While modern science has always recognized the central role that biodiversity plays in the ecological processes that maintain the Earth's equilibrium, our increasing knowledge of nature has deepened our appreciation of this principle. Consequently, those involved with implementing and maintaining sustainable agriculture systems have begun to take a far more sophisticated approach to understanding and making use of the components and mechanics of biodiversity.
Providing a comprehensive and highly practical exploration of the subject, Biodiversity in Agricultural Production Systems examines...

Merging coverage of two increasingly popular and quickly growing food trends, Organic Production and Use of Alternative Crops provides an overview of the basic principles of organic agriculture and highlights its multifunctionality with special emphasis on the conservation of rare crops and their uses. Considering more than 30 disregarded and neglected crops suitable for growth in temperate climates, each chapter covers the botany, climate conditions, cultivars, production and yield, growth and ecology, organic cultivation, harvesting, handling and storage, and utilization where the...

This manual discusses how the Total Quality Management (TQM) of the production and manufacturing environment can be modified, implemented, and measured within the engineering project environment. It aims to integrate predominant quality philosophy with organization research.

A multibillion dollar industry that has tripled in the last ten years, turfgrass management plays an important role in landscaping, golf courses, and other sports surfaces. Proper management and cultural practices are crucial for the performance of these versatile grasses, creating a demand among scientists, researchers, and industry professionals for better quality, hardier grasses. The mounting collection of research into new species, modern cultivars, and stress tolerant genotypes requires a high-quality, accessible resource.
Filling a long-empty niche by compiling the most complete,...

This text covers the latest research on the role of enzymes in biogeochemical processes such as nutrient cycling, earth-atmosphere gas exchange, and degradation of environmental pollutants. It explores the function, molecular biology and biochemistry of micro-organisms and their intra- and extracellular enzymes in soils and aquatic systems.

Reworked to be up to date with current standards, this new edition of a bestseller provides comprehensive and authoritative information on environmental issues in soil science.

This edition examines plant nutrition's role as one of the most important limiting factors that must be overcome to optimize food production. Extensively revised and updated, it provides coverage of topics such as genetic, physiological, and agronomic bases of crop growth.

The field of humic matter research has undergone drastic changes in concepts and principles, and a second edition is now warranted to communicate these advances. This revised and updated edition continues the tradition of providing comprehensive coverage of the genesis, extraction, properties, and impacts of humic matter on agriculture, industry, and the environment. Chapters examine organic matter; present concepts of humus versus humic matter; and explore the nature and distribution, chemical composition, characterization, electrochemical properties, agronomic and industrial applications,...