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      • Trusted Partner
        Fertilizers & manures
        January 2007

        Agricultural Groundwater Revolution

        Comprehensive Assessment of Water Management in Agriculture

        by Mark Giordano, Karen G Villholth

        While addressing the issues of using groundwater in agriculture for irrigation in the developing world, this book discusses the problems associated with the degradation and overexploitation of using it. It explores the practiced and potential methods for its management in the context of agricultural development.

      • Trusted Partner
        Fertilizers & manures
        November 2006

        No Tillage Seeding in Conservation Agriculture

        by C J Baker, Scott E Justice, Keith E Saxton, Peter Hobbs, William R Ritchie, W C T Chamen, Don C Reicosky, Fatima Ribeiro

        This book is a much-expanded and updated edition of a previous volume, published in 1996 as "No-tillage Seeding: Science and Practice". The base objective remains to describe, in lay terms, a range of international experiments designed to examine the causes of successes and failures in no-tillage. The book summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of no tillage. It highlights the pros and cons of a range of features and options, without promoting any particular product.Topics added or covered in more detail in the second edition include:* soil carbon and how its retention or sequestration interacts with tillage and no-tillage* controlled traffic farming as an adjunct to no-tillage* comparison of the performance of generic no-tillage opener designs* the role of banding fertilizer in no-tillage* the economics of no-tillage* small-scale equipment used by poorer farmers* forage cropping by no-tillage* a method for risk assessment of different levels of machine sophistication

      • Trusted Partner
        Fertilizers & manures
        October 2006

        Molecular Approaches to Soil, Rhizosphere and Plant Microorganism Analysis

        by Edited by J E Cooper, J R Rao

        There have been major developments in the field of plant-microbe interactions in recent years, due to newly developed techniques and the availability of genomic information. Molecular Plant-microbe Interactions explores these new discoveries, focusing primarily on the mechanisms controlling plant disease resistance, the cross-talk among the pathways involved and the strategies used by the pathogens to suppress these defences. By exploring developments in plant defences, pathogen's counter-defences and mutually beneficial plant-microbe interactions, this book will be useful for researchers and students in plant pathology and plant biology-related areas.

      • Trusted Partner
        Fertilizers & manures
        January 2016

        Water Dynamics in Plant Production

        by Wilfried Ehlers, Michael Goss

        Water is the most basic essential for plant growth; an inadequate supply causes severe problems, as plants rely on the water transmitted by soil to meet their physiological and nutritional needs. Since the first edition was published, flooding and droughts throughout the world have made water an even more topical subject, as the importance and instability of our water supplies have been brought to the forefront of daily life. This new edition of Water Dynamics in Plant Production focuses on the dynamics of water through the hydrologic cycle and the associated mechanisms that plants employ to optimize growth and development. It describes the basic scientific principles of water transport in the soil-plant atmosphere continuum, and explains the linkage between transpirational water use and dry matter production. Paying particular attention to the various agronomic strategies for adaptation to climate-driven limitations of water resources, the efficiency of water use in plant production and in achieving an economic yield is presented in detail. This book offers a multidisciplinary introduction to the fundamentals and applications of water dynamics in natural and managed ecosystems. Including text boxes throughout, as well as online supplementary material, it provides an essential state of-the-art resource for students and researchers of soil and plant science, hydrology and agronomy. This book is enhanced with supplementary resources. Access free short answer questions, discussion points and multiple choice questions here.

      • Trusted Partner
        Fertilizers & manures
        February 2006

        Soil Biodiversity in Amazonian and Other Brazilian Ecosystems

        by Edited by Fattima M S Moreira, Jose O Siqueira, Lijbert Brussaard

        The loss of biological diversity has become an increased concern over recent years and is now enshrined in international conventions. Most biodiversity in fact occurs in the soil. Soil organisms (especially bacteria, fungi and soil invertebrates) play a major role in the formation of soil structure and are primary agents of decomposition and are drivers of nutrient cycling, and hence agricultural production.This book reviews soil biodiversity in one of the key biodiversity hotspots of the world, i.e. the Amazon and nearby regions of Brazil. It covers both the tropical savannah and rain forests . The work reported is based on a project "Conservation and Sustainable Management of Below-Ground Biodiversity", executed by TSBF-CIAT with co-financing from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implementation support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The book represents a major contribution to the literature and will interest those in biodiversity conservation, soil scienceand ecology and biodiversity conservation.

      • Trusted Partner
        Fertilizers & manures
        December 2005

        Microbiological Methods for Assessing Soil Quality

        by Edited by Jaap Bloem, David W Hopkins, Anna Benedetti.

