Sustainable Cropping Systems

Sustainable Cropping Systems PDF Author: Jeffrey A. Coulter
Publisher: MDPI
ISBN: 3039289071
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 326

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Book Description
Global crop production must substantially increase to meet the needs of a rapidly growing population. This is constrained by the availability of nutrients, water, and land. There is also an urgent need to reduce the negative environmental impacts of crop production. Collectively, these issues represent one of the greatest challenges of the twenty-first century. Sustainable cropping systems based on ecological principles are the core of integrated approaches to solve this critical challenge. This special issue provides an international basis for revealing the underlying mechanisms of sustainable cropping systems to drive agronomic innovations. It includes review and original research articles that report novel scientific findings on improvement in cropping systems related to crop yields and their resistance to biotic and abiotic stressors, resource use efficiency, environmental impact, sustainability, and ecosystem services.

Sustainable Cropping Systems

Sustainable Cropping Systems PDF Author: Jeffrey A. Coulter
Publisher: MDPI
ISBN: 3039289071
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 326

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Book Description
Global crop production must substantially increase to meet the needs of a rapidly growing population. This is constrained by the availability of nutrients, water, and land. There is also an urgent need to reduce the negative environmental impacts of crop production. Collectively, these issues represent one of the greatest challenges of the twenty-first century. Sustainable cropping systems based on ecological principles are the core of integrated approaches to solve this critical challenge. This special issue provides an international basis for revealing the underlying mechanisms of sustainable cropping systems to drive agronomic innovations. It includes review and original research articles that report novel scientific findings on improvement in cropping systems related to crop yields and their resistance to biotic and abiotic stressors, resource use efficiency, environmental impact, sustainability, and ecosystem services.

Sustainable Intensification of Crop Production

Sustainable Intensification of Crop Production PDF Author: P. Parvatha Reddy
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 9811027021
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 405

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Book Description
This book outlines a new paradigm, Sustainable Intensification of Crop Production (SICP), which aims to produce more from the same area of land by increasing efficiency, reducing waste, conserving resources, reducing negative impacts on the environment and enhancing the provision of ecosystem services. The use of ecologically based management strategies can increase the sustainability of agricultural production while reducing off-site consequences. The book also highlights the underlying principles and outlines some of the key management practices and technologies – such as minimum soil disturbance; permanent organic soil covers; species diversification; selection of suitable cultivars, planting time, age and spacing; balanced plant nutrition; agro-ecological pest management; efficient water management; careful management of farm machinery; and integrated crop-livestock production – required to implement SICP. The green revolution (by using high-yielding crop varieties, mono-cropping, fertilization, irrigation, and pesticides) has led to enormous gains in food production and improved world food security. In many countries, however, intensive crop production has had negative impacts on production, ecosystems and the larger environment, putting future productivity at risk. In order to meet the projected demands of a growing population expected to exceed 9 billion by 2050, farmers in the developing world must double food production, a challenge complicated by the effects of climate change and growing competition for land, water and energy. This book will be of immense value to all members of the scientific community involved in teaching, research and extension activities concerning sustainable intensification. The material can be used for teaching post-graduate courses, or as a useful reference guide for policy makers.

Cropping Systems

Cropping Systems PDF Author: Anil Shrestha
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 9781560221074
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 740

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Book Description
Learn the fundamentals as well as in-depth details of agricultural cropping systems from around the globe! Cropping Systems: Trends and Advances is a comprehensive review of past and present research efforts in North America and other parts of the world. It brings together biological, economic, sociological, and technical aspects of cropping systems in a single source to provide a reference unlike any other on the subject that is available today. This valuable book also points to future directions that cropping systems research needs to take in order to increase sustainable agriculture and feed the growing world population. Charts, tables, and illustrations make the information easy to access and understand. An ideal textbook for graduate and undergraduate courses in agronomy as well as a comprehensive reference for professionals involved in cropping systems research, Cropping Systems: Trends and Advances is a book you’ll refer to again and again. Topics covered in this well-referenced and thoughtfully indexed book include: emerging trends in cropping systems research designing resource-efficient cropping systems soil quality and fertility tillage root dynamics water quality concerns nitrogen use efficiency precision agriculture agricultural biotechnology weed biology and management integrated pest management the important role that cover crops can play key indicators for assessing nitrogen use efficiency in cereal-based agroecosystems the implications of elevated carbon dioxide-induced changes in agroecosystem productivity and a great deal more!

Managing Cover Crops Profitably (3rd Ed. )

Managing Cover Crops Profitably (3rd Ed. ) PDF Author: Andy Clark
Publisher: DIANE Publishing
ISBN: 1437903797
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 248

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Book Description
Cover crops slow erosion, improve soil, smother weeds, enhance nutrient and moisture availability, help control many pests and bring a host of other benefits to your farm. At the same time, they can reduce costs, increase profits and even create new sources of income. You¿ll reap dividends on your cover crop investments for years, since their benefits accumulate over the long term. This book will help you find which ones are right for you. Captures farmer and other research results from the past ten years. The authors verified the info. from the 2nd ed., added new results and updated farmer profiles and research data, and added 2 chap. Includes maps and charts, detailed narratives about individual cover crop species, and chap. about aspects of cover cropping.

