edelman, Hunter College and The Graduate Center, City University of New York‘Critical agrarian studies is not a sentimental journey into the past but ways of rethinking how the dynamics of agrarian change reflect and shape some of the most important issues of our time. In these creative and thoughtful short chapters, leading scholars provide new angles on familiar questions such as land ownership, the ways we eat, agrarian extractivism, ecological crisis and rural social movements and on many new issues as well. Authors also lead readers through current debates and introduce them to the particular methodological problems of agrarian studies.’ -- Bridget O’Laughlin, International Institute of Social Studies, the Netherlands and Co-Editor of the Journal of Agrarian Change'The Handbook of Critical Agrarian Studies is an excellent and solid work that takes us through the foundational and current debates of this research field, its main concepts and methodological approaches, the intersection of the agrarian question with environmental, territorial, techno-science and financialization issues, among other topics. An essential reference book.’ -- Carla Gras, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Argentina‘This Handbook will surely become the point of departure for anyone planning research on agrarian issues from a critical perspective. The 72 contributions – most by well-regarded experts in the field—provide both succinct literature reviews and substantive insight on a broad range of relevant topics. Some of the chapters, such as on The Agrarian Question, Land Grabs, and Feasible Utopias are superb. Whether for clarification of key concepts or to grasp the contours of current debates, the Handbook will be useful to students, researchers, those teaching in the field, as well as policy advocates and activists.’ -- Carmen Diana Deere, University of Florida, USTable of ContentsContents: Foreword xxiii Tania Murray Li Acknowledgements xxv 1 An introduction to the Handbook of Critical Agrarian Studies 1 A. Haroon Akram-Lodhi, Kristina Dietz, Bettina Engels and Ben M. McKay PART I ORIGINS 2 Frontiers, regimes and learning from history 9 Ulbe Bosma and Eric Vanhaute 3 Origins of peasant studies 15 Harriet Friedmann 4 The diversity of classical agrarian Marxism 25 A. Haroon Akram-Lodhi and Cristóbal Kay 5 Debates on the historical origins of agrarian capitalism 34 Xavier Lafrance 6 An alternative perspective on the agrarian question in Europe and in the developing countries 45 Utsa Patnaik PART II CONCEPTS 7 The agrarian question 53 Michael Watts 8 Class 67 Sara Berry 9 Land 72 A. Haroon Akram-Lodhi 10 Frontiers: Commodification and territorialization 80 Mattias Borg Rasmussen and Christian Lund 11 Labour 91 Jonathan Pattenden 12 Labor and social reproduction 99 Smriti Rao 13 Peasants 109 Jan Douwe van der Ploeg 14 Gender 120 Avanti Mukherjee 15 Gender, nature, body 131 Andrea J. Nightingale and Wendy Harcourt 16 Kinship 139 Pauline E. Peters 17 Generation 150 Ben White 18 Intersectionality 157 Carol J. Pierce Colfer, Markus Ihalainen and Bimbika Sijapati Basnett 19 Merchant and usurer’s capital 165 John Harriss 20 Agricultural markets 171 Muhammad Ali Jan and Barbara Harriss-White 21 Financialization 178 Jennifer Clapp and S. Ryan Isakson 22 Agrarian law 187 Sergio Coronado 23 Territoriality 197 Annie Shattuck and Nancy Lee Peluso 24 Agrarian/land reform 205 Ben Cousins 25 Food regimes 218 Philip McMichael 26 Crisis 232 Robert Chernomas, Ian Hudson and A. Haroon Akram-Lodhi 27 Food sovereignty, food security and the right to food 238 Priscilla Claeys, Annette Aurélie Desmarais and Jasber Singh PART III METHODOLOGIES 28 Qualitative research 251 Elisa Greco 29 Quantitative analysis 258 J. Paul Dunne 30 Geographical research 266 Oliver Pye 31 Questions and answers 272 A. Haroon Akram-Lodhi PART IV REGIONAL PERSPECTIVES 32 The agrarian question in Africa: Past, present and future 279 Samir Amin 33 Social movements in times of extractivism: The ecoterritorial turn in Latin America 285 Maristella Svampa 34 Agrarian change in China: Historical origins and competing perspectives 296 Qian Forrest Zhang 35 Beyond confrontation: Silent growers, symbiosis and subtle peasantness in post-socialist Eurasia 305 Oane Visser, Brian Kuns and