Fertilizers are key for meeting the world s demands for food, fiber, and fuel. Featuring nearly 4,500 terms of interest to all scientists and researchers dealing with fertilizers, "The Fertilizer Encyclopedia" compiles a wealth of information on the chemical composition of fertilizers, and includes information on everything from manufacturing and applications to economical and environmental considerations. It covers behavior in soil, chemical and physical characteristics, physiological role in plant growth and soil fertility, and more. This is the definitive, up-to-date reference on fertilizers.

This book is not available for purchase from Wiley in the country of India. Customers in India should visit Vasudha Research & Publications Pvt. Ltd. at www.fertilizer-encyclopedia.com

The book gives a detailed description of the application of DSSAT in simulating crop and soil processes within various Agro-ecological zones in Africa. The book, an output of a series of 3 workshops, provides examples of the application of DSSAT models to simulate nitrogen applications, soil and water conservation practices including effects of zai technology, phosphorus and maize productivity, generation of genetic coefficients, long-term soil fertility management technologies in the drylands, microdosing, optimization of nitrogen x germplasms x water, spatial analysis of water and nutrient use efficiencies and, tradeoff analysis. The minimum dataset requirements for DSSAT is discussed. This book arises from attempts to address the limited use of models in decision support by African agricultural (both soil scientist and agronomists) scientists.

The world population is projected to reach nine billion by 2050, and in the coming years, global food demand is expected to increase by 50% or more. Higher crop productivity gains in the future will have to be achieved in developing countries through better natural resources management and crop improvement. After nitrogen, phosphorus (P) has more widespread influence on both natural and agricultural ecosystems than any other essential plant element. It has been estimated that 5.7 billion hectares of land worldwide contain insufficient amounts of available P for sustainable crop production, and P deficiency in crop plants is a widespread problem in various parts of the world. However, it has been estimated that worldwide minable P could last less than 40 years. For sustaining future food supplies, it is vital to enhance plant P use efficiency. To bring the latest knowledge and research advances in efficient management of P for economically viable and environmentally beneficial crop production in sustainable agriculture, Phosphorus Management in Crop Production contains chapters covering functions and diagnostic techniques for P requirements in crop plants, P use efficiency and interactions with other nutrients in crop plants, management of P for optimal crop production and environmental quality, and basic principles and methodology regarding P nutrition in crop plants. The majority of research data included are derived from many years of field, greenhouse, and lab work, hence the information is practical in nature and will have a significant impact on efficient management of P-fertilizers to enhance P use efficiency, improve crop production, promote sustainable agriculture, and reduce P losses through eluviations, leaching, and erosion to minimize environmental degradation. A comprehensive book that combines practical and applied information, Phosphorus Management in Crop Production is an excellent reference for students, professors, agricultural research scientists, food scientists, agricultural extension specialists, private consultants, fertilizer companies, and government agencies that deal with agricultural and environmental issues.

Back-to-basics gardening that will benefit the earth and your wallet

Want to use ordinary waste to create an extraordinary garden? Composting lets you turn household food waste, yard clippings, and more into free compost and mulch that's chock-full of nutrients. From building and working with traditional compost bins to starting an indoor worm-composting operation, Composting For Dummies makes these often intimidating projects easy, fun, and accessible for anyone

Digging into compost basics -- get a handle on the benefits of composting and the tools you'll need to get started

Choosing the best method and location -- find the best composting method and location that's right for you, whether it's above ground, in a hole, in a container or bin, or even right in your kitchen

Building your pile -- learn which ingredients can go into your compost pile, what stays out, and how to mix it all up in the right proportions

Stepping beyond traditional composting -- get the lowdown on vermicomposting (letting worms eat your garbage), growing green manures to compost later, and sheet composting in the same spot you plan to plant

Open the book and find:

A step-by-step guide to composting

The right gear and tools for the job

Tips on constructing your own composting containers and bins

Materials you can safely compost (and those to avoid)

