This book presents a collection of ten empirical studies on Iran's sustainable agriculture and agribusiness, grouped into three domains: agricultural prices and commodity market analysis; risk management and climate change; and natural resources and environmental economics. The various studies elaborate on sustainable agriculture, climate change, pest management, natural resources, land-use, agricultural marketing, risk management and insurance in Iran's agricultural sector. The book also introduces the key microeconomic principles that are applied to agriculture from a suitability perspective, and provides policy recommendation to decision makers and agricultural-product producers. As such it serves as a supplement to textbooks on applied economics, agricultural and environmental economics, and offers students and professionals in agricultural economics, resource economics, risk management, and food policy as well as general economists real-world examples of the principles under discussion. Further, it includes an extensive range of case studies from different regions of the country, which could be applied in agricultural policy making process, making it a useful resource for agricultural planners and decision makers in government agencies.

Food quality is the foundation for the maintenance of human health, and one of the most important elements in health prevention systems. However, the production of healthy and safe food requires access to high-quality agricultural products, which are free from pollutants that can result from poor quality soil, water, unbalanced chemical fertilization or the use of crop protection products. In recent years, food produced according to organic farming standards, which is based on eliminating the use of fertilizers, pesticides or genetically modified seeds, has become increasingly popular. This book presents the results of a comparison of the quality of raw materials, such as cereals, vegetables, fruits, honey and other bee products, produced in organic and conventional farming systems, and selected products made from them. This book covers environmental, social and economic aspects of organic food production from a sustainable development perspective, and provide answers to the following questions: Does organic farming ensure obtaining high-quality agricultural products that are safe for health? Can food produced from organic raw materials be considered more valuable in the human diet compared to conventional food? Is organic farming able to meet the food needs of the world population?

Presenting an overview of agroecology within the framework of climate change, this book looks at the impact of our changing climate on crop production and agroecosystems, reporting on how plants will cope with these changes, and how we can mitigate these negative impacts to ensure food production for the growing population. It explores the ways that farmers can confront the challenges of climate change, with contributed chapters from around the world demonstrating the different challenges associated with differing climates. Examples are provided of the approaches being taken right now to expand the ecological, physiological, morphological, and productive potential of a range of crop types. Describes the effects and responses of the macro and micro levels of crops under the different components of climate change Reports on the adaptation and resilience of food production systems within the changing climate Covers how plants cope with the changing climate including physiological, biochemical, phenotype, and ecosystem responses Provides an in-depth discussion on the importance of agricultural education connected to climate change Giving readers a greater understanding of the mechanisms of plant resilience to climate change, this book provides new insights into improving the productivity of an individual crop species as well as bringing resistance and resiliency to the entire agroecosystem. It offers a strong foundation for changing research and education programs so that they build the resistance and resilience that will be needed for the uncertain climate future ahead.

Intelligent Data Mining and Fusion Systems in Agriculture presents methods of computational intelligence and data fusion that have applications in agriculture for the non-destructive testing of agricultural products and crop condition monitoring. Sections cover the combination of sensors with artificial intelligence architectures in precision agriculture, including algorithms, bio-inspired hierarchical neural maps, and novelty detection algorithms capable of detecting sudden changes in different conditions. This book offers advanced students and entry-level professionals in agricultural science and engineering, geography and geoinformation science an in-depth overview of the connection between decision-making in agricultural operations and the decision support features offered by advanced computational intelligence algorithms.

The Science of Grapevines, Third Edition reflects the latest insights into cultivar relationships, vascular transport, hormone action, and stress responses of grapevines. Based on the author's many years of teaching, research and practical experience with grapevines and grape production, the book is completely revised and updated, presenting a comprehensive introduction on the physical structure of the grapevine, its organs, their functions, and their environmental interactions. While many concepts discussed are broadly applicable to plants in general, the focus is on grapevines, especially cultivated grapevines. This book enables readers to use these concepts in their own scientific research or in practical production systems. Scientifically grounded and integrating discoveries in other plant species, the book explores the physiological processes underlying grapevine form and function, their developmental and environmental control, and their implications for practical vineyard management.

Compiles the recent agricultural-biocatalysis research results by interdisciplinary teams from international institutes for chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, and materials and chemical engineering, Investigating important agricultural-biocatalytic topics related to biochemical conversions or bioremediation, modern biological and chemical applications Covers the research on biological control, plant uptake and plant growth aspects, plant stress, including genome editing in plants, and selected agrochemical classes as well as the importance of modern chiral agrochemicals.

