This collection features five peer-reviewed reviews on optimising rootstock health.The first chapter explores optimising rootstock health to improve root function, resource-use efficiency, sustainability and agricultural productivity. The chapter also presents a case study on tomato rootstocks as a viable strategy to overcome abiotic stresses in Ghana.The second chapter reviews the important aspects of tree growth and development in apple production which a...

Comprehensive review of key topics in root science, including root architecture, root growth regulators, root anatomy and nutrient acquisitionCoverage of root response to both biotic and abiotic variablesDiscusses the range of techniques to optimize root function, from phenotyping to identify desirable root traits and exploiting the genetics of root traits to the use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AM)

Drought remains the biggest single threat from climate change to the production of key cereal crops, such as wheat and barley. Cereals also respond in complex ways to drought stress, making improved drought tolerance a challenging trait to achieve. With many cereals recognised as staple food crops due to their nutritional value, more research is required into improving drought tolerance as a means of ensuring the future food security of millions.Developing drou...

Provides a comprehensive overview of the interventions available to optimise water management in agriculture, including rainwater harvesting and farm reservoirsConsiders the development and application of alternative irrigation techniques which carry a reduced environmental impact, such as solar powered irrigationAddresses the importance of diversification and collaboration in securing water resources for a rapidly growing population

Provides a comprehensive assessment of the major developments in global pig breeding programmesConsiders how genetics and breeding can be utilised to improve the sustainability and reduce the environmental impact of pork productionReviews the factors which can affect the reproductive efficiency of boars and sows, focussing on those that can impact semen quality and reproductive performance respectively

This collection features five peer-reviewed literature reviews on sustainable forest management.The first chapter discusses the varying definitions of sustainable forest management (SFM) in tropical landscapes, as well as the trade-offs associated with SFM. The chapter also reviews the spatial scales of assessing SFM and explores expanding the scope of SFM from individual strands to forested landscapes.The second chapter provides a comprehensive review of t...

This book features five peer-reviewed reviews on sustainable tropical forest management.The first chapter reviews environmental factors determining different types of tropical forest such as temperature, precipitation, sunlight, atmospheric and soil chemistry, as well as mechanical factors.The second chapter discusses definitions of sustainable forest management (SFM) and reviews how the current scope of SFM can be expanded from individual stands to the scale of forested la...

Provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research in understanding the role of soil microbiomes in delivering key ecosystem services such as carbon and nutrient cyclingReviews recent advances in understanding the role of different microbial communities in soilShows how the beneficial role of soil microbiomes can be promoted in achieving a more sustainable agriculture

Comprehensive overview of key advances in measuring soil biological, physical and chemical propertiesParticularly strong coverage of developments in measuring soil biological activity, including molecular techniques such as next-generation sequencing as well as improvements in measuring fauna such as earthworms, microbial and fungal communitiesFocus on ways of using analytical techniques in practice through the use of soil health indicators and decision support sy...

Strong coverage of improving smallholder access to key inputs, from seeds to nutrition and pest managementReviews ways of improving public and private sector extension support as well as market access for smallholdersChapter authors mix research expertise and practical experience of successful project implementation on the ground

This specially curated collection features four reviews of current and key research on supporting cereal production in sub-Saharan Africa.The first chapter reviews how research and development can support smallholder wheat farmers through improving access to resources and services. The chapter considers current obstacles faced by smallholder farmers, including biophysical limitations such as climatic issues, as well as socio-economic limitations such as land availability.Th...

Provides a comprehensive overview of the key concepts in biodiversity management within agricultural landscapesConsiders the role of farmers and rural communities in implementing ecological restoration practicesReviews the importance of habitat and animal rewilding in promoting biodiversity and other key ecosystem services