Cover crops to improve your soil now and compost later

Recommendations for using your finished compost

What worms contribute to your compost

Troubleshooting advice if your compost pile isn't cooperating

Learn to:

Turn household food waste, yard clippings, and more into nutrient-rich compost

Build and maintain your own compost bin

Use worms to aid in composting, both indoors and out

Give your vegetable and flower gardens a boost of energy

Ammonia emissions from farming are causing environmental problems on local and regional scales in Europe and elsewhere. These emissions also reduce the efficiency of manure as a fertilizer in crop production. This thesis presents a body of research and development on technologies to reduce ammonia emissions from stored animal slurry, field-applied slurry, and mineral fertilizers. The processes involved in the release of ammonia from slurry, the transport of ammonium and pH changes in surface layers of stored slurry, and slurry and fertilizers applied to the surface of bare soils are described. Techniques and management practices that reduce ammonia emission are presented and evaluated. The book provides a better understanding of the relationships between ammonia emissions and the most important underlying processes. This information can be used to develop technologies, models, and decision support for better management of animal manure, leading to a minimal negative impact on the environment and a strong positive impact on plant production. The book makes a contribution to research using basic science to develop applied technological solutions. It also proposes areas for future research that can enable efficient use of manure and reduce environmental pollution. Thesis.

This book describes many important principles of fertilizer management and the environmental pollution problems due to the indiscriminate soil fertilization rate. The long-term impacts of organic or mineral fertilizer use have implications on soil fertility, crop yields, water quality, climatic change, greenhouse gas emissions, etc. Twelve chapters provide the state of the art of some important topics on subsistence agriculture, modern agronomy, and technological improvements which have sharply increased yields from cultivation, with a special emphasis on the sustainable management and environmental impact of commercial and nontraditional fertilizers. Without a doubt, this book is a valuable contribution to the agricultural sciences and it would not have been possible without the invaluable contributions, immeasurable acknowledgements, and recognized expertise from the authors.

Organic farming is a system approach utilizing the natural cycles and biological interactions for crop production and protection. It aims at harmonizing with nature and a method of production without destroying the environment. Vermitechnology is one of the important components of organic farming. The earthworm (verm) is now known to be a good biological element for the recovery of vermifertilizer and vermin- protein for use in agro-ecosystems, aquaculture, poultry etc. Earthworm culture, popularly called vermiculture is being widely practicised in a big commercialized manner. Therefore, it is high time to enter into the vermitechnology as a part of the biotechnology programme. In India, some companies have adopted vermiculture, but by and large the general awareness remains limited, despite the fact that several non-governmental organizations and governmental institutions are trying hard to popularize vermitechnology. This book is an attempt to help those desirous of starting a vermicutlure and vermicompost industry. Based on this rationale, the Vermiculture Research Station in Aligarh, India embarked on an extensive programme of transferring vermitechnology to the farmers back in 2000 under the Lab to Land programme. The farmers were given specialized training through field demonstrations in vermitechnology, organizing special courses and setting-up their own field units in rural areas. It is heartening to note that female farmers have also come forward in this new venture and are now producing quality vermicompost to supplement their income.

Nitrate and nitrite are two ions largely diffused in the environment because they take part in the nitrogen cycle. Moreover, a great part of atmospheric nitrogen may be oxidized to nitrite and nitrate by microorganisms in plants, soil or water. The more stable form of oxidized nitrogen is nitrate ion, but, through microbial activity, it can be reduced to nitrite ion which is more chemically reactive. Nitrate and its salts are widely used, especially as inorganic fertilizers, and for many other purposes such as oxidizing agents, explosives, in the chemical industry and as food preservatives. This book discusses the agricultural uses, management practices and environmental effects of nitrogen fertilizers.

Nitrogen is an important agricultural input that is critical for crop production. However, the introduction of large amounts of nitrogen into the environment has a number of undesirable impacts on water, terrestrial, and atmospheric resources. This book explores the use of nitrogen in U.S. agriculture and assesses changes in nutrient management by farmers that may improve nitrogen use efficiency. It also reviews a number of policy approaches for improving nitrogen management and identifies issues affecting their potential performance.