The book provides an informative overview of diabetes mellitus in conjunction with current plant-based treatments for this disease and available methods for studying the antidiabetic activities of scientifically developed plant products, mechanisms of action, their therapeutic superiority, and current genome editing research perspectives and biotechnological approaches. The book begins with an introduction to diabetes, giving an overview of the history, diagnosis, classification, pathophysiology, and risk factors. It goes on to review traditional uses of plants for diabetes along with some ethnobotanical information as well. The results of scientific studies on the various modes of action of antidiabetic plants are discussed, such as the molecular aspects active plant-based antidiabetic drug molecules. A section featuring recent biotechnological advancements of antidiabetic plants and plant-based antidiabetic drugs covers advances in molecular breeding and application of molecular markers, biotechnologically engineered transgenic medicinal plants, and advances in genomic editing tools and techniques. This volume will be helpful for researchers, medical practitioners, academicians, students in the study of plant-based treatments for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

This book profiles various cases that are emerging in addressing global challenges in the context of SDGs for society in the era of climate change and covers case studies of projects being undertaken to tackle biodiversity, food security, climate change, energy and water security. The book is written by 37 authors, and will appeal to various stakeholders including academics working within the identified thematic areas, policy planners, development agencies, governments and United Nations agencies. The adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015 ushered a new era in the global development agenda as the world transitioned from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The new era of SDGs that are all-inclusive, unlike the MDGs with the focus now being on ensuring human success that is predicated on environmental protection. The year 2020 marked five years post the adoption of the SDGs with increased calls for stock-taking of progress made amid strong calls for a decade of action to accelerate the delivery of the SDGs by 2030. These calls have been louder now given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which reset the global economy and increased intensity of extreme weather events across the world. Since climate change has emerged as one of the biggest threats to the achievement of the SDGs, there has been growing concerns on its impact on biodiversity loss and the extinction of some species. There are also concerns regarding increased food insecurity at the household level in some parts of the world, particularly in Asia and Africa. With the demand for climate change action on the increase, there have also been growing calls for the big carbon emitters to drastically cut their emissions and invest in clean energy to save the planet by following development pathways making emissions stay under the 1.5 DegreesC increase in temperature.

Fruit Crops: Diagnosis and Management of Nutrient Constraints is the first and only resource to holistically relate fruits as a nutritional source for human health to the state-of-the-art methodologies currently used to diagnose and manage nutritional constraints placed on those fruits. This book explores a variety of advanced management techniques, including open field hydroponic, fertigation/bio-fertigation, the use of nano-fertilizers, sensors-based nutrient management, climate- smart integrated soil fertility management, inoculation with microbial consortium, and endophytes backed up by ecophysiology of fruit crops. These intricate issues are effectively presented, including real-world applications and future insights.

Feeding our globally expanding population is one of the most critical challenges of our time and improving food and agricultural production efficiencies is a key factor in solving this problem. Currently, one-third of food produced for humans is wasted, and for every pound of food produced, roughly an equal amount of nonfood by-product is also generated, creating a significant environmental impact. In Integrated Processing Technologies for Food and Agricultural By-Products experts from around the world present latest developments, recognizing that while some by-products have found use as animal feed or are combusted for energy, new technologies which integrate conversion of production and processing by-products into higher-value food or nonfood products, nutraceuticals, chemicals, and energy resources will be a critical part of the transition to a more sustainable food system. Organized by agricultural crop, and focusing on those crops with maximum economic impact, each chapter describes technologies for value-added processing of by-products which can be integrated into current food production systems. Integrated Processing Technologies for Food and Agricultural By-Products is a valuable resource for industry professionals, academics, and policy-makers alike.

This book is the first photographic and descriptive musculoskeletal atlas of Hylobates, and adopts the same format as the photographic atlas of Gorilla published by the same authors in 2010. These two books are part of a series of monographs that will set out the comparative and phylogenetic context of the gross anatomy and evolutionary history of the soft tissue morphology of modern humans and their closest relatives. This atlas, which includes detailed high-quality photographs of musculoskeletal structures from most anatomical regions of the body as well as textual information about the attachments, innervation and weight of the respective muscles, is based on dissections and on an extensive review of the literature. It provides an updated review of the anatomical variations within hylobatids as well as an extensive list of the synonyms used in the literature to designate the structures we discuss. The atlas will be of interest to students, teachers and researchers studying primatology, comparative anatomy, functional morphology, zoology, and physical anthropology and to medical students, doctors and researchers who are curious about the origin, evolution, homology and variations of the musculoskeletal structures of modern humans.