Petr Jehlička 36 BRICS and global agrarian transformations 316 Gustavo de L.T. Oliveira and Ben M. McKay 37 Neoliberalism and the crisis in India’s countryside 324 Prabhat Patnaik 38 Crises of capitalism in the countryside: Debates from the South 334 Praveen Jha and Paris Yeros PART V DEBATES 39 Land grabs 346 Ariane Goetz 40 Water for agriculture 357 Larry A. Swatuk 41 Biofuels 366 Carol Hunsberger 42 Industrial fisheries and oceanic accumulation 374 Elizabeth Havice and Liam Campling 43 Forests and current transitions 387 Markus Kröger 44 Artisanal and small-scale mining 401 Boris Verbrugge and Robin Thiers 45 Footloose labour 410 John Harriss 46 Contract farming 416 Helena Pérez Niño and Carlos Oya 47 Biotechnology 427 Matthew A. Schnurr and Lincoln Addison 48 Agroecology 438 Nils McCune and Peter Rosset 49 Identities and culture in the rural world 453 Nicholas Copeland 50 Everyday politics in agrarian societies 463 Benedict J. Tria Kerkvliet 51 The state and rural politics 469 Leandro Vergara-Camus 52 Experts, land regimes and the politics of mapping 480 Facundo Martín 53 Rural social movements/transnational agrarian movements 491 Giuliano Martiniello 54 Industrial agriculture and agrarian extractivism 503 Ben M. McKay and Henry Veltmeyer 55 Rural dispossession and capital accumulation 515 Derek Hall 56 Ecological crises in the rural world 525 Marcus Taylor 57 Microfinance and rural financial inclusion 536 Marcus Taylor 58 Rural indebtedness 547 Julien-François Gerber 59 The neoliberal diet 556 Gerardo Otero 60 Meatification 561 Tony Weis 61 Digital agriculture 568 Kristina Dietz and Franza Drechsel 62 COVID-19 581 A. Haroon Akram-Lodhi PART VI TRAJECTORIES 63 The interface of critical development studies and critical agrarian studies 594 Henry Veltmeyer 64 Political ecology 601 Kristina Dietz 65 Pluriloguing postcolonial studies and critical agrarian studies 610 Johanna Leinius 66 Agrarian justice: Land, human rights and democratization 620 Jennifer C. Franco and Sofía Monsalve Suárez 67 Strategic linkages between STS and critical agrarian studies 630 Ryan Nehring 68 The Capitalocene response to the Anthropocene 636 Kees Jansen and Joost Jongerden 69 Degrowth in agrarian and fisheries studies 647 Arnim Scheidel, Irmak Ertör and Federico Demaria 70 Reconfiguring the intersection between urban food movements and agrarian struggles: Building an urban political agroecology praxis 656 Chiara Tornaghi and Severin Halder 71 Radical transformation: Creating alternatives to capitalism in the countryside 666 Kristina Dietz and Bettina Engels 72 Feasible utopias 676 Ray Bush Index 689

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisIt was on July 5, 1943, when Plowman's Folly was first issued, that the author startled a lethargic public, long bemused by the apparently insoluble problem of soil depletion, by saying, simply, “The fact is that no one has ever advanced a scientific reason for plowing.” With the key sentence, he opened a new era.Trade ReviewProbably no book on an agricultural subject has ever prompted so much discussion in this country.""- Louis Bromfield in The Reader's Digest

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade ReviewIf you're looking for a guide through the tangled thickets of global food systems, you can do no better than Jess Fanzo's book Can Fixing Dinner Fix the Planet?.—Eat This PodcastOverall, the book provides an insightful and convincing overview for anyone interested in food and sustainability.—L. A. Reisch, F. C. Doebbe, Journal of Consumer PolicyFanzo's position as an expert and thought leader in global food systems brings a balanced, informed, comprehensive approach to the text often missing in food policy books.—Journal of Public Health PolicyTable of ContentsPreface AcknowledgmentsIntroduction: Yes, We'll Have No BananasChapter 1. Are We What We Eat, or What We're Fed?Chapter 2. Can Cooking Curry in Cambodia Trigger a Tornado in Texas?Chapter 3. Do We Have the Right to Eat Wrongly?Chapter 4. Can Better Policies Create Better Food?Chapter 5. Can One Bee Save the Hive?NotesIndex

Read more less