This early work on fertilisers and manure is both expensive and hard to find in its first edition. It contains detailed information on the chemicals involved in the processes of fertilisation. This is a fascinating work and is thoroughly recommended for the agricultural chemistry. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

Earthworm's vermicompost is a nutritive organic fertiliser rich in NKP, micronutrients, and beneficial soil microbes. They are scientifically proven to be excellent growth promoters and protectors for crop plants. In experiments with corn and wheat crops it displayed excellent growth performances in terms of height of plants, colour and texture of leaves, as well as the appearance of fruiting structures. There is also less incidences of pest and disease attack and reduced demand of water for irrigation. This book discusses and presents data which suggest that the vermicompost of earthworms contributes to an increase in the yield of crops when used as a fertiliser.

The innovative 3R "Recycle-Reuse-Reduce" AGROCARBON technology provides recycling of agricultural organic and mineral by-products provides carbon products for soil amendment and restoration of soil natural balance. This book explains how the input feed streams are plant and animal origin carboniferous by-products, such as refuse grain, sawdust, food grade animal bone meal, food processing and/or other agro by-products. The innovative technology is providing surface modified charcoals and minerals for plant availability and post processing the chars by integrated biotechnological means. The process is upgrading by-products to high added-value biological control, plant growth promotion and natural fertilisation combined products for environmentally friendly vegetable cultivation, with carbon sequestration potential. The 3R is a horizontally arranged and indirectly heated low temperature zero emission carbonisation system (operating under vacuum, up to 850 DegreesC+/-50 DegreesC material core temperature) and directly integrated novel agro biotechnological processing units of agrocarbon specific solid state fermentation and formulations. Performance: 1. Food crop mineral deficiency and disturbance stress mitigation in temperate climatic regions by restoration of soil natural balance. 2. Input feed streams: low value organic and/or inorganic by-products; such as refuse grain, sawdust and/or high Phosphorous content animal bone meal, and/or other by products; which can be valorisation transformed by added-value integrated thermal and biotechnological means. 3. The 3R biotechnology integrated industrialised biochar production technology is a modern zero emission solution, in which process all and any output products are recycled and reused, aiming prevention-protection-preservation approaches. 4. The output products are different types of soil biotechnology specific solid carrier composits and adapted microbiological fungus and/or bacteria strain consortiums. Depending on the soil and climate application scenario conditions, different types of soil and climate relevant 3R NPK products can be made. 5. The application objective of the products are the natural balance and functionality restorations of degraded temperate agriculture soils with controlled microbiological activity and precision farming nutrient supply. Further objectives are the promotion of humus building and mineral mobilisation towards plant availability, for sustainable, improved, economical and ecological food crop production in the fields of organic and low input low green house gas farmings, while carbon sequestration is also targeted. 6. The application targets combined effects, such as plant growth promotion, biological control against soil borne plant pathogens and natural NPK fertilisation, especially sequenced mobilised Phosphorus supply and improved nutrient use efficiency. 7. The application sectors are the organic farming and/or low input farming for environmentally friendly vegetable cultivation and other food crop productions. 8. STATUS: "product like" field demonstration plant has been developed, successfully tested, scale up optimisation and comprehensive industrialised engineering design made for 30,000 m3/year input feed stream as of modern US/EU industrial norms and standards. Patented original solution. Available for licensing and technology transfer.

Nitrogen is an essential element for plant growth and development and a key agricultural input-but in excess it can lead to a host of problems for human and ecological health. Across the globe, distribution of fertilizer nitrogen is very uneven, with some areas subject to nitrogen pollution and others suffering from reduced soil fertility, diminished crop production, and other consequences of inadequate supply.
Agriculture and the Nitrogen Cycle provides a global assessment of the role of nitrogen fertilizer in the nitrogen cycle. The focus of the book is regional, emphasizing the need to maintain food and fiber production while minimizing environmental impacts where fertilizer is abundant, and the need to enhance fertilizer utilization in systems where nitrogen is limited. The book is derived from a workshop held by the Scientific Committee on Problems of the Environment (SCOPE) in Kampala, Uganda, that brought together the world's leading scientists to examine and discuss the nitrogen cycle and related problems. It contains an overview chapter that summarizes the group's findings, four chapters on cross-cutting issues, and thirteen background chapters.
The book offers a unique synthesis and provides an up-to-date, broad perspective on the issues of nitrogen fertilizer in food production and the interaction of nitrogen and the environment.