Pest and disease management continues to challenge the agricultural community. The rise in new pest and crop problems juxtaposed with public concern over pesticide use and more stringent environmental regulations creates the need for today's agricultural producers to stay current with new technologies for producing quality crops profitably. Biological and Biotechnological Control of Insect Pests presents an overview of alternative measures to traditional pest management practices, utilizing biological control and biotechnology. The removal of some highly effective broad-spectrum chemicals, caused by concerns over environmental health and public safety, has resulted in the development of alternative, reduced risk crop protection products. These products, less toxic to the environment and easily integrated into biological control systems, target specific life stages or pest species. Predation - recognized as a suitable, long term strategy - effectively suppresses pests in biotechnological control systems. Biological and Biotechnological Control of Insect Pests covers these topics and more. It explores the current approaches in alternative solutions such as: biological control agents, parasites and predators, pathogenic microorganisms, pheromones, botanical insecticides, genetic control, genetic engineering of plants and biocontrol agents, and government regulations for biocontrol agents and recombinant DNA technology. This book will be a useful resource to entomologists, agronomists, horticulturists, and environmental scientists.

Originally published in 1995, The Early Writings of Harold W. Clark and Frank Lewis Marsh is the eighth volume in the Creationism in Twentieth Century America series, reissued in 2019. The book is a collection of original writings by the prominent creationist Harold W. Clark, and the biologist, educator and young Earth creationist Frank Lewis Marsh. Although both were significant figures in the anti-evolutionist movement of the early 20th century, unlike other members of the movement, both Marsh and Clarke were trained scientists studying under eminent evolutionists of the time. Both writers struggled to reconcile new scientific understandings of geology, botany and palaeontology, supported by Darwin’s theory of evolution, with their own creationist beliefs in genesis and flood theory. Both scientists as such began to develop their own theories of evolution that remained in line with creationist beliefs. This compact and unique collection includes the writings of Marsh and Clark from this period, featuring some of their well-known works on the subject including ‘Back to Creation’ and ‘Fundamental Biology’. This volume of original sources will be of interest to academics of religion, natural history and historians of the 19th century.

Rice Bran and Rice Bran Oil (RBO) provides much-needed best practices on the science and technology of RBO, including the chemistry, dectection methods, nutrition (including the effect of processing technologies on micronutrients) and applications. RBO contains many nutritional components, including up to 2% oryzanol, tocotrienol, and phytosterols. In addition, the fatty acid composition is well balanced with mainly oleic acid and very little linolenic acid, which allows for versatile uses in frying, cooking, and in formulating oil blends for food uses, especially as a trans-free alternative. Many food industrial sectors are seeking possibilities to use RBO in their products from not only Asia and South America, but also Europe and North America. However, there are many processing, analytical, and nutritional considerations that must be documented in one resource. This volume is perfect for those interested in understanding the many emerging potential uses for this alternative oil. Written by a team of experts from academia and industry, this book is the first of its kind. In addition, it provides an overview of related rice bran products and their development, including: * Rice bran protein * Rice dietary fiber * Dietary rice bran/meal * Rice husk/ash applications * Paddy straw applications * Valued added products, including rice bran wax

Sweet Potato: Chemistry, Processing, and Nutrition presents foundational information, including identification, analysis, and use of chemical components from sweet potato in a variety of food and nonfood uses. Sweet potatoes can be easily propagated, are rich source of carbohydrates and functional components, and are highly productive, which makes them most suitable for production of staple and functional foods. With the increasing population and the challenges of providing healthy food to the world, there is an increasing consumer demand for new and better sweet potato products, particularly for those in developing countries. Providing a brief description of the specific sweet potato components, their role during processing and strategies for quality optimization, this book also explores novel methods of sweet potato starch, protein, and pectin modification providing students, researchers, and technologists working in the area of food science and others with the most recent information and state-of-the-art technology for developing new and beneficial uses of sweet potato.

Operations Management in Agriculture bridges the knowledge gap on operations management for agricultural machinery. It complements traditional topics (cost of using and choosing machinery) with advanced engineering approaches recently applied in agricultural machinery management (area coverage planning and sequential scheduling). The book covers new technologies in bio-production systems (robotics, IoT) and environmental compliance by employing a systems engineering perspective with focuses on sub-systems, including advanced optimization, supply chain systems, sustainability, autonomous vehicles and IT-driven decision-making. It will be a valuable resource for students studying decision-making and those working to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of production through machinery choice.

Provides valuable information on standard protocols for the synthesis of green nanomaterials Promotes advanced technologies for applications of green and sustainable nanomaterials Demonstrates numerous characterization tools for working with sustainable nanomaterials Explores various application areas of the synthesized nanomaterials With the major goal of this volume to take a stock of sophistication in the development of a spectrum of recent nanomaterials that are eco-benign and sustainable, this volume will be a valuable addition to the libraries of faculty and scientists in green and sustainable chemistry and engineering.

