Handbook of Plant Nutrition

Handbook of Plant Nutrition
Author: Allen V. Barker
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 662
Release: 2016-04-19
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1420014870

The burgeoning demand on the world food supply, coupled with concern over the use of chemical fertilizers, has led to an accelerated interest in the practice of precision agriculture. This practice involves the careful control and monitoring of plant nutrition to maximize the rate of growth and yield of crops, as well as their nutritional value.

Industrial Oil Crops

Industrial Oil Crops
Author: Thomas McKeon
Publisher: Elsevier
Total Pages: 476
Release: 2016-02-24
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 0128053852

Industrial Oil Crops presents the latest information on important products derived from seed and other plant oils, their quality, the potential environmental benefit, and the latest trends in industrial uses. This book provides a comprehensive view of key oil crops that provide products used for fuel, surfactants, paints and coatings, lubricants, high-value polymers, safe plasticizers and numerous other products, all of which compete effectively with petroleum-derived products for quality and cost. Specific products derived from oil crops are a principle concern, and other fundamental aspects of developing oil crops for industrial uses are also covered. These include improvement through traditional breeding, and molecular, tissue culture and genetic engineering contributions to breeding, as well as practical aspects of what is needed to bring a new or altered crop to market. As such, this book provides a handbook for developing products from renewable resources that can replace those currently derived from petroleum. Led by an international team of expert editors, this book will be a valuable asset for those in product research and development as well as basic plant research related to oil crops. Up-to-date review of all the key oilseed crops used primarily for industrial purposes Highlights the potential for providing renewable resources to replace petroleum derived products Comprehensive chapters on biodiesel and polymer chemistry of seed oil Includes chapters on economics of new oilseed crops, emerging oilseed crops, genetic modification and plant tissue culture technology for oilseed improvement

The global economy of pulses

The global economy of pulses
Author: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.
Total Pages: 190
Release: 2019-10-18
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 9251097305

The production, trade and consumption of pulses have seen substantial growth over the last fifteen years. This report examines the trends and patterns of this growth, and the factors that explain these for different kinds of pulses. The report presents an analysis of trends of consumption of pulses in different regions of the world and discusses the role that pulses can play in human nutrition. The report presents an analysis of the dynamics of growth of major pulses in different pulse-producing countries of the world. It describes the increasingly important role of trade in the global economy of pulses and presents an analysis of changing patterns of trade. The report argues that there is a pressing need to close the large gap between potential and actual yields, particularly on smallholder farms in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, by increased adoption of improved varieties and modern agronomic practices in all developing countries. This in turn requires a major thrust in agricultural research and extension, improving credit availability, and public investment directed at pulse production. The report discusses future prospects and policy imperatives for sustaining the growth of pulse production.

Health Benefits of Pulses

Health Benefits of Pulses
Author: Wendy J. Dahl
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 155
Release: 2019-04-24
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 303012763X

This book provides a global overview of pulse intake and future trends from a variety of perspectives. Pulses, which include dried beans, peas and lentils, are second only to grains as a source of food for the world’s population. Contributors from around the globe explore a number of issues related to this food group, including their impact on global health and sustainability, the relationship between pulse intake and chronic disease, and their nutritional and gastrointestinal benefits. The primary purpose of the volume is to explore the nutritional and health benefits of pulses (starchy legumes) as a sustainable food source. Initial chapters focus on the role of pulses in complementary feeding and in the prevention of malnutrition in infants and children in the developing nations of Africa. Authors also consider the feasibility and sustainable properties of pulses as a staple food for these regions. Subsequent chapters focus on the association between pulse intake and chronic disease risk reduction. Contributors identify the unique contributions of pulses, versus legumes as a whole, to chronic disease risk and management. Additional chapters provide a comprehensive review of the nutrient contents of pulses, their bioavailability, and the nutritional impact of pulse consumption. The book also explores the phytochemicals contained in pulses from two perspectives, the traditional perspective of risk (e.g. anti-nutrients) and a nutraceutical perspective, focused on the novel benefits of pulse components (e.g. antioxidants). The editor has designed the book for students, faculty, and research scientists, as well as practicing dietitians. Members of the pulse industry, grower associations, and government agencies also will find the information relevant to their work, as will those in the private sector employed by food companies with an interest in pulse ingredients.

Handbook of Reference Methods for Plant Analysis

Handbook of Reference Methods for Plant Analysis
Author: Yash Kalra
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 326
Release: 1997-12-29
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9781420049398

The Handbook of Reference Methods for Plant Analysis is an outstanding resource of plant analysis procedures, outlined in easy-to-follow steps and laboratory-ready for implementation. Plant laboratory preparation methods such as dry ashing and acid and microwave digestion are discussed in detail. Extraction techniques for analysis of readily soluble elements (petiole analysis) and quick test kits for field testing are also presented. This handbook consolidates proven, time tested methods in one convenient source. Plant scientists in production agriculture, forestry, horticulture, environmental sciences, and other related disciplines will find the Handbook a standard laboratory reference. The Handbook was written for the Soil and Plant Analysis Council, Inc., of which the editor is a board member. The council aims to promote uniform soil test and plant analysis methods, use, interpretation, and terminology; and to stimulate research on the calibration and use of soil testing and plant analysis. This reference will help readers reach these important goals in their own research.

Climate Change and Legumes

Climate Change and Legumes
Author: Mohammad Zabed Hossain
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 310
Release: 2023-05-23
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 1000866564

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, by 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 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

Toward Sustainable Agricultural Systems in the 21st Century

Toward Sustainable Agricultural Systems in the 21st Century
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 598
Release: 2010-07-25
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 0309148960

In the last 20 years, there has been a remarkable emergence of innovations and technological advances that are generating promising changes and opportunities for sustainable agriculture, yet at the same time the agricultural sector worldwide faces numerous daunting challenges. Not only is the agricultural sector expected to produce adequate food, fiber, and feed, and contribute to biofuels to meet the needs of a rising global population, it is expected to do so under increasingly scarce natural resources and climate change. Growing awareness of the unintended impacts associated with some agricultural production practices has led to heightened societal expectations for improved environmental, community, labor, and animal welfare standards in agriculture. Toward Sustainable Agricultural Systems in the 21st Century assesses the scientific evidence for the strengths and weaknesses of different production, marketing, and policy approaches for improving and reducing the costs and unintended consequences of agricultural production. It discusses the principles underlying farming systems and practices that could improve the sustainability. It also explores how those lessons learned could be applied to agriculture in different regional and international settings, with an emphasis on sub-Saharan Africa. By focusing on a systems approach to improving the sustainability of U.S. agriculture, this book can have a profound impact on the development and implementation of sustainable farming systems. Toward Sustainable Agricultural Systems in the 21st Century serves as a valuable resource for policy makers, farmers, experts in food production and agribusiness, and federal regulatory agencies.