Soil Biology and Agriculture in the Tropics

Soil Biology and Agriculture in the Tropics
Author: Patrice Dion
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 322
Release: 2010-02-04
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 364205076X

The relationships between soils, microbes and humans are of crucial relevance in the tropics, where plant stress and microbial activity are exacerbated. This volume of Soil Biology presents the living component of tropical soils, showing how it is shaped by environmental conditions and emphasizing its dramatic impact on human survival and well-being. Following an introduction to the specificities of tropical soils and of their microbial communities, the biological aspects of soil management are examined, dealing with land use change, conservation and slash-and-burn agriculture, the restoration of hot deserts, agroforestry and paddy rice cultivation. As they are of particular relevance for tropical agriculture, symbioses of plants and microbes are thoroughly covered, as are the biodegradation of pesticides and health risks associated with wastewater irrigation. Lastly, traditional soil knowledge is discussed as a key to our sustainable presence in this world.

Properties and Management of Soils in the Tropics

Properties and Management of Soils in the Tropics
Author: Pedro A. Sanchez
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 685
Release: 2019-01-10
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 1107176050

Long-awaited second edition of classic textbook, brought completely up to date, for courses on tropical soils, and reference for scientists and professionals.

A Handbook of Tropical Soil Biology

A Handbook of Tropical Soil Biology
Author: Fatima M. S. Moreira
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 258
Release: 2012-05-04
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 1136573097

This practical handbook describes sampling and laboratory assessment methods for the biodiversity of a number of key functional groups of soil organisms, including insects, earthworms, nematodes, fungi and bacteria. The methods have been assembled and the protocols drafted by a number of scientists associated with the UNEP-GEF funded Conservation and Sustainable Management of Below-Ground Biodiversity Project, executed by the Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility (TSBF) Institute of the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). The methods provide a standardized basis for characterizing soil biodiversity and current land uses in terrestrial natural, semi-natural and agroecosystems in tropical forests and at forest margins. The aim is to assess soil biodiversity against current and historic land use practices both at plot and landscape scales and, further, to identify opportunities for improved sustainable land management through the introduction, management or remediation of soil biota, thus reducing the need for external inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides. The book also contains extensive advice on the handling of specimens and the allocation of organisms to strain or functional group type. Published with TSBF-CIAT, CTA, UNEP and GEF

Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility

Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility
Author: Jonathan Michael Anderson
Publisher:
Total Pages: 196
Release: 1989
Genre: Science
ISBN:

In this handbook methods are given to determine soil characteristics, organic matter compounds, phosphorus in soil, nitrogen fixation, soil solution sampling, plant nutrient uptake and the nitrogen availability

Soil Fertility Decline in the Tropics

Soil Fertility Decline in the Tropics
Author: Alfred E. Hartemink
Publisher: CABI
Total Pages: 380
Release: 2003
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 9780851998497

Wide coverage of soils and perennial cropping systems in the tropicsSynthesis of decades of researchChallenges assumptions on the benefits of plantations for soil fertilityIt is generally assumed that soil fertility decline is widespread in the tropics and that this is largely associated with annual cropping and subsistence farming. In contrast, perennial plant cover (as in plantation agriculture) provides better protection for the soil.This book reviews these concepts, focusing on soil chemical changes under different land-use systems in the tropics. These include perennial crops, annual crops and forest plantations. Two case studies, on sisal plantations in Tanzania and sugar cane in Papua New Guinea, are presented for detailed analysis. The author demonstrates that soil fertility decline is also a problem on plantations.

Tropical Soils

Tropical Soils
Author: Anthony S. R. Juo
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Total Pages: 296
Release: 2003-09-18
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 9780195353877

Agricultural ecology, or agroecology, deals in general with the structure and function of agroecosystems at different levels of resolution. In this text/reference, the authors describe in terms of agroecology the tropical environments of sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin and Central America, focusing on production and management systems unique to each region.

Soils in the Humid Tropics and Monsoon Region of Indonesia

Soils in the Humid Tropics and Monsoon Region of Indonesia
Author: Kim H. Tan
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 592
Release: 2008-05-28
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1420069101

Highlighting the vast differences in tropical climate, from hot and humid to cool and arctic, Soils in the Humid Tropics and Monsoon Region of Indonesia explores the climate, soil zones, and altitudinal variation in soil formation. The author explores the changes in geomorphology, especially in climate and vegetation above sea level, that ha

Soil Health, Soil Biology, Soilborne Diseases and Sustainable Agriculture

Soil Health, Soil Biology, Soilborne Diseases and Sustainable Agriculture
Author: Graham Stirling
Publisher: CSIRO PUBLISHING
Total Pages: 276
Release: 2016-03
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 1486303056

Our capacity to maintain world food production depends heavily on the thin layer of soil covering the Earth's surface. The health of this soil determines whether crops can grow successfully, whether a farm business is profitable and whether an enterprise is sustainable in the long term. Farmers are generally aware of the physical and chemical factors that limit the productivity of their soils but often do not recognise that soil microbes and the soil fauna play a major role in achieving healthy soils and healthy crops. Soil Health, Soil Biology, Soilborne Diseases and Sustainable Agriculture provides readily understandable information about the bacteria, fungi, nematodes and other soil organisms that not only harm food crops but also help them take up water and nutrients and protect them from root diseases. Complete with illustrations and practical case studies, it provides growers and their consultants with holistic solutions for building an active and diverse soil biological community capable of improving soil structure, enhancing plant nutrient uptake and suppressing root pests and pathogens. The book is written by scientists with many years' experience developing sustainable crop production practices in the grains, vegetable, sugarcane, grazing and horticultural industries. This book will be useful for: growers, consultants, agronomists and soil chemists, extension personnel working in the grains, livestock, sugarcane and horticultural industries, professionals running courses in soil health/biological farming, and students taking university courses in soil science, ecology, microbiology, plant pathology and other biological sciences.