Book Description

The topics covered in this Second Edition include the characteristics of weeds, weed reproduction and dispersal, weed ecology, allelopathy, plant competition, various means of controlling weeds, and weed management systems. This book discusses new developments in weed science and relevant aspects of the science's historical development. It focuses on weed biology and ecology along with the use of herbicides and chemical weed control.

Key Features
* Provides in-depth coverage of weed ecology
* Contains comprehensive discussion of weed-crop competition
* Covers allelopathy in greater depth than most weed science texts
* Develops the concepts of weed management systems
* Is the only text with a chapter on uses of weeds
* Has an ecological focus rather than a chemical herbicide focus ... Read more

Book Description

A significant contribution to the debate about the applications and implications of gene technology, written from the perspective of a plant biologist. The author is a well-known Australian botanist, who has written or edited several previous books on both academic and popular topics in plant science. ... Read more

Book Description

Where traditional studies on soil erosion focused on small, carefully-managed plots, researchers are now using detailed models of the management, hydrology and water quality for catchments and even river basins. They are also pursuing social and economic analyses on diverse scales, from household and farm to national policy. This volume is a comprehensive survey of the latest research. ... Read more

Book Description

Annual bluegrass is the most widespread turfgrass species maintained on intensively cultured turf. Indeed, most of the top golf courses in the world have greens composed, at least in part, of this type of turfgrass
There have historically been conflicting beliefs as to why many golf courses have problems with annual bluegrass populations during the summertime months. Through analysing the industry's latest research and pest control technologies the author helps put to rest this debate and offers methods for growing and maintaining healthy annual bluegrass. Written by leading experts in their field, this book contains many colour photographs and is a practical guide for golf course and turgrass specialists. ... Read more

Book Description

For more than 30 years, soil testing has been widely used as a basis for determining lime and fertilizer needs. Today, a number of procedures are used for determining everything from soil pH and lime requirement, to the level of extractable nutrient elements. And as the number of cropped fields being tested increases, more and more farmers and growers will come to rely on soil test results. But if soil testing is to be an effective means of evaluating the fertility status of soils, standardization of methodology is essential. No single test is appropriate for all soils.Soil Analysis Handbook of Reference Methods is a standard laboratory technique manual for the most commonly used soil analysis procedures. First published in 1974, this Handbook has changed over the years to reflect evolving needs. New test methods and modifications have been added, as well as new sections on nitrate, heavy metals, and quality assurance plans for agricultural testing laboratories. Compiled by the Soil and Plant Analysis Council, this latest edition of Soil Analysis Handbook of Reference Methods also addresses the major methods for managing plant nutrition currently in use in the United States and other parts of the world. For soil scientists, farmers, growers, or anyone with an interest in the environment, this reference will prove an invaluable guide to standard methods for soil testing well into the future.Features ... Read more

Book Description

This book presents a rigorous mathematical development of soil water and contaminant flow in variably saturated and saturated soils. Analytical and numerical methods are balanced: computer programs, among them MathCad and Fortran, are presented, and more than 150 practice and discussion questions are included. Students are thus exposed not only to theory but also to an array of solutions techniques. Those using the book as a reference will appreciate the careful development of basic flow equations, the inclusion of solutions and methodology currently available only in journals and proceedings volumes, and the examples and calculations directly applicable to their own work. ... Read more

Book Description

American agricultural production is destined to end, argues Steven Blank, but this should be no cause for alarm. In this work, he shows that the changes leading to the end of American agricultural production are part of a natural process that is making us all better off. Beginning with broad observations from history and the current status of agriculture around the world, Blank explores how the decisions of individuals combine to make the end of American agricultural production predictable and rational. The inevitable creeping of international economic development is shown to be the sum of individual struggles facing producers across America and around the world. Also, decisions regarding operating an agricultural business derive from many interrelated peculiarities of the industry, both in America and elsewhere. The story is fascinating in its global scope and is relevant to everyone because the simple economic decision-making processes involved will be repeated in the story of other industries. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Long on Conventional Wisdom, Short on Practical Utility
Blank has succeeded in delivering a witty take on the neo-classical economic argument in favor of international trade. Simply put, this argument says that there are gains to trade, and that nations, much like individuals, will focus on what they are good at or most productive at doing. As a result, all of the resources available to them will be funneled into those things that the individual/nation is good at so as to optimally maximize profit. However, in his exposition, Blank fails to take his arguments one step further- he only takes his arguments as far as the conventional neo-classical economic theory will allow him to go.