Book SynopsisIreland has tended to think of itself as a Goldilocks' country: not too hot, not too cold, and well positioned to ride out the climate emergency. But this is a fantasy: the effects of climate change in Ireland will be profound, and at the moment we're not doing nearly enough about it. That's the bad news. The good news is that Ireland has the wherewithal to dramatically cut its emissions while making itself far more resilient. This book shows how it can be done. Above all, we must reimagine the ways in which we use the land. Agriculture accounts for 38 per cent of Ireland's greenhouse emissions and just 7 per cent of gross national income. As Gibbons shows, Ireland's dramatic shift towards the most polluting food sectors driven by a small number of agribusiness giants and facilitated by the state benefits the few while imposing huge costs on the many. It doesn't have to be this way, and Gibbons, who grew up on an arable farm, shows how we can embrace a low-emissions farming model while preserving farmers' livelihoods, making the countryside a better place to live, and delivering something Ireland conspicuously lacks: food security. The Lie of the Land is a bracing critique of the bad decisions that have put Ireland into such a vulnerable position, and a devastating dissection of the wishful thinking and outright dishonesty that have propped up the status quo in Irish agriculture. It also offers an inspiring vision of how through a revolution in farming, development of renewable energy (including our vast offshore wind resource), and a dramatic acceleration of moves to decarbonize transport and housing we can prepare for the new realities of the climate crisis.

Read more less

Book SynopsisRadionics treatments have been recognised for their ability to rebalance the soil to produce quality crops and to treat pests and disease. Dowsing can enable gardeners to identify the best planting locations by considering the influence of the moon and underground water patterns. Together, these procedures can be combined with traditional biodynamic approaches to help boost the growth of crops and plants. Drawing on his decades of experience in sustainable and organic farming and gardening, George Kuepper describes practical methods for implementing these practices in this helpful and clear guidebook. With numerous illustrations, photographs, tables and examples this is a useful and practical resource for gardeners and farmers looking to improve the quality of their crops and plants.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTea is big business. After water, tea is believed to be the most widely consumed beverage in the world. And yet, as productivity increases, the real price of tea declines while labour costs continue to rise. Tea remains a labour intensive industry. With a distinguished career spanning over 50 years and rich experience in diverse crops, Mike Carr is eminently qualified to indulge in an intelligent discourse on tea agronomy. In addition to a comprehensive review of the principal tea growing regions worldwide in terms of structure, productivity and principal constraints, he has attempted to question and seeks to find the associated experimental evidence needed to support current and future crop management practices. The book will assist all those involved in the tea industry to become creative thinkers and to question accepted practices. International in content, it will appeal to practitioners and students from tea growing countries worldwide.Trade Review'An exquisite work describing the major aspects of tea planting and cultivation, written by Professor M. K. V. Carr, a famous scholar in this field. I believe this book will be a distinguished addition to the world of tea science.' Zong-Mao Chen, Tea Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, ChinaTable of ContentsForeword V. S. Sharma; Preface: it all depends; Acknowledgements; 1. Karibuni! Welcome to you all; 2. The world of tea: a geriatric problem; 3. A changing climate: stay cool!; 4. Taxonomic delight: only plant the best!; 5. The well-bred tea bush: developing high-yielding clones R. H. V Corley and G. K. Tuwei; 6. Planting and replanting: who ever said this was simple?; 7. Understanding the growth processes: creating a framework; 8. Roots exposed: life underground; 9. We are only growing leaves: source or sink?; 10. Plucks shoots, and leaves: looking after the children; 11. Machine-assisted harvesting: the