These exciting new companion handbooks are the only ones of their kind devoted solely to the effects of environmental variables on the physiology of the world's major fruit and nut crops. Their cosmopolitan scope includes chapters on tropical and temperate zone species written by scientists from several continents. The influence of environmental factors, such as irradiance, temperature, water and salinity on plant physiology and on vegetative and reproductive growth, is comprehensively discussed for each crop. In addition to being a thorough and up-to-date set of textbooks, the organzation of the two volumes makes them an excellent reference tool. Each chapter focuses on a single crop, or a group of genetically or horticulturally related crop, and is appropriately divided into subsections that address individual environmental factors. Some chapters emphasize whole-plant physiology and plant growth and development, while other chapters feature theoretical aspects of plant physiology. Several chapters provide botanical background discussions to enhance understanding of the crop's response to its environment.

Federal regulations have required thousands of underground storage tanks (USTs) to be dug up and removed or replaced. The contamination of soil and ground water from leaking USTs has become widespread and has produced an overwhelming number of sites that require remediation. Assessment and Remediation of Petroleum Contaminated Sites presents the broad scope of the remedial process from initial site assessment to closure in an integrated, understandable format. The book guides you effortlessly through regulatory requirements, site assessments and sampling, and remediation methods. RCRA and CERCLA federal regulations are addressed. The chemistry and toxicology of petroleum hydrocarbons in the remediation process are explained, and factors affecting soil remediation are discussed. Environmental assessments, site characterizations, remediation planning, and remediation methods are all covered in detail. The book is an essential guide for environmental consultants, regulatory agency personnel, engineers, and environmental attorneys.

Historical Geography of Crop Plants is devoted to a variety of staple and food crops, as well as fodder, fiber, timber, rubber, and other crops. The origins and histories of many of these crops have been clarified only recently by new research. The book has been arranged alphabetically by family and higher taxa for easy reference. Within families, species and cultivars are listed chronologically and geographically. The taxonomy and geography of probable wild progenitors have been outlined, and archeological evidence (when available) and historical evidence on region and domestication are traced. The subsequent evolution and spread of many domesticated species are examined, and the reasons behind the diversity in crop histories are explored. Historical Geography of Crop Plants will be a useful reference for botanists, economic botanists, ethnobiologists, agronomists, geographers, and others interested in the subject.

Soil Fertility Evaluation and Control presents the theoretical background for practical applications of scientific work on soil fertility. The book emphasizes the use of response curves as the basic biological standard for both evaluation and control, and it discusses soil testing and plant analysis as secondary standards. The principal applications covered include fertilizer requirements, fertilizer evaluation, residual effects, fertilizer placement, liming, and economics of fertilization. Environmental aspects of plant nutrients and soil nutrient supplies as they pertain to crop production are also addressed. Most of the information in Soil Fertility Evaluation and Control is drawn from world literature, which makes it a valuable reference for soil scientists, agronomists, agriculturalists, foresters, and others interested in the evaluation and control of soil fertility.

Rice is the major staple food in Asia, and food security means rice security for most Asians. By the year 2025, we need to produce about 60% more rice than we do today to meet the growing demand. Efficient use of inputs is vital to safely produce the additional food from limited resources with minimal impact on the environment. This book reviews emerging knowledge-intensive technologies and decision aids for improved nutrient management in rice, technology adoption constraints at the farm level, and innovative approaches for field evaluation and promotion of new technologies to farmers. It is highly useful to rice scientists and development workers, students of agronomy, soil science, and plant nutrition, and crop consultants and extension workers in rice all over the world.

Conservation Farming in the United States: The Methods and Accomplishments of the STEEP Program explains the success of the multidisciplinary STEEP (Solutions to Economic and Environmental Problems) conservation project, currently in its third decade, which focuses on the Palouse and the western Pacific Northwest. Topics addressed include integrated pest management; equipment for conservation farming; and conservation farming technology transfer to producers.

