This collection features four peer-reviewed literature reviews on integrated crop-livestock systems in agriculture. The first chapter reviews the use of integrated crop-livestock systems to achieve balance in organic animal farming. The chapter focusses primarily on the use of agroforestry systems, their potential environmental and economic benefits, as well as how they contribute to animal health and welfare. The second chapter examines the different state-of-the-art integrated crop-livestock systems in various eco-regions worldwide under Conservation Agriculture. As a world leader in the adoption of integrated crop-livestock systems, a substantial part of the chapter is dedicated to the research and adoption of these systems in Brazil. The third chapter illustrates how crop-livestock systems contribute to improving global food security and diversifying the diets of smallholder livelihoods. The chapter explores the climate resilience of these systems and the mitigation strategies developed and implemented by farmers to deal with climate variability. The final chapter discusses the development of whole-farm system models to understand the complexity of integrated crop-livestock systems. The chapter assesses the key processes governing interactions between farm components and provides two examples of common whole-farm model applications from contrasting environments to demonstrate this.

"The book not only has distinguished scientists at its helm but also in the list of contributing authors from Europe, Australasia, North and South America...Compiling the newest grassland science, key features of the book are that it: assesses latest research on how grasslands function; surveys best sustainable grassland management; and considers wider aspects of sustainability such as ecosystem services and biodiversity." Grass and Forage Manager - British Grassland Society "The comprehensiveness of the book will make it extremely useful for grassland and pasture students. In addition, it has value for anyone interested in a wide range of aspects of cultivated grasslands...it is a valuable source of information on cultivated grasslands in a single book with a good balance between detail and subjects covered." African Journal of Range and Forage Science The shift to more intensive livestock system has put more pressure on grasslands used for pasture. At the same time, there is a greater understanding of the role of grasslands in delivering a range of ecosystems services. This volume reviews the range of research on more sustainable use of grasslands to optimise livestock nutrition whilst protecting biodiversity and delivering a range of broader environmental benefits. Part 1 assesses grassland functions and dynamics, including plant-soil and plant-animal interactions. Part 2 reviews key aspects of grassland management, including sowing, soil health, irrigation and weed control as well as monitoring. The final part of the book considers wider aspects of sustainability such as protecting biodiversity as well as silage processing. With its distinguished editors and international team of subject experts, this will be a standard reference for grassland and rangeland scientists, livestock producers, government and non-governmental organisations responsible for grassland management.