The Great Darkness ended five hundred years ago when the Arch Mage Arkedellon trapped the Greater Demon Calimus within the Crystal in the Gray Tower upon the Sacred Isle.Since that time, the world of Azind has been at peace for the most part, believing that Calimus and his band of Sorcerers known as the Accursed had been destroyed. But things have begun to change once again; creatures of the darkness have come out of the Wilderlands to raid and plunder, shattering the peace and pro...

This book features five peer-reviewed reviews on understanding and tackling Fusarium wilt in global banana production.The first chapter examines the way in which monoculture has affected the banana industry and discusses the available banana varieties, the advent of the Cavendish variety and the need to develop new banana varieties.The second chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the history, epidemiology and management of F. oxysporum forma specialis cubense Race 1 ...

This book features four peer-reviewed reviews on regenerative techniques to improve soil health.The first chapter discusses some common issues regarding the use of bio-based fertilisers, such as the concentration of nutrients leading to losses of reactive nitrogen (N) and phosphorus into the environment.The second chapter provides a critical evaluation of the potential of compost to improve soil health, as well as its effect on soil nutrient cycling, soil hydraulic properti...

This book features five peer-reviewed reviews on the use of unmanned aircraft systems in an array of agricultural settings.The first chapter provides an overview of unmanned aerial system (UAS) platforms and sensors, flight planning and imagery acquisition, before moving on to consider stitching and ortho-rectification in UAS image processing.The second chapter discusses approaches to unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) remote sensing and data analysis for high-throughput field p...

Provides a comprehensive review of the recent developments in precision livestock technologies, from wearable sensors, to thermal imaging techniquesCovers the latest research on the application of precision livestock technologies in monitoring livestock healthHighlights the potential of precision livestock technologies to reduce the environmental impact of livestock production

This book features five peer-reviewed reviews on biofertiliser use in agriculture.The first chapter examines the role of biofertilisers and consortia of microorganisms to improve the effectiveness of organic fertilisation, before moving on to consider the use of animal excrement, including manures, slurry and guano.The second chapter presents the key issues in the optimum use of treated wastes in crop nutrition. The chapter also discusses technical processes such as precipi...

A comprehensive review of the recent developments in microbial bioprotectantsCovers key classifications of bioprotectants: bacterial (e.g. Bacillus spp.), fungal (e.g. Trichoderma spp.), and viral (e.g. bacteriophages)Discusses the general issues that arise with the use of key bioprotectants throughout agriculture (e.g. risk of development of resistance against bioprotectants)

Assesses current yields in different regions and constraints in improving productivityDiscusses all the key stages in cultivation needed to make banana production more efficientReviews ways of assessing and improving the sustainability of banana cultivation

Reviews latest research on crop physiology and genetic diversityDetailed coverage of key advances in breeding and their application to produce more resilient drought, salt and cold-tolerant varieties of soybeanSummarises good agricultural practices to optimise crop cultivation and make it more sustainable

Focus on net carbon capture bioenergy technologies which fully address the challenge of climate changeFocus on optimising use of co-products and non-food plant materialsReviews of key technologies and products cover both principles and practical applications, including case studies

Reviews the impact of climate change on the increasing threat of biotic and abiotic stresses to the turfgrass industry, as well as the challenge of treating diseased turf in the face of fungicide resistanceConsiders the development of alternative, more sustainable management practices that utilise and/or optimise fewer agricultural outputs, such as fertilisers, pesticides and fuel to power agricultural machineryProvides a selection of case studies that detail the ...

This book features four peer-reviewed reviews on the recent advances in fertiliser use and fertiliser technology in agriculture.The first chapter describes features of field crop sprayers for precision agriculture, including control of delivered dose, spatial resolution, matching physical characteristics of sprays to target requirements and minimising drift and exposure of systems outside the treatment area.The second chapter reviews the range of system inputs that are used...