This textbook addresses the increasing trend in urbanization of the world's population and its relation with urban soils. Written by active practitioners of university level teaching and research, this book is designed primarily as an educational text, while it also provides readers with an authoritative gateway to the primary literature. It includes explicit coverage of spatial and statistical (multivariate) techniques and case studies to illustrate key concept, and to support practical guidance in issues such as data collection and analysis. The authors reflect current developments in research and urban trends. In China, for example, the proportion of the population living in cities increased from 13% in 1950 to 45% in 2010 (World Bank data). Australia is one of the world's top ten urbanised countries with population greater than ten million, with approximately 90% of its population living in cities, mainly along Australia's coast. The most rapidly urbanising populations are currently in nations of the African continent. Soils in urban areas have multiple functions which are becoming more valued by urban communities: soils supply water, nutrients and physical support for urban plant and animal communities (parks, reserves, gardens), and are becoming increasingly valued for growing food. Soils may be used for building foundations, or as building materials themselves. Urban hydrology relies on the existence of unsealed soils for aquifer protection and flood control. This volume presents the importance of urban ecosystems and the impacts of global change. It examines pedogenesis of urban soils: natural materials affected by urban phenomena, and natural processes acting on urban materials, including an examination of different climatic zones. There is a focus on soils formed on landfill, reclaimed land, dredge spoils as well as soil-related changes in urban geomorphology. There is plenty of discussion on urban soil as a source and sink as well as soil geochemistry and health. The book is intended primarily as a text for upper-level undergraduate, and postgraduate (Masters) students. It will also be invaluable as a resource for professionals such as researchers, environmental regulators, and environmental consultants.

Good management practices for carbon and nitrogen are vital to crop productivity and soil sustainability, as well as to the reduction of global greenhouse gases and environmental pollution. Since the 1950's, mathematical models have advanced our understanding of carbon and nitrogen cycling at both the micro- and macro-scales. However, many of the models are scattered in the literature, undergo constant modification, and similar models can have different names. Modeling Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics for Soil Management clarifies the confusion by presenting a systematic summary of the various models available. It provides information about strengths and weaknesses, level of complexity, easiness of use, and application range of each model. In nineteen chapters, internationally known model developers and users update you on the current status and future direction of carbon and nitrogen modeling. The book's coverage ranges from theoretical comparison of models to application of models to soil management problems, from laboratory applications to field and watershed scale applications, from short-term simulation to long-term prediction, and from DOS-based computer programs to Object-Oriented and Graphical Interface designs. With this broad scope, Modeling Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics for Soil Management provides the tools to manage complex carbon/nitrogen processes effectively.

Interest in phytoremediation as a solution for contaminants in groundwater and soil has exploded. The project documented in Phytoremediation of Hydrocarbon Contaminated Soils presents innovative technology for environmental clean up using in situ treatment. It describes the results of a field study focusing on hydrocarbon contamination, especially polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, in surface and near surface soils. The field demonstration used soils contaminated with aged diesel fuels. The random block design enabled the investigators to test the statistical difference in the effects of different vegetated and unvegetated treatments. They tested the degradation of diesel and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon components in plots containing three different vegetation treatments, two grasses and a legume, and a non-vegetated control. Part one of the monograph gives a complete and thorough account of the results of the field study. Part two covers the design and potential costs of a full-scale implementation of the demonstration system as well as the performance and potential application of the new technology. Phytoremediation of Hydrocarbon Contaminated Soils supplies quantitative results about the use of vegetation in soil remediation. The information given on the niches and limitations of the technologies allows for a more informed selection of remedial solutions for environmental cleanup.

This book is unique in providing a comprehensive, up-to-date synthesis of what is known about soil biodiversity and the factors that regulate its distribution, as well as the functional significance of below-ground biodiversity for ecosystem form and function. It describes the vast diversity of biota that live in the soil environment - the most complex habitat on earth - and discusses the factors that act as determinants of this diversity across different spacial and temporal scales. The Biology of Soil also considers how biotic interactions in soil influence the important soil processes of decomposition and nutrient cycling. It demonstrates how interactions and feedbacks between diverse plant and soil communities act as important drivers of ecosystem form and function. The importance of these relationships for understanding how ecosystems respond to global change phenomena, including climate change, is discussed in depth. Much is still to be learned about the soil biota and their roles in ecosystems, and the author highlights some of the many challenges that face ecologists in the exploration of soil. Richard Bardgett has wide experience in soil and terrestrial ecology, and his background of research in many ecosystems is reflected in this book which is the most comprehensive, up-to-date volume currently available in soil ecology. It provides an introduction to the biology of soil, and it also discussed the most recent developments in this progressive field of ecology. The importance of soil biotic interactions or community and ecosystem ecology is illustrated through the use of numerous examples and case studies. The Biology of Soil provides an excellent, easy to read introduction toanyone working in the field of soil ecology and related disciplines, and will be ideal for students taking undergraduate and postgraduate courses in soil ecology, plant-soil relationships, ecosystem ecology, and land management.