Farming Systems And Sustainable Agriculture

Farming Systems And Sustainable Agriculture PDF Author: R.K.NANWAL
Publisher: New India Publishing Agency
ISBN: 9389130085
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 11

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Book Description
The introductory book covers farming System-scope, importance and concept; Types and systems of farming system and factors affecting types of farming; Farming system components and their maintenance and its advantages; Allied enterprises and their importance; Tools for determining production and efficiencies in cropping and farming system; Sustainable agriculture-problems and its impact on agriculture; Conservation agriculture strategies in agriculture; HEIA, LEIA and LEISA and its techniques for sustainability; Integrated farming system-historical background, objectives and characteristics; Site specific development of IFS model for different agro-climatic zones; Resource use efficiency and optimization techniques, Resource cycling and flow of energy in different farming system; Farming system and environment; Cropping system and pattern, Multiple cropping system; Efficient cropping system and their evaluation; New concept and recent approaches in farming systems; Crop diversification for sustainable agriculture The book is written in a very simple form with up to data and statistics. It is a comprehensive basic text book on integrated farming system and will specifically meet out the requirement of the students of UG and PG students as per 5th Dean’s Committee recommendations.

Agricultural Systems: Agroecology and Rural Innovation for Development

Agricultural Systems: Agroecology and Rural Innovation for Development PDF Author: Sieglinde Snapp
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0128020954
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 560

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Book Description
Agricultural Systems, Second Edition, is a comprehensive text for developing sustainable farming systems. It presents a synthetic overview of the emerging area of agroecology applications to transforming farming systems and supporting rural innovation, with particular emphasis on how research can be harnessed for sustainable agriculture. The inclusion of research theory and examples using the principles of cropping system design allows students to gain a unique understanding of the technical, biological, ecological, economic and sociological aspects of farming systems science for rural livelihoods. This book explores topics such as: re-inventing farming systems; principles and practice of agroecology; agricultural change and low-input technology; ecologically-based nutrient management; participatory breeding for developing improved and relevant crops; participatory livestock research for development; gender and agrarian inequality at the local scale; the nature of agricultural innovation; and outreach to support rural innovation. The extensive coverage of subjects is complemented with integrated references and a companion website, making this book essential reading for courses in international agricultural systems and management, sustainable agricultural management, and cropping systems. This book will be a valuable resource for students of agricultural science, environmental engineering, and rural planning; researchers and scientists in agricultural development agencies; and practitioners of agricultural development in government extension programs, development agencies, and NGOs. - Provides students with an enhanced understanding of how research can be harnessed for sustainable agriculture - Incorporates social, biological, chemical, and geographical aspects important to agroecology - Addresses social and development issues related to farming systems

Resilient and Sustainable Farming Systems in Europe

Resilient and Sustainable Farming Systems in Europe PDF Author: Miranda P. M. Meuwissen
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1009098284
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 427

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Book Description
An investigation of the sustainability of European farming systems in response to economic, environmental, institutional, and social challenges.

Sustainable Agricultural Systems

Sustainable Agricultural Systems PDF Author: Edwards
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 9780935734218
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 718

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Book Description
A unique look at how the adoption of sustainable farming methods is being pursued throughout the world. This comprehensive book provides clear insight into research and education needs and the many points of view that come to bear on the issue of sustainability. Essential for agricultural leaders in research, education, conservation, policy making, and anyone else interested in creating an economically and environmentally sustainable agriculture worldwide.

Sustainable Intensification

Sustainable Intensification PDF Author: Jules N. Pretty
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1136529276
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 292

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Book Description
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.

The Role of Ecosystem Services in Sustainable Food Systems

The Role of Ecosystem Services in Sustainable Food Systems PDF Author: Leonard Rusinamhodzi
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0128175095
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 304

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Book Description
The Role of Ecosystem Services in Sustainable Food Systems reveals, in simple terms, the operational definition, concepts and applications of ecosystem services with a focus on sustainable food systems. The book presents case studies on both geographical and production system-wide considerations. Initial chapters discuss concepts, methodologies and the tools needed to understand ecosystem services in the broader food system. Middle and later chapters present different perspectives from case studies of ecosystem services derived from some of the key sustainable food production systems used by farmers, along with discussions on the challenges of deriving full benefits and how they can be overcome. Researchers, students, scientists, development practitioners and policymakers will welcome this reference as they continue their work related to sustainable food systems. - Introduces the concept of ecosystem services in simple terms for a wide readership - Provides an explanation of sustainable food systems - Contains the tools to identify and quantify ecosystem services in sustainable food systems - Identifies ecosystem services in specific systems utilized for sustainable food systems - Categorizes the challenges of deriving maximum benefits of ecosystem services