Achieving Sustainable Crop Nutrition

by Zed Rengel
Achieving Sustainable Crop Nutrition
Author: Zed Rengel
Publisher: Burleigh Dodds Series in Agric
Total Pages: 520
Release: 2019-11-22
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 9781786763129
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This collection reviews current research on understanding nutrient cycles, the ways crops process nutrients, the environmental effects of fertilizer use and how this understanding can be used to improve nutrient use efficiency for a more resource-efficient and climate-smart agriculture. Parts 1-3 summarise research on the primary macronutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Chapter review what we know about nutrient cycles, crop nutrient processing, potential environmental effects and ways of optimising nutrient use efficiency (NUE). The fourth section of the book discusses secondary macronutrients and micronutrients including: calcium, magnesium, sulphur, zinc, boron, manganese and molybdenum. The final two parts of the book review research on optimising fertiliser use. Chapters cover topics such as assessing nutrient availability, decision support systems for optimising crop nutrition, advances in site-specific nutrient management and advances in integrated plant nutrient management. Other chapters discuss enhanced efficiency fertilisers, the use of bio-effectors/bio-stimulants, fertigation techniques and the use of organic amendments. With its distinguished editor and international team of expert authors, this will be a standard reference on optimising crop nutrition for the crop science and farming community.

Crop Nutrition

by Amanullah
Crop Nutrition
Author: Amanullah
Publisher: Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG
Total Pages: 880
Release: 2024-12-02
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 3111618196
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In the face of global challenges such as climate change, population growth, and food security, understanding and optimizing crop nutrition has never been more critical. Crop Nutrition addresses these urgent issues by providing an in-depth exploration of how effective nutrient management can enhance soil health, boost food production, and contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The book delves into key aspects of crop nutrition, covering the essentials of nutrient management, the role of primary, secondary, and micronutrients, and innovative practices for sustainable agriculture. Each chapter provides comprehensive insights into various nutrients, their functions, and their impact on plant growth and soil health. The text also highlights case studies and success stories from different regions, showcasing practical applications and advancements in crop nutrition. Further, the book emphasizes the importance of integrated nutrient management approaches, such as the use of biofertilizers, nano-fertilizers, and organic amendments. Special attention is given to innovations from the Global South, demonstrating how developing countries are leading the way in sustainable agricultural practices. By integrating scientific research, practical strategies, and global success stories, this book serves as an essential resource for students, researchers, agronomists, policymakers, and agricultural practitioners. It provides the knowledge and tools needed to enhance crop productivity, improve soil health, and ensure sustainable food systems. It not only addresses current agricultural challenges but also paves the way for a resilient and food-secure future, making it a valuable asset for anyone involved in the field of agriculture.

Sustainable Diets

by Barbara Burlingame
Sustainable Diets
Author: Barbara Burlingame
Publisher: CABI
Total Pages: 305
Release: 2018-12-10
Genre: Health & Fitness
ISBN: 1786392844
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This book takes a transdisciplinary approach and considers multisectoral actions, integrating health, agriculture, environment, economy, and socio-cultural issues, to comprehensively explore the topic of sustainable diets. Consideration is given to the multi-dimensional nature of diets and food systems, and the book explores the challenging issues connecting food security and nutrition to sustainability, culture, tradition, and a broader range of scientific topics. The first section, 'Grand Challenges' (chapters 1-9), positions sustainable diets in the multi-perspective context of food systems. Within the current international debate, it introduces some overarching wicked problems, resistant to resolution in spite of the dire consequences of inaction. The chapters cover multi-sectoral policy, public health, sustainable food systems, climate change, biodiversity loss, agro-ecology, indigenous peoples, the role of cities, and food and waste. The contributions in the second section, 'Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches' (chapters 10-17) discuss the topic of sustainable diets from different cultural, sectoral and disciplinary angles. The issues are analysed with data and methods derived from social sciences, clinical sciences and experimental sciences. Perspectives and solutions, with evidence, are presented to underpin policies and interventions. The last section, 'Moving Forward' (chapters 18-29) deals with selected innovations, initiatives, projects, case studies and programmes enhancing sustainable diets by linking nutrition to food systems.