One of the most widely used techniques for treating soils contaminated with volatile organic compounds, soil vapor extraction (SVE) can also be applied to semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) if the soil is heated, by applying electromagnetic energy in the radio frequency (FR) range, to increase the vapor pressure of the contaminants. Although RF-SVE systems used in previous field demonstrations have had varying degrees of success, questions remain concerning its viability and cost-effectiveness. Soil Vapor Extraction Using Radio Frequency Heating: Resource Manual and Technology Demonstration covers detailed scientific and engineering information that answers these questions. The book includes the necessary databases, equations, and example calculations for RF heating. The theoretical and practical information included will facilitate future testing of RF-SVE treatment of soils. Additionally, the book provides information for a full-scale engineering design of potential RF-SVE applications. The authors use this information to examine predicted performance, magnitude of costs, and modifications to the design that may decrease cost. Soil Vapor Extraction Using Radio Frequency Heating: Resource Manual and Technology Demonstration gives an economic analysis of this innovative technology and considers other possible applications for it. Features

Focusing on the technical, social, and economic issues involved in watershed management, this interdisciplinary author team focuses on bettering land use practices and the condition of soil water resources. Integrated Watershed Management in the Global Ecosystem is a volume composed from an international symposium of the world's leading experts and practitioners in soil and water conservation exploring an "ecosystem-based" management approach to the problem. Readers of this volume will quickly appreciate why inattention to the issues of continued land and water degradation stresses human populations. This volume seeks positive results through better understanding of the issues and improved management approaches. This volume is useful to soil scientists, horticulturists, forestry researchers, environmental scientists and social scientists.

Stressing the potential application of biochemical processes in soil to environmental biotechnology, this state-of-the-art reference considers the vital role that such biochemical processes have in the environment - emphasizing the activity of micro-organisms in soil.;An up-to-date analysis of biological reactions in soil, Volume 8 of Soil Biochemistry highlights: traditional as well as molecular and immunlogical techniques for detecting specific micro-organisms in soil; the fate of introduced genetically-modified organisms; the problem of competition by the indigenous microbial populations with the introduced organisms; the use of a white rot fungus, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, for bioremediative purposes in soil; the interaction of xenobiotics, such as pesticides, with soil organisms; generic microbial metabolism and degradation pathways; the inhibition of the nitrification process by allelochemicals released by plants; the microbial mineralization of various compounds under anaerobic conditions, explaining its importance in the global carbon cycle; the formation of soil organic matter, particularly in forest soils; and CPMAS 13C-NMR spectroscopy, a major analytical technique to determine the chemicals or chemical groups involved in the humification process.;Presenting a multidisciplinary approach to the field by internationally acclaimed scientists, Soil Biochemistry, Volume 8 is intended for professionals and students in the fields of soil science; microbiology; biochemistry; environmental science, engineering and technology; biogeochemistry; biotechnology; agronomy; plant pathology; and microbial ecology.

The investigation phase is the most important segment of any geotechnical study. Using the correct methods and properly interpreting the results are critical to a successful investigation. Comprising chapters from the second edition of the revered Geotechnical Engineering Investigation Handbook, Geotechnical Investigation Methods offers clear, concise, and hands-on guidance for choosing and executing a variety of field investigations. This practical guide provides an affordable alternative to larger handbooks and condenses the essential elements of a geotechnical investigation into an easily digestible and readily accessible format. Renowned expert Roy E. Hunt discusses preliminary study to predict geologic conditions, applying information from geologic and topographic maps as well as remotely sensed imagery, proper test boring procedures, the various geophysical methods and when each is appropriate, and a variety of methods for determining materials' engineering properties in the lab and in situ. Hunt also covers field instrumentation for surface movements, subsurface deformations, and in situ pressures and stresses, as well as instrument arrays for typical problems such as structure settlement and fault movements. Eliminate the need to search through narrow volumes or large handbooks with Geotechnical Investigation Methods: A Field Guide for Geotechnical Engineers, a convenient and complete guide to the techniques you need.

