Grasslands in Europe

Grasslands in Europe
Author: Peter Veen
Publisher: BRILL
Total Pages: 320
Release: 2014-04-14
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9004278109

Grasslands are an important element of European nature. About half of Europe's endemic species depend on grasslands, whether in mountains, lowlands, river plains or coastal areas. Many grasslands originate in traditional agricultural landscapes. Modern intensification, however, brings many of these ecosystems under threat. 'Grasslands in Europe' is a tribute to these important ecosystems. It was written by an international team of grassland experts, who describe twenty-four case studies from countries in all of Europe - ranging from the grasslands of Gotland and #land (Sweden) to the Spanish Dehesa, and from the hay meadows of the British Pennine Dales to the steppes of Turkish Anatolia. Together, these case studies provide a fascinating glimpse into the various European grasslands, their value for nature, culture and agriculture, and the threats they are facing today. The accessible text as well as the rich illustrations will appeal to a wide audience. Grasslands in Europe contains a large number of stunning full-colour photographs of grassland landscapes, species and cultural history. It also contains many maps and infographics. Thematic chapters provide essential background information on topics such as grassland fauna, the history of agriculture, grassland communities, and the connection between grasslands and climate. The book also analyses the opportunities and risks of EU policy to conserve these grasslands. It offers a farmer-centred outlook to manage and to maintain the European grasslands of high nature value.

Weed Ecology and New Approaches for Management

Weed Ecology and New Approaches for Management
Author: Anna Kocira
Publisher: MDPI
Total Pages: 286
Release: 2021-09-08
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3036515127

Satisfying consumer needs through the production of healthy and nutritious agricultural products is a substantial challenge facing modern agriculture. However, agricultural production should be carried out with care for plant health, biological safety of products, and environmental safety while minimizing the risks to human health. Therefore, the implementation of agricultural practices while respecting these principles is very important for improving the quantity and quality of crops. Additionally, ecosystems have been altered as a result of human activities and climate change, resulting in the reduction of biodiversity and creation of new niches where pests can thrive. This is of particular importance in 2020, as the United Nations General Assembly declared this year as the International Year of Plant Health (IYPH), with “protecting plants, protecting life” as a leading subject. This Special Issue promotes the subject of plant health and emphasize the importance of preventing the spread of pests, including weeds, which cause substantial economic losses. Research articles cover topics related to the biology and harmfulness of weeds, particularly in connection with crop health, segetal weed communities and their biodiversity, and integrated methods of weed control. For this Special Issue, we welcome all types of articles, including original research, opinions, and reviews.

The Exploitation of Natural Resources and the Consequences

The Exploitation of Natural Resources and the Consequences
Author: R. W. Sarsby
Publisher: Thomas Telford
Total Pages: 618
Release: 2001
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 9780727730046

As the pressure to conserve agricultural land and green-field sites has grown it has become increasingly important to reclaim land that has been damaged by past industrial usage, e.g. areas of mining subsidence, tailings dams and lagoons. Furthermore the need to conserve primary aggregates is providing an impetus for re-use of waste materials in engineered construction.This book is the proceedings of the GREEN3, the third in a four-yearly series of international symposia that discuss aspects of geotechnical engineering intimately related to the environment.