The study of soil nitrogen has long been an active field, but it was generally pivoted on agricultural and forestry production, and animal husbandry. With the rapid increase in the use of fertilizer nitrogen, more attention has been paid to the relationship between nitrogen management and environmental quality and human health. In addition, the study of soil nitrogen has become more comprehensive with the development of related sciences. The quantitative study of the processes of nitrogen cycling and their interrelationships has been an important part of this project and has attracted the attention of scientists all over the world. Nitrogen is one of the most important nutrients for plant growth and the application of fertilizer nitrogen is playing an important role in agricultural production. The annual consumption of fertilizer nitrogen in the world has reached 70 million tons, and China has an annual consumption of more than 15 million tons and is the largest fertilizer nitrogen consumer in the world. However, the efficiency of fertilizer nitrogen is low and losses are large. It is estimated that nitrogen losses from agriculture in China can be as high as 40-60% of the nitrogen applied. Some of the lost nitrogen enters the atmosphere and contributes to the greenhouse effect and some enters water bodies to pollute the water. Consequently, it is important for scientists all over the world to improve the efficiency of use of fertilizer nitrogen, to promote the biological fixation of nitrogen and to increase the nitrogen-supplying potential of soils.

The book summarizes present scientific knowledge in plant physiology with regards to plant production. The authors, mainly professors of plant physiology at agricultural universities in Czechoslovakia, present the individual fields of plant physiology with regard to the demands of agricultural practice and education of students and doctorani at these universities.
The first chapters discuss metabolism ie. photosynthesis, respiration, mineral and heterotrophic nutrition, and water regime of plants. What follows is a discussion of the physiology of plant growth, development and movements, and finally resistance of plants against unfavourable abiotic and biotic effects.
The book shows how to increase the yield of crops by manipulating photosynthesis and also studies the possible flow of photosynthetic products to the commercially valuable parts of the biomass. Rational plant production, however, cannot do without knowledge of plant nutrition and water regime as a theoretical basis for fertilization and irrigation. The reader will find this knowledge detailed as well as information about the ecological and physiological principles of the resistance of plants against drought, frost, heat, diseases and other unfavourable effects.

This book describes the results of the research of the project entitled Phosphorus Renewable Raw Materials: A Resource Base for the New Generation of Fertilizers' attributed to the National Center for Research and Development of Poland. This book is divided into three chapters that are assigned to different stages of the project undertaken by different R&D institutions. The concept and possible options of valorization of waste biomass, such as bones, fish bones, and ashes originated from the incineration of sludge from a waste-water treatment plant from the tertiary stage of biological treatment as resources of phosphorus were described by the team from Wroclaw University of Science and Technology. As a method of by-products valorization, the solubilization process was proposed. Two strategies were proposed: Ex-situ and in-situ. The in-situ manner resulted with suspension fertilizer with a low concentration of P2O5 while ex-situ gave the possibility to obtain two solid formulations with the high content of P2O5. All of them could be used in agriculture and horticulture as granular fertilizers or as substrates. The different content of P2O5, as well as other nutrients in obtained formulations, were described as an effect of utilization of different raw materials as well as various additional substances such as binders necessary for the stability of final formulations. What is more, the efficiency of obtained formulations was strongly related to the kind of microorganism used as an 'activator' of unavailable phosphorus, which was discussed in details. The technology of production for biofertilizers in pilot-scale was described by the Institute of New Chemical Synthesis in Pulawy with the following issues underlined: Design of installation to produce fertilizers based on renewable raw materials; plant construction and production of the product; and preliminary economic analysis. The University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn described the utilitarian properties of new fertilizer formulations that were evaluated in field tests with special attention to granular and suspension biofertilizer. In that chapter, the major results of the agronomic evaluation of new suspension and granular phosphorus biofertilizers from secondary raw materials (sewage sludge ash, animal bones, and animal blood) were presented. Biofertilizers contained Bacillus megaterium or Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans bacteria. New bioproducts were tested in field experiments in reference to traditional commercial phosphorus fertilizers (superphosphate, phosphorite, etc.). The research confirmed that phosphorus biofertilizers from renewable raw materials were similar to commercial fertilizers in terms of their crop-enhancing efficiency and did not reduce yield quality and quantity.