        This book provides a selection of microbiological methods which are applicable or already applied in regional or national soil quality monitoring programmes. An overview is given of approaches to monitoring, evaluating and managing soil quality (Part I), followed by a selection of methods which are described in sufficient detail to use the book as a practical handbook in the laboratory (Part II). Finally a census is given of the main methods used in over 30 European laboratories. The book is aimed at different levels: soil scientists, technicians, policy makers, land managers and students.

      • Trusted Partner
        Fertilizers & manures
        June 2004

        Wastewater Use in Irrigated Agriculture

        Confronting the Livelihood and Environmental Realities

        by Edited by Christopher Scott, Naser Faruqui, Liqa Raschid-Sally

        The use of urban wastewater in agriculture is receiving renewed attention, with the increasing scarcity of fresh water resources in many arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Wastewater is a low-cost alternative to conventional irrigation water, although it may carry health and environmental risks.This book critically reviews experience worldwide of these issues. Emphasis is placed on untreated wastewater use by means of field-based case studies from Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. It brings together a range of perspectives including economic, health, agronomic, environmental, institutional, and policy dimensions.

      • Trusted Partner
        Fertilizers & manures
        August 2003

        Water Productivity in Agriculture

        Limits and Opportunities for Improvement

        by Edited by Jacob W Kijne, Randolph Barker, David J Molden

        First title in a major new seriesAddresses improving water productivity to relieve problems of scarcity and competition to provide for food and environmental securityDraws from scientists having a multitude of disciplines to approach this important problemIn a large number of developing countries, policy makers and researchers are increasingly aware of the conflicting demands on water, and look at agriculture to be more effective in its use of water. Focusing on both irrigated and rain-fed agriculture, this book gives a state of the art review of the limits and opportunities for improving water productivity in crop production. It demonstrates how efficiency of water use can be enhanced to maximize yields. The book represents the first in a new series of volumes resulting from the Comprehensive Assessment of Water Management in Agriculture, a research program conducted by the CGIAR's Future Harvest Centres, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and partners worldwide. It will be of significant interest to those working in areas of soil and crop science, water management, irrigation, and development studies.

      • Trusted Partner
        Fertilizers & manures
        October 2002

        Methods in Agricultural Chemical Analysis

        A Practical Handbook

        by Nigel T Faithfull

        This reference manual contains information on the most suitable procedures for the analysis of agricultural materials. It describes the analysis of soils and composts, plant materials, feeds, plant components (e.g. cellulose, lignin, trace elements), fertilizers, and biological substances. The book is designed as a laboratory sourcebook, complete with useful Internet addresses, and contains over 60 different practical methods. Each method is described by a step-by-step approach, and contains details of apparatus required, chemical reaction equations, formulae and calculations, and meticulous descriptions of experimental results. Most methods use standard equipment and instruments commonly found in the practical lab. The aim is that scientists with little experience in analytical techniques should be able to safely carry out these procedures and obtain acceptable results.

      • Trusted Partner
        Fertilizers & manures
        February 2002

        Integrated Plant Nutrient Management in Sub-Saharan Africa

        by Edited by Bernard Vanlauwe, J Diels, N Sanginga, R Merckx

        Soil degradation and nutrient depletion have become serious threats to agricultural productivity in Africa. Soils cannot supply the quantities of nutrients required and yield levels decline rapidly once cropping commences. This book addresses these issues and includes papers from an international symposium held at Cotonou, Benin, October 9-12, 2000, organized by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria and the Department of Land Management of the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium. In five main parts it marks the end of a first phase of collaborative research on "Balanced Nutrient Management Systems for the Moist Savanna and Humid Forest Zones of Africa" and concludes with recommendations, providing essential reading for crop and soil scientists.

      • Trusted Partner
        Fertilizers & manures
        December 2001

        Principles of Tropical Agronomy

        by Sayed N Azam-Ali, Geoffrey R Squire

        As populations continue to grow in tropical countries, there is an ever increasing pressure to produce more food from less land, while at the same time maintaining the quality of the environment. This textbook integrates research in agronomy, physiology, environmental physics and soil science to provide a framework for analyzing practical problems associated with crop production in tropical environments. The impact of essential resources, such as solar radiation and water are discussed and research findings are used to illustrate solutions to real challenges.The book will serve as a core textbook for advanced undergraduate courses in agronomy.

      • Trusted Partner
        Fertilizers & manures
        December 2000

        Sustainable Management of Soil Organic Matter

        by Edited by Robert M Rees, B Ball, C Watson, C D Campbell

        Includes some fifty edited and revised papers from an international conference on Sustainable Management of Soil Organic Matter, held by the British Society of Soil Science in Edinburgh in September 1999. The book explores the results of recent research studies examining how organic matter functions in soils, factors affecting organic matter quality and quantity and how management of organic matter can be optimised in order to achieve sustainable farming practices.

