Book Description

This book contains the most comprehensive, detailed coverage of crop production issues in the US.It provides the “how and why” things are the way they are, and recognizes the business of crop production. Other coverage includes the latest trends impacting crop production—i.e., sustainable agriculture, organic farming, environmental safety consciousness, and more.For individuals preparing for a future in agriculture and for the Crop Certification exams. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Review from Mycological Research, April 2003
"...those concerned with biocontrol issues may find the sophistication of some of the bacterial work particularly interesting...mycologists with a primary interest in biocontrol will find much of interest in these titles." ... Read more

Book Description

This textbook contains the material for a course in the major principles of modelling crop growth processes. There is much more to crop growth than what is discussed in this textbook, but it provides a sound basis for further work and study in this field. Chapter by chapter the book leads the reader to different modelled aspects of crop growth, and at the end, the reader will have a good understanding of the Wageningen simulation model SUCROS for the potential production situation. By then, it will be much easier to find one's way through descriptions and listings of other models. Throughout the text, the study of the different topics is facilitated by exercises that support the course in a hands-on computer practical exercise.A very simple crop growth model, almost entirely based on radiation interception, is given first. This skeleton model is then expanded by submodels for respiration, carbon assimilation, plant development, and a more detailed model for radiation interception and reflection. Modelling of transpiration and the leaf energy balance is given by way of introduction.There are many listings of the submodels, written in the simulation language FST (FORTRAN Simulation Translator), as well as of SUCROS itself, together with plentiful comments. Some supporting theory is provided in the form of Appendices.The book is meant for students and scientists who would like to acquire a working knowledge of the technique of crop growth modelling. ... Read more

Book Description

Plant Breeding Reviews, Volume 22 presents state-of-the-art reviews on plant genetics and the breeding of all types of crops by both traditional means and molecular methods. The emphasis of the series is on methodology, a practical understanding of crop genetics, and applications to major crops. ... Read more

Book Description

Most, if not all, books on allelopathy cover the ecological, agronomic, and descriptive physiological aspects. And although the amount of papers published on the chemical aspects and mode of action of these compounds continues to rise, there has been, until now, no book available that reflects the latest literature. Written by experts, Allelopathy: Chemistry and Mode of Action of Allelochemicals is the first book to focus on the chemical phenomena of allelopathy. The book discusses the chemicals responsible for the allelopathic phenomena and, closely connected with them, the modes of action of these compounds in the plant. Each chapter is dedicated to a single class of compounds and contains either a methods section describing how to perform the bioassays or references to the appropriate literature. The methods covered include first-line technologies such as proteomic techniques applied to allelopathic studies.Where other books on this subject highlight the "fuzzier" aspects, this one covers the hard science. It explores the latest developments in the field, discusses structure-activity relationships and SAR studies, and provides a foundation for the development of new natural herbicides. Designed as a practical, bench-friendly book, Allelopathy: Chemistry and Mode of Action of Allelochemicals is a convenient, easy-to-use resource that puts the latest information within easy reach. ... Read more

Book Description

The root is the organ that functions as the interface between the plant and the earth environment. Many human management practices involving crops, forests and natural vegetation also affect plant growth through the soil and roots. Understanding the morphology and function of roots from the cellular level to the level of the whole root system is required for both plant production and environmental protection. This book is at the forefront of plant root science (rhizology), catering to professional plant scientists and graduate students. It covers root development, stress physiology, ecology, and associations with microorganisms. The chapters are selected papers originally presented at the 6th Symposium of the International Society of Root Research, where plant biologists, ecologists, soil microbiologists, crop scientists, forestry scientists, and environmental scientists, among others, gathered to discuss current research results and to establish rhizology as a newly integrated research area. ... Read more

Book Description

Provides technical insight on how genomics-oriented studies may be used to bring new understanding to established models of fungal development; assess and solve problems associated with multiple copies of genes and proteins with seemingly identical functions; and depict various industrial and economic applications. ... Read more

Book Description

Evidence shows that global climate change is occurring. Research and debate continue on the role of increasing atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases in influencing climate change. Many sectors are or will be influenced by changing climate and climate variability, including increasing global temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of unusual weather events. Agriculture and the world's supply of food and fiber are particularly vulnerable to such climate change. Effects of Climate Change and Viarability on the Agricultural Production Systems provides an integrated assessment of global climate change's impact on agriculture at the farm level, in the context of farm level adaptation decisions. Ten agricultural areas in the Upper Midwest region -- the heart of the United States' corn belt -- were subjected to climate change and changing climate variability scenarios through simulations of future climate using results from general circulation models. Crop growth models, calibrated to the study sites, were used to simulate yields under varying climate conditions. Farm level production and economic analyses were performed to determine what adaptation strategies might be best utilized to maintain production and profitability for producers under conditions of global climate change and changing climate variability. Similar integrated analyses from Australia and Argentina provide comparisons from different regions. The robust integrated systems methodology for assessing impacts and adaptation opportunities in several different major agricultural regions provides the reader with an example for similar endeavors. Also discussed are guidelines and useful analytical options for input suppliers, agricultural researchers, and agricultural producers to enable risk averting strategies and adaptations as global climate change plays out. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Brilliant book on effects of climate change
If you are interested in the effects of climate change, and can afford the not insignificant entry cost, you should buy this book. It is particularly recommended for all American scientists who continue to deny that climate change exists. I found the book so gripping that I read it from cover to cover in one evening. However, you should petition the publishers to put a marginally less obscene pricetag on the book. ... Read more

Book Description

Fundamentals of Turfgrass Management covers everything from basic turfgrass science to establishment, mowing, irrigation, topdressing, fertilization, pest management and much more. It explains the how-and-why so you can easily apply the fundamental concepts. Perfect as a textbook or as a practical reference for turfgrass practitioners. Essential reading for golf course superintendents, and also includes athletic fields, sod production, lawn care, and landscape management.

Fundamentals of Turfgrass Management is currently a required textbook in the GCSAA certification program. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

does a great job at covering the basics of turf management
This introductory-level book provides the beginner with the basics of turfgrass management. Scientific names are as up-to-date as possible for the turfgrasses as well as pests that invade them. Diagrams / photos of grasses and grass pests could be more extensive, but the cost of the book would likely escalate beyond the nominal price of this volume, which makes it attractive for use as a text in an entry-level turfgrass course. ... Read more