For example, Blank argues that America will leave agriculture simply because it is more profitable, and much less of a headache, to do other things that would make for a better, if not wiser, use of our resources. This would imply that ultimately the decision to leave agriculture, albeit made with considerable hand-wringing, hesitation, and consternation, is in the end a voluntary one. In Blank's clear-cut, black-and-white neo-classical economic universe, eventually multinational corporations win, farmers lose, private lenders beat a hasty retreat, retailers walk away smiling, consumers remain happily ignorant of all things agricultural, and the government is left footing the bill (and looking pretty stupid to boot). As such, he does a pretty good job of introducing most of the players in US agriculture- the farmer (large and small), the agribusinesses, the lenders, retailers, government entities- and paints a compelling though conventional picture as to why America will abandon agriculture for more profitable and less problematic economic endeavors.

However, there are several problems with his argument. Politics aside, it is unlikely that America will abandon agriculture entirely; pockets of resistance continue to form, and some profit-maximizing and optimally resource allocating types of modern, conventional agriculture will remain. Throwing the politics of agriculture in the mix, we must remind ourselves that literally billions of dollars chase American agriculture, and all participants, from multinational corporations to farmers and the government have a vested interest in keeping the money flowing. Furthermore, while Blank argues that jobs and income lost due to a shift out of agriculture will be offset by the introduction of high skill, high wage endeavors such as the internet and telecommunications(one can date this book and glean its utility by that last comment), the truth is that in many instances, once the Ag jobs and income leave, nothing comes along to fill the void created by the flight of agriculture from the region. Finally, Blank commits the unforgiveable faux-paus of underestimating the increasingly aware and concerned consumer, a powerful and influential force/foe whom he stereotypically paints as being a motley of passive, uninterested couch potatoes whose only desire is for fast, cheap, and convenient agricultural products.

In the end, Blank should be commended for his effort to introduce this economic problem child to the general public; however, astute readers must note that there is more to this story than Blank would care to present. In conclusion, although we can not safely say that American agriculture in general will go the way of the dinosaur in the forseeable future (if ever), we can say that it will remain a problematic economic endeavor and a highly charged headache for all parties involved.

Interesting, but an overgeneralization
This is a very interesting and thought-provoking book. For viticulturalists and stone fruit and citrus producers in the San Joaquin Valley, I have no doubt that the data presented in this book are very relevant. Those of us who make our livings in associated enterprises should be looking for ways to hedge our bets and diversify. My biggest criticism is that data gathered primarily from California and, to a lesser degree, other states in the region, are used to predict the course of "American agriculture". One of the main premises was that agricultural production is labor-intensive and requires large capital investments in land. Compared to horticultural crops in California, Midwestern row crops and wheat production in the US Plains states are very different. The improvement required to plant wheat is very different that that required for an almond orchard, and of course most operations in the Midwest and Plains are much more automated compared to California agriculture. ... Read more

Book Description

This book marks the centenary of the rediscovery of Mendel's laws of biological inheritance, which have had their greatest economic impact in the rapid development of the science of plant breeding. It documents the development of methods of plant breeding over a hundred year period beginning with simple hybridization and selection techniques moving to more complex procedures following advances in quantitative and molecular genetics. The concepts and methodology of plant breeding with their underpinning of the advances in classical genetics, molecular biology and biotechnology have received special attention. Plant breeding in the 21st century will be marked with an increasing integration of the classical methods with the newer techniques of modern biotechnology. This book points to the kind of integration, which will be taking place, opening up altogether new possibilities for increasing economic yields through enhancement of harvest index, combined with greater resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. It starts with papers which revisit some of the landmark discoveries in genetics and plant breeding in the last hundred years and goes on to cover a wide range of topics which should be of interest to students, teachers and practitioners of plant breeding. Some of the topics covered include:

• Hybrid breeding and molecular concepts of heterosis,
• Recurrent selection methods and population improvement strategies,
• Quantitative trait loci in crop improvement,
• Genotype environment interaction and mating designs,
• Host-pathogen interactions and durable resistance,
• Breeding for wider adaptability,
• Plant type concept and applications,
• Mutation breeding,
• Chromosome manipulations and molecular cytogenetics,
• Genomics, transgenics and molecular markers,
• Plant genetic resources and IPR.