      • Trusted Partner
        Fertilizers & manures
        December 1999

        Modelling Soil-Biosphere Interactions

        by Christoph Müller

        Soils interact with the biological environment in a number of ways. Our understanding of these interactions can often be enhanced by computer modelling. The primary function of this book is to introduce basic modelling skills and to show how even complex problems in the relationship between soil and the biosphere can be solved using modelling packages. The author presents numerous examples using ModelMaker, an easily learnt software package. Only basic mathematical skills are expected of the reader.A demo of ModelMaker is available on CD from Cherwell Scientific

      • Trusted Partner
        Fertilizers & manures
        September 1998

        Soil Erosion at Multiple Scales

        Principles and Methods for Assessing Causes and Impacts

        by Edited by Frits W T Penning de Vries, Fahmuddin Agus, John Kerr

        Approaches to research on the causes and impacts of soil erosion have changed significantly over recent years. Whereas biophysical research traditionally utilized small, carefully-managed erosion plots, models and methods are now available to study impacts of broad scale management on the hydrology and water quality of catchments and even river basins. Corresponding research tools have been developed for social and economic analysis at the household, farm and community levels. This book reviews the latest developments in such soil erosion studies. These are considered on a matrix of scales, from plot to river basin, and from farm to national policy. Some chapters review background issues while others consider specific methods. Conclusions of working groups are presented in another chapter. The book is based on papers presented at a workshop held in Indonesia in November 1997, and includes authors from Europe, America, Australia and Asia, as well as from several of the CGIAR centres.

      • Trusted Partner
        Fertilizers & manures
        January 1998

        Plants that Hyperaccumulate Heavy Metals

        by Edited by Robert R Brooks

        Plant species which can accumulate high concentrations of heavy metals have been known for over one hundred years. However, until the last twenty years their potential went largely unnoticed by scientists. The term hyperaccumulation was first introduced by the author (and colleagues) in 1977. This renewed interest, together with heightened environmental awareness and the discovery of the phenomenon in many more species has since stimulated research into a number of novel scientific and commercial uses. This book brings together for the first time in one volume all the relevant ecological information on hyperaccumulators and describes the new disciplines, methods and uses for them which continue to be explored. These include the removal of heavy metal pollutants from soils and waters (phytoremediation), the identification of ancient human settlements (phytoarchaeology), mineral exploration, the revegetation of degraded land and the exciting possibility of the commercial extraction of heavy metals from crop plants (phytomining). This book is essential reading for plant ecologists and physiologists who have an interest in hyperaccumulators, environmental consultants specialising in land restoration, and exploration geochemists. It will also be of great interest to professionals, lecturers and advanced students in environmental science, geology and soil science.

      • Trusted Partner
        Fertilizers & manures
        January 1994

        Soil Resilience and Sustainable Land Use

        by Edited by D J Greenland, I Szabolcs

        This book presents papers developed from the second workshop on the ecological foundations of sustainable agriculture (WEFSA II) held in late 1992 in Budapest. Written by eminent authorities from every continent, the book represents a major review and synthesis of the field and will be indispensable for all concerned with soil science, land use and sustainable agriculture.

      • Trusted Partner
        Fertilizers & manures
        August 2007

        Irrigation Systems

        Design, Planning and Construction

        by Adrian Laycock

        Of all the confrontations man has engineered with nature, irrigation systems have had the most widespread and far-reaching impact on the natural environment. Over a quarter of a billion hectares of the planet are irrigated and entire countries depend on irrigation for their survival and existence. Considering the importance of irrigation schemes, it is unfortunate that until recently the technology and principles of design applied to their construction has hardly changed in 4,000 years. Modern thinking on irrigation engineering has benefited from a cross-fertilization of ideas from many other fields including social sciences, control theory, political economics and agriculture. However, these influences have been largely ignored by irrigation engineers.Drawing on almost 40 years of experience of irrigation in the developing world, Laycock introduces new ideas on the design of irrigation systems and combines important issues from the disciplines of social conflict, management, and political thinking.

      • Trusted Partner
        Fertilizers & manures
        March 2011

        Irrigation Systems

        Design, Planning and Construction

        by Adrian Laycock

        Of all the confrontations man has engineered with nature, irrigation systems have had the most widespread and far-reaching impact on the natural environment. Over a quarter of a billion hectares of the planet are irrigated and entire countries depend on irrigation for their survival and existence. Considering the importance of irrigation schemes, it is unfortunate that until recently the technology and principles of design applied to their construction has hardly changed in 4,000 years. Modern thinking on irrigation engineering has benefited from a cross-fertilization of ideas from many other fields including social sciences, control theory, political economics and agriculture. However, these influences have been largely ignored by irrigation engineers.Drawing on almost 40 years of experience of irrigation in the developing world, Laycock introduces new ideas on the design of irrigation systems and combines important issues from the disciplines of social conflict, management, and political thinking.

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