Agri-food and Forestry Sectors for Sustainable Development

by Francesco Meneguzzo
Agri-food and Forestry Sectors for Sustainable Development
Author: Francesco Meneguzzo
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 120
Release: 2021-02-23
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3030662845
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This book surveys state-of-the-art and prospective practices, methods and technologies in agri-food and forestry sectors to document the potential measurable improvements in areas of environmental management, food security, economic growth, social cohesion and human health at the local and global scale. With a focus on the ecosystems-resources-climate-food-health nexus as a framework towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals applicable in these sectors, the book offers a portfolio of guidelines and standards that assesses the affordability, potential profitability and possible unintended consequences of interventions. The areas of intervention covered in the study include global and local forest resources management, safe wastewater reuse for irrigation, sustainable crop and plant protection (e.g. biopesticides, bioherbicides), carbon sequestration and emission reduction strategies, and safe processing methods for food and food waste (e.g. sustainable food preservatives and healthier food). The book is primarily intended for academics, professionals, and policymakers. The professional audience, including enterprises in the forestry, farming, food processing, healthcare and waste management sectors, will take advantage of the updated knowledge basis concerning the innovations in the respective practices, methods and technologies, including their feasibility, affordability and profitability, and policymakers will find useful the comprehensive review of these innovations which could be strategically promoted and deployed in the next decade, with the aim of achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Save and Grow

by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Save and Grow
Author: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.
Total Pages: 116
Release: 2018-06-22
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 9251068712
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The book offers a rich toolkit of relevant, adoptable ecosystem-based practices that can help the world's 500 million smallholder farm families achieve higher productivity, profitability and resource-use efficiency while enhancing natural capital.

Microbial Inoculants in Sustainable Agricultural Productivity

by Dhananjaya Pratap Singh
Microbial Inoculants in Sustainable Agricultural Productivity
Author: Dhananjaya Pratap Singh
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 354
Release: 2016-02-22
Genre: Science
ISBN: 813222647X
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How to achieve sustainable agricultural production without compromising environmental quality, agro-ecosystem function and biodiversity is a serious consideration in current agricultural practices. Farming systems’ growing dependency on chemical inputs (fertilizers, pesticides, nutrients etc.) poses serious threats with regard to crop productivity, soil fertility, the nutritional value of farm produce, management of pests and diseases, agro-ecosystem well-being, and health issues for humans and animals. At the same time, microbial inoculants in the form of biofertilizers, plant growth promoters, biopesticides, soil health managers, etc. have gained considerable attention among researchers, agriculturists, farmers and policy makers. The first volume of the book Microbial Inoculants in Sustainable Agricultural Productivity - Research Perspectives highlights the efforts of global experts with regard to various aspects of microbial inoculants. Emphasis is placed on recent advances in microbiological techniques for the isolation, characterization, identification and evaluation of functional properties using biochemical and molecular tools. The taxonomic characterization of agriculturally important microorganisms is documented, along with their applications in field conditions. The book exploresthe identification, characterization and diversity analysis of endophytic microorganisms in various crops including legumes/ non-legumes, as well as the assessment of their beneficial impacts in the context of promotingplant growth. Moreover, it provides essential updates onthe diversity and role of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and arbuscular mycorrhizal mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Further chaptersexamine in detailbiopesticides, thehigh-density cultivation of bioinoculants in submerged culture, seed biopriming strategies for abiotic and biotic stress tolerance, andPGPR as abio-control agent. Given its content,the book offers a valuable resource for researchers involved in research and development concerningPGPR, biopesticides and microbial inoculants.

Sustainable Crop Production

by Mirza Hasanuzzaman
Sustainable Crop Production
Author: Mirza Hasanuzzaman
Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand
Total Pages: 354
Release: 2020-06-17
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1789853176
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This book includes twenty-one comprehensive chapters addressing various soil and crop management issues, including modern techniques in enhancing crop production in the era of climate change. There are a few case studies and experimental evidence about these production systems in specific locations. Particular focus is provided on the state-of-the-art of biotechnology, nanotechnology, and precision agriculture, as well as many other recent approaches in ensuring sustainable crop production. This book is useful for undergraduate and graduate students, teachers, and researchers, particularly in the fields of crop science, soil science, and agronomy.

Sustainable Intensification

by Jules N. Pretty
Sustainable Intensification
Author: Jules N. Pretty
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 292
Release: 2012-06-25
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 1136529276
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Continued population growth, rapidly changing consumption patterns and the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation are driving limited resources of food, energy, water and materials towards critical thresholds worldwide. These pressures are likely to be substantial across Africa, where countries will have to find innovative ways to boost crop and livestock production to avoid becoming more reliant on imports and food aid. Sustainable agricultural intensification - producing more output from the same area of land while reducing the negative environmental impacts - represents a solution for millions of African farmers. This volume presents the lessons learned from 40 sustainable agricultural intensification programmes in 20 countries across Africa, commissioned as part of the UK Government's Foresight project. Through detailed case studies, the authors of each chapter examine how to develop productive and sustainable agricultural systems and how to scale up these systems to reach many more millions of people in the future. Themes covered include crop improvements, agroforestry and soil conservation, conservation agriculture, integrated pest management, horticulture, livestock and fodder crops, aquaculture, and novel policies and partnerships.