It is well known that the impacts of climate change are tangible and hence there can be no debate about the need for appropriate adaptation measures, on a priority basis. However, it is equally important to recognize the fact that adaptation measures actually represent a dynamic synthesis of interventions pertaining to multiple systems. These are particularly of water, soil characteristics, genotypic and phenotypic variations and their expressions, age-correlated biochemical changes aligned with planting schedules and favorable weather/climate conditions. Nutrients, occurrence and distribution of associated vegetation including crop mixes also influence productivity. The overarching aspect of farming practice wields significant influence on the outcome and hence it is important to be clear about the particular focus of the investigations being carried out and reported in a suitable manner. It is essential to recognize that scientific research in agriculture in India has always produced valuable results of direct relevance to her people. Importantly, preparedness to tackle disasters due to inclement weather system has prominently featured on the agenda. The recent focus on climate change and impacts has provided the necessary impetus to reorganize the framework of investigation to capture the specifics of such impacts. In this context, the importance of micro climate variations too viz-a-viz the larger scales of impacts cannot be overemphasized. It will be useful to also help characterize natural variations versus artificially induced variations, helping us understand the complexities of individual and synergistic impacts too. Obviously, the limits and limitations of models could determine the spread and depth of the outcomes of investigations. Empirical evidences to reinforce assumptions have to also be documented with utmost care; guided by an understanding of the limits of tolerance, limiting factors, and the precautionary principle especially in the public policy interface. The present volume therefore, showcases these strands with the fond hope that they will stimulate further thinking and enable appropriate action.

Agroforestry, the word coined in early seventies, has made its place in all the developed and the developing countries of the world and is now recognized as an important approach to ensuring food security and rebuilding resilient rural environments. India has been an all-time leader in agroforestry. The South and Southeast Asia region comprising India is often described as the cradle of agroforestry. Almost all forms of agroforestry systems exist across India in ecozones ranging from humid tropical lowlands to high-altitude and temperate biomes, and perhumid rainforest zones to parched drylands. The country ranks foremost among the community of nations not only in terms of this enormous diversity and long tradition of the practice of agroforestry, but also in fostering scientific developments in the subject. Agroforestry applies to private agricultural and forest lands and communities that also include highly erodible, flood-prone, economically marginal and environmentally sensitive lands. The typical situation is agricultural, where trees are added to create desired benefits. Agroforestry allows for the diversification of farm activities and makes better use of environmental resources. Owing to an increase in the population of human and cattle, there is increasing demand of food as well as fodder, particularly in developing countries like India. So far, there is no policy that deals with specifics in agroforestry in India. But, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research has been discussing on the scope of having a National Agroforestry Policy in appropriate platforms. However, evolving a policy requires good and reliable datasets from different corners of the country on the subject matter. This synthesis volume containing 13 chapters is an attempt to collate available information in a classified manner into different system ecologies, problems and solutions, and converging them into a policy support.

Agroforestry, the word coined in early seventies, has made its place in all the developed and the developing countries of the world and is now recognized as an important approach to ensuring food security and rebuilding resilient rural environments. India has been an all-time leader in agroforestry. The South and Southeast Asia region comprising India is often described as the cradle of agroforestry. Almost all forms of agroforestry systems exist across India in ecozones ranging from humid tropical lowlands to high-altitude and temperate biomes, and perhumid rainforest zones to parched drylands. The country ranks foremost among the community of nations not only in terms of this enormous diversity and long tradition of the practice of agroforestry, but also in fostering scientific developments in the subject. Agroforestry applies to private agricultural and forest lands and communities that also include highly erodible, flood-prone, economically marginal and environmentally sensitive lands. The typical situation is agricultural, where trees are added to create desired benefits. Agroforestry allows for the diversification of farm activities and makes better use of environmental resources. Owing to an increase in the population of human and cattle, there is increasing demand of food as well as fodder, particularly in developing countries like India. So far, there is no policy that deals with specifics in agroforestry in India. But, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research has been discussing on the scope of having a National Agroforestry Policy in appropriate platforms. However, evolving a policy requires good and reliable datasets from different corners of the country on the subject matter. This synthesis volume containing 13 chapters is an attempt to collate available information in a classified manner into different system ecologies, problems and solutions, and converging them into a policy support.

Microbes in Land Use Change Management details the various roles of microbial resources in management of land uses and how the microbes can be used for the source of income due to their cultivation for the purpose of biomass and bioenergy production. Using various techniques, the disturbed and marginal lands may also be restored eco-friendly in present era to fulfil the feeding needs of mankind around the globe. Microbes in Land Use Change Management provides standard and up to date information towards the land use change management using various microbial technologies to enhance the productivity of agriculture. Needless to say that Microbes in Land Use Change Management also considers the areas including generation of alternative energy sources, restoration of degraded and marginal lands, mitigation of global warming gases and next generation -omics technique etc. Land use change affects environment conditions and soil microbial community. Microbial population and its species diversity have influence in maintaining ecosystem balance. The study of changes of microbial population provides an idea about the variation occurring in a specific area and possibilities of restoration. Meant for a multidisciplinary audience Microbes in Land Use Change Management shows the need of next-generation omics technologies to explore microbial diversity.

Global Climate Change and Plant Stress Management Understand the impact of climate change on plant growth with this timely introduction Climate change has had unprecedented consequences for plant metabolism and plant growth. In botany, adverse effects of this kind are called plant stress conditions; in recent years, the plant stress conditions generated by climate change have been the subject of considerable study. Plants have exhibited increased photosynthesis, increased water requirements, and more. There is an urgent need to understand and address these changes as we adapt to drastic changes in the global climate. Global Climate Change and Plant Stress Management presents a comprehensive guide to the effects of global climate change on plants and plant metabolism. It introduces and describes each climate change-related condition and its components, offering a detailed analysis of the resulting stress conditions, the environmental factors which ameliorate or exacerbate them, and possible solutions. The result is a thorough, rigorous introduction to this critical subject for the future of our biome. Readers will also find: Analysis of global climate change impact on various agricultural practices Socio-economic consequences of climate change and plant stress conditions, and possible solutions Strategies for sustainable agriculture Global Climate Change and Plant Stress Management is essential for researchers, scientists, and industry professionals working in the life sciences, as well as for advanced graduate students.