In this book, the biosorption process used to produce biological components of fertilisers was examined. For this purpose, the waste biomass obtained from the supercritical fluid extraction of oils from multiple berries seeds was used. It was shown that post-extraction residues of black currant, raspberrys and strawberry seeds constitute a valuable material for agricultural purposes. Detailed characteristics of these materials were presented. Moreover, it was shown that berries seeds are characterised by good biosorption properties. It was possible to increase the content of microelements essential for plants by applying the biosorption process. The utilitarian properties of enriched materials were tested in field experiments. Bioavailability of microelements from enriched post-extraction residues of the berries seeds to plants was assessed and the biofortification of edible parts of plants with micronutrients from the new products was achieved.

Animal manure can be used as a fertiliser, and it can improve soil quality. Manure can also be used as a feedstock for energy production. The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 directed the U.S. Department of Agriculture to evaluate the role of animal manure as a source of fertiliser, and its other uses. About 5 percent of all U.S. cropland is currently fertilised with livestock manure, and corn accounts for over half the acreage to which manure is applied. Expanded environmental through nutrient management plans will likely lead to wider use of manure on cropland, at higher production costs, but with only modest impacts on production costs, commodity demand or farm structure. This book assesses current patterns of use of manure as fertiliser and evaluates the likely impacts of emerging environmental regulations on manure use. This book also assesses current efforts to use manure for energy production and evaluates the impact of bioenergy investments on manure's use as fertiliser. This book consists of public documents which have been located, gathered, combined, reformatted, and enhanced with a subject index, selectively edited and bound to provide easy access.

This new volume, Biofertilizers and Biopesticides in Sustainable Agriculture, presents strategies for the management of soil and crop diseases. Microbes have attracted worldwide attention due to their role in disease management and remediation of polluted soils. Taking a sustainable approach, this book explores the means of integrating various microbial management approaches to achieve the desired levels of crop yield under both conventional soils and neglected soils through the use of biopesticides and other botanicals as well as biomolecules. This book also presents a broad and updated view of molecular nitrogen fixation and phosphate-solubilizing and sulfur-transforming microbes for nutrition of crops in relation to the role of metal tolerant microbes in providing protection to plants grown in metal-contaminated soils. The preparation and application of biofertilizers, utilization of household waste materials, and use of genetically modified microorganisms (GMOs) in plant growth and development are also well discussed in the volume.

The world economy has broadly strengthened over the past three years and is expected to continue this strengthening during 2014-2015. The world cereal production in 2014 is estimated to reach 2 498 000 000 tonnes, or 2.2 percent below that of the record production in 2013. World demand for total fertiliser nutrients is estimated to grow at 1.8 percent per annum from 2014 to 2018. The demand for nitrogen, phosphate, and potash is forecast to grow annually by 1.4, 2.2, and 2.6 percent, respectively, during the period. The global potential nitrogen balance (i.e. the difference between N potentially available for fertilisers and N fertiliser demand) as a percentage of N fertiliser demand is expected to steadily rise and reach 9.5 percent in 2018, that of phosphorous from 6.4 percent of total demand to 8.5 percent and that of potassium from 25 percent of total demand to 33 percent. This report gives all the latest trends and outlook for 2018.