need of the hour M. K. V. Carr and C. J. Flowers; 12. Hidden hunger and intelligent guesswork: we can only build on what has gone before; 13. Pores for thought: gaseous exchange; 14. More pores for thought: the answer lies in the soil; 15. Water productivity: more crop per drop; 16. A shady business: teas need trees; 17. A nice cup of tea: is it made in the field or in the factory?; 18. Fair trade? Smallholders are beautiful; 19. The agronomist's report: a synthesis; 20. Support services: how sustainable is sustainability?; Glossary; References; Further reading; Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAgriculture as a social-ecological system embraces many disciplines. This book breaks through the silos of individual disciplines to bring ecologists and economists together to consider agriculture through the lens of resilience. It explores the economic, environmental and social uncertainties that influence the behaviour of agricultural producers and their subsequent farming approach, highlighting the importance of adaptability, innovation and capital reserves in enabling agriculture to persist under climate change and market volatility. The resilience concept and its relation to complexity theory is explained and the characteristics that foster resilience in agricultural systems, including the role of biodiversity and ecosystem services, are explored. The book discusses modelling tools, metrics and approaches for assessing agricultural resilience, highlighting areas where interdisciplinary thinking can enhance the development of resilience. It is suitable for those researching sustaiTrade Review'The 36 contributors from various institutions have produced a valuable text that is a vital reminder of the multifaceted nature of agriculture at a time when a warming world is changing rapidly and the global population is increasing.' A. M. Mannion, The Biologist'It is suitable for both researchers and policymakers, especially those who are genuinely interested in bridging economics and ecology in agriculture.' Lixin Wang, The Quarterly Review of BiologyTable of Contents1. Introducing resilience Sarah M. Gardner and Stephen J. Ramsden; Part I. Biodiversity, Ecosystem Services and Resilience in Agricultural Systems: 2. Complexity and resilience in agriculture Sarah M. Gardner; 3. Biodiversity and agriculture David Tilman; 4. Determining the value of ecosystem services in agriculture Rosemary S. Hails, Rebecca Chaplin-Kramer, Elena Bennett, Brian Robinson, Gretchen Daily, Kate Brauman and Paul West; 5. Resilience in agricultural systems Stephen J. Ramsden and James Gibbons; 6. Building resilience into agricultural pollination using wild pollinators Neal Williams, Rufus Isaacs, Eric Lonsdorf, Rachel Winfree and Taylor Ricketts; 7. Conflicts and challenges to enhancing the resilience of small-scale farmers in developing economies Richard Ewbank; 8. Modern biotechnology and sustainable intensification: chances and limitations Rolf Meyer; 9. Pastoralism, conservation and resilience: causes and consequences of pastoralist household decision-making Katherine Homewood, Marcus Rowcliffe, Jan De Leeuw, Mohamed Y. Said and Aidan Keane; Part II. Integrating Biodiversity and Building Resilience into Agricultural Systems: 10. Delivering sustainability in agriculture: some implications for analysis Ian Hodge; 11. The resilience of agricultural landscapes characterised by land sparing versus land sharing Dave Abson, Kate Sherren and Joern Fischer; 12. Ecological-economic modelling for designing cost-effective incentives to conserve farmland biodiversity Martin Drechsler and Frank Wätzold; 13. Viability analysis as an approach for assessing the resilience of agroecosystems Sophie Martin; 14. Integrating economics and resilience thinking: the context of natural resource management in Australia Michael Harris, Graham Marshall and David Pannell; 15. Integrating biodiversity and ecosystem services into European agricultural policy: a challenge for the common agricultural policy Allan Buckwell; 16. Ecosystem-service based metrics of sustainability as tools for promoting conservation and food security Jonathan R. B. Fisher and Peter Kareiva; 17. Conclusions on agricultural resilience Sarah M. Gardner, Stephen J. Ramsden and Rosemary S. Hails.