Book Description

A major strength of the book is the wealth of information presented on management strategies, complete with do-it yourself instructions for site selection, soil preparation, seed rates and planting, turf establishment, and renovation. Time- and cost-saving techniques for effective mowing, thatch control, pest management, water conservation, water management , fertilizer use, stress management, and pest management are presented in a user-friendly manner—complete with helpful checklists, and step-by-step instructions. A vast amount of useful reference material will ensure the success of your maintenance program. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Turfgrass Maintenance Reduction Handbook: Sports, Lawns, and
Golf course superintendants and turfgrass managers all seem to concur that the major expense of any professional turf is not the initial cost of construction, but rather, the cost and commitment required for its maintenance.

Few textbooks specifically address this issue, but Dr. Brede's book does. He presents, in great detail, and with a view towards educating the reader, why the choice of a turfgrass is critical, how to make that choice, and how to maintain it with less-intensive management practices than may currently be in vogue.

Subsequent chapters develop strategies for reducing maintenance, based on the results of current research: use less fertilizer, use less water, and lighten mowing. These are presented after a step-by-step procedure for establishing/renovating a turf area, as well as a practical treatment on turf soils, discussing issues such as thatch, soil compaction, and the effects of salts. He also presents strategies for controlling insects/pests on turfgrasses, many of which employ changes in management practices rather than application of chemicals. Also, don't miss the appendix, which is an exhaustive list of unconventional turfgrasses.

Dr. Brede's advice is based on his own field experience, combined with his education and research in the turfgrass sciences, and may be some of the best-kept secrets in the turfgrass industry.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is planning a new construction or the reconstruction of a turf area-choose the correct turfgrass for your site, and maintain it with a less-intensive management program. You'll likely spend less money and have more time to enjoy using the turf than struggling with its maintenance ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An exhaustive educational resource
Now in an updated sixth edition, Forages: An Introduction To Grassland Agriculture is an exhaustive educational resource concerning the science of forages and grasslands, and using them in agriculture without destroying them. Collaboratively compiled and edited by Robert F. Barnes, C. Jerry Nelson, Michael Collins, and Kenneth J. Moore, Forages benefits from twenty-four contributors who combine their scientific perspectives in this informed and informative resource concerning nutrient management, grassland ecosystems, seed production, grazing management and much more. Forages is a welcome and highly recommended contribution to Agricultural Science reference collections and curriculum texts. ... Read more

Book Description

The Handbook of Soil Science provides a resource rich in data that gives professional soil scientists, agronomists, engineers, ecologists, biologists, naturalists, and their students a handy reference about the discipline of soil science. This handbook serves professionals seeking specific, factual reference information. Each subsection includes a description of concepts and theories; definitions; approaches; methodologies and procedures; tabular data; figures; and extensive references. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great Help
... this book..., it helped me a lot with my science fair project. It told me everything I needed to know abot soil. If you are a plant enthusiast looking for new soiling methods, this book is definately for you. ... Read more

Book Description

The newest addition to the Wiley Series in Crop Science, this book is an all-in-one guide to sorghum, one of the eight major grain crops grown worldwide. While presenting information in adequate detail for scientists, it is also an invaluable reference for growers, processors, and grain merchants. ... Read more

Book Description

An authoritative reference on the subject of using nonchemical controls on greenhouse-grown crops, this book explains the latest in crop-management techniques from around the globe. The contributing authors come from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Italy, and Asia. Biological control factors and the various types of controls-predators, parasites, nematodes, and pathogens-are described. Information is also provided on greenhouse structures, sampling, quality control, specific pests on both ornamental and vegetable crops-whiteflies, spider mites, leafminers, thrips, aphids, other minor pests-and soilborne pests. Specific crops are also discussed, including chrysanthemums, poinsettias, cut flowers, foliage plants, woody ornamentals, bedding plants, cucumbers, sweet peppers, tomatoes, and mushrooms. ... Read more