This collection features five peer-reviewed reviews on ecosystem services delivered by forests. The first chapter summarises the current state of knowledge on the interactions between forest ecosystems and the climate system and the way in which forests influence the water cycle. The second chapter reviews the wealth of research on the range of species, functional groups and ecological processes which can develop as a result of the biodiversity in tropical forests. The chapter also considers the main threats to tropical forest biodiversity. The third chapter examines the importance of forest carbon content and the methods currently used to monitor it. The chapter also explores the mechanisms driving forest carbon storage and offers a considered discussion on whether forests should be considered sources or sinks of carbon. The fourth chapter highlights how sustainable forest management (SFM) can be used to maintain or enhance biodiversity in temperate and boreal forests. The chapter utilises two case studies to demonstrate successful implementation of SFM in Ireland and Canada. The final chapter considers the benefits of introducing agroforestry into agroecosystems, focussing on its influence on soil health. The chapter discusses the benefits of agroforestry systems on key soil physical, chemical and biological properties.

This book offers a critical analysis of the diverse knowledge and knowledge production processes through which 'alternative agro-food networks' can constitute a more plural 'knowledge economy'. It provides critical sociological and political economic insights that help problematise dominant capitalocentric and technocentric framings of the 'knowledge (bio)economy'. It will appeal to researchers, practitioners and policy-makers with an interest in supporting inclusive research, policy and innovation agendas for sustainability.

Exploring the competitiveness and profitability of the agricultural sector in Central Europe, this book argues that the successful management of agricultural enterprises is inconceivable without the knowledge and application of modern forms of management and technology. Organised in an analytical framework and offering comprehensive empirical data, this book focusses on the countries of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary. The contributors identify good practices, unresolved problems, and factors influencing profitability. Topics explored include the challenges of increasing sales potential, competitiveness, partnerships and cooperation, human resources issues, and risk management. By constituting a valuable source of knowledge, Managing Agricultural Enterprises is important to those researching the agricultural industry and management, but also to policy-makers and managers of agricultural enterprises.

This book has 11 chapters which systematically introduce the latest achievements in scientific research and technological application of the forage industry in China, and also cover the laws and polices related to forage production. The main focus of this monograph is the progress of forage science in China. Each chapter in this book contains numerous charts and diagrams further illustrating the impact of development activities in the area. It is the first book in its field and compiled by mobilizing all the research forces in the field of forage grass and under the leadership of China Agricultural University, Lanzhou University, and Sichuan Academy of Grassland Sciences with the support of other related universities and research institutes. China is the largest forage consumption country in the world. Every year, more than 2 billion herbivorous livestock need more than 350 million tons of forage but the supply each year is only 250 million tons. With the policy and financial support of the Central Government, the forage industry in China has been developed rapidly, great progress has been made in the science and technology in forage production, processing, and utilization, and its influence has been increased in the world.

This volume, Endophyte Biology: Recent Findings from the Kashmir Himalayas, is a unique compilation of the original, latest, and updated information on endophyte biology of the Kashmir Himalayas. The book presents an introduction to and definition of endophytes, the endophytic diversity of some important plants of the Kashmir Himalayas, bioprospection of endophytes for various drug metabolites, sustainable agriculture, and more. This book discusses the applications of endophytes in the agriculture, aroma, and pharmaceutical industries. Endophyte biology, the study of microorganisms, often fungi and bacteria, which live within living plant tissues, is an emerging discipline of science with a multitude of applications in ecology, agriculture, and industry. Despite having huge diversity of plants, the information about the endophyte biology is still in its infancy in this part of the world, and this book is an attempt to bridge the information gap on endophyte biology pertaining to the Kashmir Himalayas. This book will serve as a manual for research scholars as it presents the methodologies and techniques involved in endophyte biology research that can be applied in other regions of the world. Supplemented with illustrations, figures, and tables, the volume is a valuable reference for teachers and students at graduate and undergraduate level in colleges and universities as well as for scientists, researchers, and others.

This collective book is a multidisciplinary approach on a key-topic for our common future: overfishing. The focus is addressed to the "Atlantic World", considering the main oceanic geography in which this problem born in the early 20th century. The volume offers a wide range of contributions from experts on the topic covering the most relevant areas of the Atlantic and explaining important case studies on overfishing recent history. Written in a historical perspective, the book looks for institutional regulatory solutions based on multilateral solutions and scientific advising. Founders thought on the topic and the understanding's evolution of the overfishing problem are mainly considered. This book is an accessible synthesis on overfishing history especially recommended for social scientists, historians, biologists, decision-makers and committed citizens.