Global climate change has created unprecedented challenges for human civilization due to its widespread adverse consequences including a reduction in crop yield and threatening food security across the globe. Among the crop plants, legumes have great potential for ameliorating global warming since they can reduce carbon emissions by lowering reliance on the application of chemical fertilizers, increasing nitrification and carbon sequestration in soil, and by providing protein-rich diets to both humans and livestock. This book identifies the extent of climate-induced stresses on legume plants and focuses on achieving food security through sustainable agricultural practices. This book compiles recent research findings and reviews on climate-related problems, the potential of legumes in ameliorating the impacts of climate change as well as better management of agricultural land and practices for achieving environmental sustainability and food security. This book will serve as guidelines for scientists, agricultural practitioners, and policymakers working to achieve food security and better management of climate-induced stresses in agricultural interventions. It will also be useful as a reference book for researchers and students of both graduate and postgraduate levels. Furthermore, this book will provide enhanced knowledge about the mechanisms of yield and stress tolerance of legumes as well as developing climate-smart crops and improving cropping systems for a sustainable environment and food security. Features of the book Reviews on trends of global climate change and its consequences for food security across the continents Identifies the challenges and scopes of cultivating legumes in achieving food security in the context of global climate change Focuses on the improvements of legume production through conservation approaches in agricultural practices and modern techniques including omics-based breeding, biotechnology, genetic engineering, and rhizobium technology Discusses the sustainable amelioration options for soils affected by climate-induced stresses Cites examples of applications of rhizobium technologies in reducing greenhouse gas emission Describes pathways associated with yield, resistance, and tolerance of legumes to climate-induced stresses

This book combines the results of current research with essential background material to provide complete, in-depth coverage of every aspect of in situ and ex situ bioremediation, as well as an extensive overview of the physical and chemical processes currently available for treating petroleum-contaminated soils. Critical information has been collected and assembled under one cover to provide a convenient reference for anyone who must contend with this worldwide problem. Remediation of Petroleum Contaminated Soils: Biological, Physical, and Chemical Processes describes how to optimize the biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons in soil-water systems. It reports on the susceptibility of various petroleum components to biodegradation by microorganisms, and considers all groups of microorganisms for their potential contributions. The book also deals with problem areas such as the transport of organisms, oxygen, or nutrients throughout the subsurface, as well as biodegradation of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nonaqueous phase liquids (NAPLs). In addition, the book presents a variety of methods for monitoring bioremediation. This reference discusses current soil remediation processes and includes many innovative approaches. It also investigates means of controlling volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and leachate, and addresses methods for collecting and treating these secondary waste streams. The expansive coverage of this book will furnish readers with a wide range of options for developing treatment strategies and for customizing procedures for specific requirements.

The Role of Plant Roots in Crop Production presents the state of knowledge on environmental factors in root growth and development and their effect on the improvement of the yield of annual crops. This book addresses the role of roots in crop production and includes references to numerous annual crops. In addition, it brings together the issues and the state-of-the-art technologies that affect root growth, with comprehensive reviews to facilitate efficient, sustainable, economical, and environmentally responsible crop production. Written for plant scientists, crop scientists, horticulturalists, and soil scientists, plant physiologists, breeders, environmental scientists, agronomists, and undergraduate and graduate students in different disciplines of agricultural science, The Role of Plant Roots in Crop Production: Addresses root architecture and development dynamics to help users improve crop productivity Emphasizes crop production, plant nutrition, and soil chemistry relative to root growth and functions Covers root morphology, root functions, nutrient and water uptake by roots, root-soil interactions, root-environment interactions, root-microbe interactions, physiology of root crops, and management practices to improve root growth Supports content with experimental results, and additional data is presented with pictures Increasing food production worldwide has become a major issue in the 21st century. Stagnation in grain yield of important food crops in recent years in developed, as well as developing, countries has contributed to a sharp increase in food prices. Furthermore, higher grain yield will be needed in the future to feed a burgeoning world population with a rising standard of living that requires more grain per capita. Technologies that enhance productivity, ensure environmental safety, and conserve natural resources are r

The soils are fundamental to our existence, delivering water and nutrients to plants, that feed us. But they are in many ways in danger and their conservation is therefore a most important focus for science, governments and society as a whole. A team of world recognised researchers have prepared this first English edition based on the 16th European edition. * The precursors and the processes of soil development * The physical, biological and chemical properties of soils * Nutrients and Pollutants * The various soil classifications with the main focus on the World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB) * The most important soils and soil landscapes of the world * Soil Evaluation Techniques * Basic Principles of Soil Conservation Whoever works with soils needs this book.

This handbook series includes several naturally occurring chemicals that exhibit biological activity. These chemicals are derived from plants, insects, and several microorganisms. Volume I of this series is covers the theory and practice of the strategies for pest control and methods for detection.Moreover, it presents extensive tables that provide the information you need to select the most appropriate bioassay for a particular plant growth regulator or hormone. In addition to the chapters on bioassays, Volume I provides a solid introduction to the theory and practice of natural pesticide use, including in-depth discussions of integrated management systems for weed and pest control, the state-of-the-art use of computers in pest management, and allelochemicals as natural protection. Guidelines on toxicological testing and EPA regulation of natural pesticides are also detailed.