Read more less

Book SynopsisNature-based solutions (NBS) are essential to ensure a sustainable society and healthy ecosystem over the coming decades. However, the systems to be managed are both broad and complex, requiring an integrated understanding of both bio-physical systems, such as soils and water, and economic and social systems, such as urban development and human behaviour. This edited book joins these domains of knowledge together from an applied perspective and considers how computer science can help. It takes a strategic look at the benefits and barriers to using modelling within environmental management and planning practice. It delves further by providing an in-depth comparative review of a wide range of models from a variety of scientific disciplines of interest with examples of their use for NBS. As such, this illustrated guide is designed to help students, researchers and practitioners navigate the huge range of modelling options available and develop the common understanding to work inter-discipTable of ContentsIntroduction Neil Sang; 1. Landscape modelling and stakeholder engagement: participatory approaches and landscape visualisation David Miller, Åsa Ode Sang, Iain Brown, Jose Munoz-Rojas, Chen Wang and Gillian Donaldson-Selby; 2. Agent-based models of coupled social and natural systems Jiaqi Ge and Gary Polhill; 3. Modelling nature-based solutions from soil ecosystem services Matthew Aitkenhead; 4. Modelling water resources for nature-based solutions Sarah Dunn; 5. Models at the service of marine nature-based solutions Ioanna Akoumianaki and Arthur Capet; 6. Coastal and freshwater flood models: a review in the context of NBS Neil Sang; 7. Nature-based solutions to urban microclimate regulation Johanna Deak Sjöman and Erik Johansson; 8. Data mining, machine learning and spatial data infrastructures for scenario modelling Neil Sang and Matthew Aitkenhead; 9. Can geodesign be used to facilitate boundary management for planning and implementation of nature-based solutions? Sarah Gottwald, Ron Janssen and Christopher Raymond; 10. Integrating models into practice-recommendations Neil Sang, Ionna Akoumianaki, Matthew Aitkenhead, David Miller and Åsa Ode-Sang; Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisForests play an important role in resolving global challenges such as sustainable development, climate change, biodiversity loss, and food and water security. Stopping deforestation is crucial for the future of our planet. Global efforts to curb deforestation, have been partially successful, but have largely fallen short. At the same time, national level efforts to support human development, reflected in the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals, aim to increase the welfare and wellbeing of populations living in poverty. Meeting these development goals will inevitably have crosscutting effects on initiatives to address deforestation. In balancing these goals, policy makers are confronted with wicked problems or problems where there are moral considerations and where limited information is available for policy makers. This book is focused on how wicked forest policy problems have been, and can be, addressed.Trade Review'This volume edited by Nikolakis and Innes … explores a range of policies in use around the world to sustainably manage forests.' B. D. Orr, Choice'The global COVID-19 pandemic has recently brought a wicked problem into sharp focus on a worldwide scale, as governments try to strike a balance between imposing restrictions that would slow the spread of the disease, while simultaneously avoiding economic collapse. Achieving the sustainable management of our environment is likewise fraught with wicked problems, not least of which are to be found in the forestry sector. The process of trying to control this destruction, and steering the management of forests towards sustainable conservation and use, has proved to be a fertile breeding ground for wicked problems. This book provides an extensive review of these problems, the policy approaches that have been developed to address them, and how well they are working or not. … [It is] very informative for anyone involved in the environmental policy field to read this book.' Brian W. van Wilgen, South African Journal of ScienceTable of Contents1. The wicked problem of forest policy William Nikolakis and John L. Innes; Part I. Wicked Problems and Policies: 2. Why forests matter? Frances Seymour; 3. Forest certification and forest