Below-ground Interactions in Tropical Agroecosystems

Below-ground Interactions in Tropical Agroecosystems
Author: Meine van Noordwijk
Publisher: CABI
Total Pages: 464
Release: 2004
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 0851996736

Below-grownd interactions are often seen as the 'dark side' of agroecosystems, especially when more than one crop is grown on the same piece of land at he same time. this book aims to review the amount of light he past decade of research has shed on this topic. It also aims to review ohw far we have come in unravelling the positive and negative aspects of these interactions and how, in dialogue with farmers, we can use the generic principles that are now emerging to look for sita-specifics solutions.

Tropical Agroecosystems

Tropical Agroecosystems
Author: John H. Vandermeer
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 279
Release: 2002-12-03
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 1420039881

Tropical areas present ecological, cultural and political problems that demand analysis that is distinct from general ecological analysis. The tropical environment is special in many ways, from the lack of a biological down season (winter), to generally poor soil conditions, to a reliance on traditional methods of agriculture in an undeveloped soci

Ant-Plant Interactions

Ant-Plant Interactions
Author: Paulo S. Oliveira
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 461
Release: 2017-08-17
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 110715975X

The first volume devoted to anthropogenic effects on interactions between ants and flowering plants, considered major parts of terrestrial ecosystems.

Ecological Basis of Agroforestry

Ecological Basis of Agroforestry
Author: Daizy Rani Batish
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 400
Release: 2007-11-15
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 1420043366

Faced with the growing problems of climate change, ecosystem degradation, declining agricultural productivity, and uncertain food security, modern agricultural scientists look for potential relief in an ancient practice. Agroforestry, if properly designed, can mitigate greenhouse effects, maintain ecosystem health and biodiversity, provide food sec

Tree-Crop Interactions, 2nd Edition

Tree-Crop Interactions, 2nd Edition
Author: Chin K Ong
Publisher: CABI
Total Pages: 360
Release: 2015-10-28
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1780645112

This new edition provides an update on the considerable amount of evidence on tree-crop interactions which has accumulated during the last two decades, especially on the more complex multi-strata agroforestry systems, which are typical of the humid tropics. In addition three new chapters have been added to describe the new advances in the relationship between climate change adaptation, rural development and how trees and agroforestry will contribute to a likely reduction in vulnerability to climate change in developing countries

Soil Biology and Agriculture in the Tropics

Soil Biology and Agriculture in the Tropics
Author: Patrice Dion
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 322
Release: 2010-02-04
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 364205076X

The relationships between soils, microbes and humans are of crucial relevance in the tropics, where plant stress and microbial activity are exacerbated. This volume of Soil Biology presents the living component of tropical soils, showing how it is shaped by environmental conditions and emphasizing its dramatic impact on human survival and well-being. Following an introduction to the specificities of tropical soils and of their microbial communities, the biological aspects of soil management are examined, dealing with land use change, conservation and slash-and-burn agriculture, the restoration of hot deserts, agroforestry and paddy rice cultivation. As they are of particular relevance for tropical agriculture, symbioses of plants and microbes are thoroughly covered, as are the biodegradation of pesticides and health risks associated with wastewater irrigation. Lastly, traditional soil knowledge is discussed as a key to our sustainable presence in this world.

Encyclopedia of Agriculture and Food Systems

Encyclopedia of Agriculture and Food Systems
Author: Neal K. Van Alfen
Publisher: Elsevier
Total Pages: 2745
Release: 2014-07-29
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 0080931391

Encyclopedia of Agriculture and Food Systems, Second Edition, Five Volume Set addresses important issues by examining topics of global agriculture and food systems that are key to understanding the challenges we face. Questions it addresses include: Will we be able to produce enough food to meet the increasing dietary needs and wants of the additional two billion people expected to inhabit our planet by 2050? Will we be able to meet the need for so much more food while simultaneously reducing adverse environmental effects of today’s agriculture practices? Will we be able to produce the additional food using less land and water than we use now? These are among the most important challenges that face our planet in the coming decades. The broad themes of food systems and people, agriculture and the environment, the science of agriculture, agricultural products, and agricultural production systems are covered in more than 200 separate chapters of this work. The book provides information that serves as the foundation for discussion of the food and environment challenges of the world. An international group of highly respected authors addresses these issues from a global perspective and provides the background, references, and linkages for further exploration of each of topics of this comprehensive work. Addresses important challenges of sustainability and efficiency from a global perspective. Takes a detailed look at the important issues affecting the agricultural and food industries today. Full colour throughout.

Interactions in Soil: Promoting Plant Growth

Interactions in Soil: Promoting Plant Growth
Author: John Dighton
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 240
Release: 2014-05-19
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 9401788901

This book investigates soil ecology and biodiversity for its ability to maintain a balance of beneficial organisms to support plant growth. This subject is discussed by a group of international authors in natural, agricultural and urban systems. The importance of biodiversity per se and, specifically, the feedbacks between the plant and soil biota in mediating soil function are emphasized. Examples are selected from allelopathy and invasive plant species along with the, hitherto overlooked, role of viruses in soil. The book is intended to provide a framework for a holistic understanding of the essential role of soil organisms in promoting plant growth.