Natural attenuation has become an effective and low-cost alternative to more expensive engineered remediation. This new edition updates the principles and fundamentals of natural attenuation of contaminants with a broader view of the field. It includes new methods for evaluating natural attenuation mechanisms and microbial activity at the lab and field scales. Case studies, actual treatments and protocols, theoretical processes, case studies, numerical models, and legal aspects in the natural attenuation of organic and inorganic contaminants are examined. Challenges and future directions for the implementation of natural attenuation and enhanced remediation techniques are also considered.

"This book provides an informative global perspective on soilless culture systems (SCS) around the world...the book promises to bring together the current best practice in SCS horticulture to create an important industry reference for all participants." ISHS - Chronica Horticulturae Soilless cultivation techniques (including hydroponic systems) have attracted growing attention as a way of growing horticultural crops more efficiently without taking up more land. These controlled environment systems are also less vulnerable to climate change and are particularly suited to urban farming as part of the shift to more localised, circular food systems. Advances in horticultural soilless culture provides a comprehensive assessment of recent research in this important area, paying close attention to the advances in optimising substrates for soilless cultivation, as well as the developments in solid and liquid-medium container systems, fertigation systems, modelling and process control. The collection includes case studies on horticultural crops such as tomatoes, strawberries and ornamentals. With its distinguished editor and international range of expert authors, Advances in horticultural soilless culture will be a standard reference for university and other researchers involved in horticultural science, hydroponics and soilless cultivation. It will also be a valuable resource for government and other agencies supporting vertical and urban farming systems, as well as companies involved in this sector.

This book is written primarily with the requirements of interdisciplinary researchers in mind and as a reference book for postgraduate students. This book, broadly divided into two portions, is aimed at agriculture and soil physicists and those working in the areas of remote sensing.The first portion, comprising four chapters, deals with the physical and dielectric properties of soils, methods of soil dielectric measurements using microwaves, and remote sensing techniques. In the second portion, Chapter 5 deals with some of the results on soil moisture measurements while in Chapter 6 the theoretical models of soil moisture data are discussed. In Chapter 7 recently used synthetic aperture radar techniques for the purpose of remote sensing and their interpretation of soil moistures are presented.

This comprehensive work integrates knowledge from physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, geology, engineering, and several other fields. Its purpose is to provide solution methods, techniques of parameter estimation, and tools for solving the complex problems of mathematical modeling. The main topics presented include fundamentals of mathematical modeling of migration processes; analytical, numerical, and inverse solutions to migration problems; and techniques of parameter estimation and monitoring of migration processes. The book is perfect for anyone involved in the areas of hydrogeology, soil science, environmental engineering, subsurface cleanup, water sciences, agronomy, land development, and civil engineering. It provides professionals with a survey of the methodology of migration model building, the mathematical tools for solving these models, and the technique of parameter estimation in laboratories and in the field. Consultants will appreciate the book's multidisciplinary theoretical background and first approximations for a broad variety of migration data. Professors and students gain an integrated survey of subsurface solute and heat transport, storage, transformation, and exchange processes in both theoretical and practical applications, complete with example problems and solutions.

In this invaluable book, leading agronomic researchers provide in-depth reviews of present conservation tillage practices in a wide variety of temperate agroecosystems. Each chapter characterizes how conservation tillage has been developed and adapted or modified to fit specific environments, with the chapters divided into the following climate regions: Cool Humid, Cool Humid to Warm Humid, Warm Humid, and Sub-Humid to Semi-Arid Continental. Each chapter also discusses important topics such as weed problems, crop rotation, fertilizer requirements, soil properties and processes, soil erosion, soil chemistry, soil physics, and environmental issues. A perfect working reference, this resource provides a synthesis of existing research and practices and shows how soil, climatic, and biological constraints can be overcome or circumvented.

The environmentally oriented specialties of microbiology are in the midst of a major paradigm shift from a focus on single or a few key microbial species to consideration of the entirety of the microbial community and its interactions. This fully revised and updated edition focuses on the importance of soil microbial communities to sustainability of terrestrial ecosystems and solutions to global problems. Basic principles are covered, and details of the finer points of processes and their implications have been updated. This is a one-of-a-kind reference for advanced students and professionals.