Book Description

A thorough look at physical properties of soil erosion
Soil erosion has been responsible for billions of dollars of damage during the past thirty years, in the United States alone. Soil Erosion provides complete coverage of the physical causes, processes, and effects of this environmental problem from its origins to planning for future conservation and remediation.
This book focuses on the process of soil erosion and erosion-control principles independent of land use. Coverage includes the primary factors that influence soil erosion, various types of erosion, erosion-prediction technology, erosion measurements, erosion and sediment control, and conservation of the land. Practical material on erosion models is featured along with ways to use these models as erosion-control tools. Details of conservation planning and government policy are presented in a historical context, supported by examples of working public programs and technical tools for conservation planning. End-of-chapter summaries and comprehensive appendices on soils, hydrology, and soil-erosion Web sites make this a complete and easy-to-use introduction to soil-erosion processes, prediction, measurement, and control.
Supplemented with more than 100 photographs, drawings, and tables, Soil Erosion: Processes, Prediction, Measurement, and Control is an essential book for students of soil management, erosion, conservation, earth science, civil engineering, and agriculture; employees of soil conservation districts; government employees in the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Forest Service, USDA, EPA, and Bureau of Land Management; and soil scientists. ... Read more

Book Description

Genetically modified plants are currently causing controversy worldwide; a great deal has been written abouttheir supposed environmental effects.However, the newspaper headlines and public debates often provide a level of reasoning akin to "this is your brain on genetically modified corn," which is to say, they exclude or exaggerate the actual scientific research on the impacts of these plants.Genetically Modified Planet goes beyond the rhetoric to investigate for concerned consumers the actual state of scientific research on genetically modified plants.Stewart argues that while there are indeed real and potential risks of growing engineered crops, there are also real and overwhelmingly positive environmental benefits. ... Read more

Book Description

The purpose of this book is to provide an overview of the production of GM crops, highlighting the key scientific and technical advances that underpin their development. The text begins with a summary of current knowledge about plant genome organisation and gene expression, followed by an introduction to the techniques of plant tissue culture and genetic transformation and their application to crop plants. A consideration of the design of constructs for plant genetic manipulation precedes a series of chapters covering specific targets for GM crops. These include the genetic manipulation of herbicide resistance, pest resistance and disease resistance. Strategies for engineering stress tolerance and the improvement of crop yield and quality are discussed, and the prospects for ""molecular farming"" are considered. Key themes and strategies are developed using appropriate case studies, which place the science in its broader agricultural/commercial context. The text concentrates on the core molecular biological issues, whilst the associated web site encourages an exploration of the wider implications and concerns about GM crops. Companion Web Site All the figures from the book will be available to download free from the companion website. It will also feature weblinks to relevant sites with additional information or discussion including those hosted by the protagonists of the GM debate. ... Read more

Book Description

This fourth edition of the successful textbook provides an updated introduction to the science and technology of seeds. It presents a straightforward exploration of the seed as a biological system, from its origin and examines the fundamentals of how seeds are produced, conditioned, evaluated, and distributed in modern agriculture.

This edition has been thoroughly revised and contains new chapters on seed ecology and seed drying. Special care has been taken to incorporate new genetic testing procedures made possible by the biotechnology revolution that is occurring throughout agriculture.

Principles of Seed Science and Technology, Fourth edition gives advanced undergraduate students the current state of the art and future trends in seed technology. Newcomers to the field will also benefit from this volume's straightforward style and in-depth treatment of the subject. ... Read more

Book Description

Sound formulation is a vital aspect of microbial products usedto protect plants from pests and diseases and to improve plantperformance. Formulation of Microbial Biopesticides is anin-depth treatment of this vitally important subject. Written byexperts and carefully edited, this important title brings together ahuge wealth of information for the first time within the covers of onebook. The book is broadly divided into five sections, covering principles offormulation, organisms with peroral and contact modes of action,organisms with the power of search, and future trends. Each sectioncontains comprehensive chapters written by internationallyacknowledged experts in the areas covered; the book also includesthree very useful appendices, cataloguing formulation additives, sprayapplication criteria and terminology. This outstanding book is a vitally important reference work for anyoneinvolved in the formulation of microbial biopesticides and should finda place on the shelves of agriculture and plant scientists,microbiologists and entomologists working in academic and commercialagrochemical situations, and in the libraries of all researchestablishments and companies where this exciting subject isresearched, studied or taught. ... Read more