Recent Trends in Biofertilizers comprises a selection of sixteen articles contributed by over forty distinguished academicians from India, Brazil and Egypt. These articles jointly address the broader need of increasing soil fertility through sustainable methods and practices. Biofertilizers contain a wide range of naturally chelated plant nutrients, carbohydrates, amino acids, trace elements and plant growth promoting vitamins and hormones. These components are discussed appropriately in the book. Fresh insights into biofertilizer technology, biotechnology-based biofertilizers, and other recent developments in this area are covered in depth. Discussion of the tremendous advancements made in the last decade in biofertilizer technology through development of biotic and abiotic stress tolerant microbial strains is one of the hallmark features of this book. The book also appropriately addresses the soil aspects -- nutrient index values for different types of soil have been presented. Other major highlights of the book are coverage of liquid biofertilizers; benefits of different biofertilizer efficient strains along with the constraints in the production, distribution, field and marketing; quality control and assurance aspects; and application of bioinformatics. With its coverage and emphasis, this book will be an immensely useful reference for teachers and students of undergraduate colleges, universities, and research scholars who are engaged in this aspect of research, such as Agricultural Microbiology, Trainees in Biofertilizer companies, and Agricultural Development Officers.

Nitrogen is an essential element for plant growth and development and a key agricultural input-but in excess it can lead to a host of problems for human and ecological health. Across the globe, distribution of fertilizer nitrogen is very uneven, with some areas subject to nitrogen pollution and others suffering from reduced soil fertility, diminished crop production, and other consequences of inadequate supply.
Agriculture and the Nitrogen Cycle provides a global assessment of the role of nitrogen fertilizer in the nitrogen cycle. The focus of the book is regional, emphasizing the need to maintain food and fiber production while minimizing environmental impacts where fertilizer is abundant, and the need to enhance fertilizer utilization in systems where nitrogen is limited. The book is derived from a workshop held by the Scientific Committee on Problems of the Environment (SCOPE) in Kampala, Uganda, that brought together the world's leading scientists to examine and discuss the nitrogen cycle and related problems. It contains an overview chapter that summarizes the group's findings, four chapters on cross-cutting issues, and thirteen background chapters.
The book offers a unique synthesis and provides an up-to-date, broad perspective on the issues of nitrogen fertilizer in food production and the interaction of nitrogen and the environment.

Phosphorus is essential to all life. A critical component of fertilizers, Phosphorus currently has no known substitute in agriculture. Without it, crops cannot grow. With too much of it, waterways are polluted. Across the globe, social, political, and economic pressures are influencing the biogeochemical cycle of phosphorus. A better understanding of this non-renewable resource and its impacts on the environment is critical to conserving our global supply and increasing agricultural productivity. Most of the phosphorus-focused discussion within the academic community is highly fragmented. Phosphorus, Food, and Our Future will bring together the necessary multi-disciplinary perspectives to build a cohesive knowledge base of phosphorus sustainability. The book is a direct continuation of processes associated with the first international conference on sustainable phosphorus held in the United States, the Frontiers in Life Sciences: Sustainable Phosphorus Summit, though it is not a book of conference proceedings; rather, the book is part of an integrated, coordinated process that builds on the momentum of the Summit. The first chapter will introduce the biological and chemical necessity of phosphorus. The subsequent ten chapters will explore different facets of phosphorus sustainability and the role of policy on future global phosphorus supplies. The final chapter will synthesize all of the emerging views contained in the book, drawing out the leading dilemmas and opportunities for phosphorus sustainability.

Composting is the aerobic decomposition of biodegradable organic matter, producing compost. Compost products can be used as a high quality and hygienically safe fertiliser. Composting can be divided into home composting and industrial composting. Essentially the same biological processes are involved in both scales of composting, however techniques and different factors must be taken into account. This new book provides a short historic survey of composting which has been performed since the beginning of agriculture and horticulture as it can be operated with marginal technical equipment. This book also presents new methodologies including the use of earthworms in agroecosystems and ways to address problems that occur in a composting reactor that can be solved by a better understanding of the microbial community.