use: a comprehensive analysis Fred Cubbage and Erin Sills; 4. REDD+ meets local realities Arild Vatn, Maria Nantongo and Raymond Samndong; 5. Have payments for ecosystem services delivered for the rural poor? A decade of implementation in the 'global South' Diana Alfonso-Bécares and Esteve Corbera; 6. Tackling gender inequality through forest-related policies and programmes: global challenges, multi-scale innovations, and local experiences Marlène Elias, Bimbika Sijapati Basnett and Jennie Dey de Pryck; 7. Forestry crimes and our planet: a review Christian Nellemann, Rune Henriksen, Margaretha Schlingemann and Riccardo Pravettoni; 8. Forest bioeconomy development: markets and industry structures Lauri Hetemäki and Elias Hurmekoski; Part II. Tools to Address Wicked Problems: 9. The wicked problems of Indonesia's forests require effective institutions to resolve difficult trade-offs Jeffrey Sayer; 10. Power to the forest people: tendencies, impact and the future of locally-controlled forests David Kaimowitz and Fernanda Tomaselli; 11. How are land use multi-stakeholder forums affected by their contexts? Perspectives from two regions of the Peruvian Amazon Juan Pablo Sarmiento Barletti and Anne Larson; 12. Sustainable landscape investment: a framework for governance of institutional investment in the forestry sector David Brand, MaryKate Bullen and Radha Kuppalli; 13. Community forestry in Liberia: progress and pitfalls Robert O'Hagan, Alida O'Connor, John Fa and Terry Sunderland; 14. Are some forestry problems too wicked? John L. Innes and William Nikolakis.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn The Forager’s Kitchen Handbook, expert forager and cook Fiona Bird shares the knowledge she has gained from years of gathering food from the land. Whether you live in a large city, in open countryside or by the coast, if you open your eyes and follow Fiona Bird’s advice, you will find more ingredients growing in the wild than you could imagine. Each chapter focuses on a different food type – Flowers and Blossom, Woodland and Hedgerow, Fruits and Berries, Herbs, and Sea and Shore – and includes useful information about where to find it, how to forage and gather it, and how to use it. And once you have brought your bounty home, there are more than 100 recipes for you to try. If you love baking, try the carrot and clover cake, wild hazelnut shortbread or sea lettuce madeleines. Make the most of a hedgerow glut by making honeysuckle jelly or quince and wild thyme sorbet. Try a food-for-free main course of chanterelle puffs or wild mussels steamed with dandelions, or a quick snack of garlic mustard, chickweed and tomato bruschetta. Or indulge your sweet tooth with a wild cherry panna cotta. Armed with this handbook, head off to the great outdoors and you will be amazed by the sheer quantity of food that is available for free.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe 2021 Maria Thun Biodynamic Calendar, now in its 59th year, adapted for North American (Eastern Standard Time) dates and times.This useful guide shows the optimum days for sowing, pruning, and harvesting various plants and crops, as well as working with bees. It includes Thun's unique insights, which go above and beyond the standard information presented in some other lunar calendars. It is presented in colour with clear symbols and explanations.The almanac includes a pullout wallchart that can be pinned up in a barn, workshop or garage as a handy quick reference.Trade Review'This annual publication is the book for those who want to farm and garden biodynamically. There are useful notes for new readers and a number of special features, including this time the care of bees with monthly notes for beekeepers, how to work with biodynamic preparations, a recipe for rye bread and answers to questions from readers concerning potato and tomato culture.'-- Paradigm Shift'Absolutely essential for all organic gardeners and farmers'.-- Cygnus Review'This little paperback is essential for all organic gardeners. It is the original annual biodynamic planting guide. Incredibly condensed amounts of information are available [here] … Illustrated throughout with some lovely photos and clear diagrams.'-- Organicfood.co.uk'This little paperback calendar is the original of its kind and essential for all organic gardeners. An established following ensures good sales of this useful guide, which has a special feature on the care of bees.'-- Bookseller Buyers' Guide

Read more less