Whilst crop models have made significant progress in recent years, different models still diverge and struggle to predict the complex effects of genetic, environmental and management (G x E x M) variables in optimising crop production in the face of climate change.Current crop models: State-of-the-art and future developments provides a comprehensive overview of the major crop models and the ways they address these challenges. The book explores the development of major crop...

This collection features four peer-reviewed reviews on intercropping.The first chapter summarises data from over 50 field experiments undertaken since 2001 on cereal–grain legume intercropping using spring and winter cereal–grain legume intercrops. The chapter addresses the effects of intercropping on yields and quality, the agronomical performance of intercropping and cultivation practices in intercropping.The second chapter reviews the existing evidence o...

Reviews key developments in understanding crop physiology and genetic diversity and how they have informed advances in breeding new varietiesCoverage of advances across the value chain for grain legume cultivation, from variety selection to post-harvest storageDiscusses the latest trends in disease, insect pest and weed management

Reviews advances in cultivation practice such as seed establishment and more efficient irrigation techniques;Summarises developments in ‘climate smart’ agriculture such as conservation tillage and organic wheat cultivation;Discusses ways of supporting smallholders improve wheat cultivation in North Africa and other regions in the developing world

Summarises current good agricultural practice in maize cultivation, from seed selection to nutrient management, conservation agriculture, rotations and intercropping;Reviews advances in understanding and managing diseases and pests such as viruses, nematodes and weeds;Discusses ways maize cultivation can be made more ‘climate smart’

The MBR Book covers all essential aspects of membrane bioreactors in water and wastewater treatment, including the working principles of MBR technologies. The book aims to separate science from engineering, in an attempt to avoid confusion and to help readers understand the ideas of MBR. The text is divided into five chapters; the membrane and biological aspects are discussed in chapter 2 along with scientific studies. The third chapter covers the design, operation, and maintenance of MBR,...

This multi-contributor, international volume synthesizes contributions from the world's leading soil scientists and ecologists, describing cutting-edge research that provides a basis for the maintenance of soil health and sustainability. The book covers these advances from a unique perspective of examining the ecosystem services produced by soil biota across different scales - from biotic interactions at microscales to communities functioning at regional and global scales. The book leads t...

This Open Access volume aims to methodologically improve our understanding of biodiversity by linking disciplines that incorporate remote sensing, and uniting data and perspectives in the fields of biology, landscape ecology, and geography. The book provides a framework for how biodiversity can be detected and evaluated—focusing particularly on plants—using proximal and remotely sensed hyperspectral data and other tools such as LiDAR. The volume, whose chapters bring together a large cross...

2009 Outstanding Academic Title, ChoiceThis acclaimed textbook is the most comprehensive available in the field of forest ecology. Designed for advanced students of forest science, ecology, and environmental studies, it is also an essential reference for forest ecologists, foresters, and land managers.The authors provide an inclusive survey of boreal, temperate, and tropical forests with an emphasis on ecological concepts across scales that range from global to lan...

Geotechnical Biology is a comprehensive guide to the fascinating world of soil-species interactions. This book explores the complex relationships between soil properties, plant roots, and microorganisms, providing a deep understanding of the mechanisms that govern the behavior of soil and its inhabitants. Through detailed explanations and illustrative examples, Geotechnical Biology provides readers with a clear understanding of the role that geotechnical and biological factors play in soil...

Sustainability in construction is a priority for both academia and industry to reduce the carbon footprint of the built environment and thus combat climate change. Numerous approaches have been developed on how to tackle this issue, wherein the implementation of eco-efficient concrete is currently considered one of the most effective measures to be applied at the beginning of a building’s life cycle. This edition of the Structural Engineering Document discusses key issues in selecting and i...

Nitrogen (N) is potentially one of the most complex elements on the Earth. It is necessary for all biological activity, but creates negative impacts on water and air quality. There is a balancing act between deficiency and surplus and the forms of N available further complicate our understanding of the dynamics. Biological fixation provides some plants with N supply while others are totally dependent upon N being available in the soil profile for the roots to extract. Nevertheless, the dem...