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

First published in 1943, “The Farming Ladder” aims to explain how the reader may start and maintain a successful and profitable farm in the easiest way possible, without requiring a great deal of special knowledge or skills. With original ideas and a wealth of helpful tips, this is a volume not to be missed by existing or prospective smallholders and farmers. Contents include: “The Farm”, “The Plan”, “The Poultry”, “The Cattle”, “The Sheep”, “The Pigs”, “The Land”, “Labour”, “Corn Bins Unl...

Native Grasses: Identification Handbook for Temperate Australia is an easy-to-use tool for identifying some of the most common native grasses in temperate Australia. The text describes 17 species in detail, covering general features as well as specific distinguishing features. Full-colour photographs of the whole plant, as well as close-ups of significant parts of the plants such as the seedhead, leaf blade, seed and ligule, accompany each species description. The handbook provides advice on ...

Mark Nelson, PhD, has worked for several decades in closed ecological systems research. As one of eight brave souls enclosed in the pioneering Biosphere 2 experiment for two years in 1991-1993, Nelson learned fi rst hand how essential the proper use of human waste is to the health of the planet. This realization, combined with his lifelong love aff air with constructed wetlands, led to the development of Wastewater Gardens, an ecological way to treat human waste and preserve water quality....

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’

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

Reviews developments in understanding and protecting genetic diversity in rice, and how this translates into marker-assisted and other developments in breeding;Discusses advances in breeding varieties with enhanced properties such as high yield and drought tolerance;Summarises current research on understanding and improving nutritional properties such as vitamin and mineral content

Reviews latest research on zoonoses affecting poultry meat such as Salmonella and Campylobacter as well as methods for their control on the poultry farm and in the slaughterhouseSummarises advances in understanding and optimising poultry quality traits such as flavour, colour, tenderness, shelf life and nutritional qualityDiscusses developments in measuring and reducing the environmental impact of poultry production

Discusses ways of ensuring genetic diversity, advances in wheat breeding and their use to improve properties such as drought resistance and cold tolerance;Summarises research on factors affecting nutritional and other aspects of wheat quality;Reviews advances in understanding wheat pests and diseases together with ways of controlling them such as disease-resistant varieties, integrated pest and weed management

Summarises advances in cultivation practices to close yield gaps, including more efficient irrigation and nutrition techniques;Discusses innovative methods of ‘climate-smart’ cultivation such as integrated crop management and the system of rice intensification (SRI);Reviews the latest research on insect pests, weeds and integrated pest management

Native temperate grasslands are Australia’s most threatened ecosystems. Grasslands have been eliminated from across much of their former extent and continue to be threatened by urban expansion, agricultural intensification, weed invasion and the uncertain impacts of climate change. Research, however, is showing us new ways to manage grasslands, and techniques for restoration are advancing. The importance of ongoing stewardship also means it is vital to develop new strategies to encourage a br...

Grow twice the fruits and vegetables in half the space on the farm, in the backyard, or even in your window!Have you noticed the extraordinary flavors and yields emanating from even a small garden when the soil is just right? If you've ever been envious of your neighbor's dirt or just curious about homesteading, then The Ultimate Guide to Soil is the perfect fit for you.This third volume in the series walks new and experienced gardeners through bri...