Stefano Musacchi, Washington State University, USA; and Duane Greene, University of Massachusetts, USA
Innovations in apple tree cultivation to manage crop load and ripening
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This chapter is a summary of recent innovation in orchard training system design, pruning technique, thinning, plant growth regulators and fruit finishing, with the specific goal of identifying more sustainable practice. New training systems like the ‘bi-axis’ are described as well as pruning techniques to minimize the use of labour. It is now possible to purchase specific typologies of tree that are more congruent with the training, which will minimize the operation of planting and can help achieve early production. New uses of plant growth regulators to manipulate tree growth and fruit finish are also analysed
M. Jennifer Sjölund
Bacterial diseases affecting potatoes
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Bacterial pathogens continue to pose a significant threat to potato production through in-field yield losses, storage rots and reduced marketability. Ralstonia solanacearum alone is estimated to cause US$1 billion losses worldwide. In this chapter we review current knowledge on principal bacterial diseases of potato, namely ring rot (Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus), brown rot (Ralstonia solanacearum), blackleg (Pectobacterium and Dickeya spp.) and common scab (Streptomyces spp.), as well as the recently emerging pathogens, Dickeya solani and ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ causing blackleg and zebra chip, respectively. We also review sustainable disease management strategies and discuss how the development and increasing accessibility of molecular genetics have enabled new avenues of research.
Maria Bowman, ERS-USDA, USA
The economics of soil health
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Soil health management practices and systems can be important tools for farmers to realize on-farm benefits associated with decreased erosion, improved levels of soil organic matter and improved soil structure and function. This chapter describes existing research on the economics of soil health (with a focus on the USA), with a particular focus on the adoption of soil health management practices by farmers and the effectiveness of incentives. The chapter identifies priorities for future research and provides a detailed list of additional resources for readers interested in topics related to the economics of soil health and soil health management practices.
Amit Dhingra, Washington State University, USA
The apple genome – harbinger of innovation for sustainable apple production
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Apple breeding programs are aimed at improving the agronomic and consumer traits of apples. While DNA-informed breeding doesn’t reduce the time between generations, it can enable the early elimination of undesirable seedlings, thus saving resources for the program. Combined with horticultural and biotechnological approaches to reduce generation times, DNA-informed breeding can enable the development of superior cultivars in an economically efficient way. In this chapter, we provide a brief overview of the development of genome sequencing technology, review the process of sequencing the apple genome and then consider how this information can be employed, both to develop new and better varieties of apple, and in the shorter term to improve current horticultural practices.
Penny R. Hirsch, Rothamsted Research, UK
Soil microorganisms: role in soil health
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Soil is a complex environment that supports the largest, most diverse and resilient microbial community on the planet, essential for nutrient cycling and plant growth. The details of many soil microorganisms remain unknown, but the recent improvements in molecular methods for microbial ecology have made it possible to view the soil microbiome as a whole, providing information on its responses to changes in land-use and microbially-mediated functions relevant to agricultural sustainability and major geochemical cycles. This chapter discusses methods for investigating microorganisms in soil and the contribution of soil microorganisms to nutrient cycling in soil, as well as the impact on the soil microbiome of activities such as crop selection, land management and the use of agrochemicals such as fertilisers. The influence of the microbiome on crop health and yields is considered, and the potential for future exploitation of the soil microbiome is discussed.
Dr Dugald C. Close
Advances in understanding apple tree growth: rootstocks and planting systems
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Recent research and development has investigated the factors influencing apple tree growth, with the ultimate aim of helping apple growers provide the market with fruit which is consistent in quality and which exhibits the features that consumers value, such as firmness, juiciness, colour and appropriate sugar–acid balance. This chapter begins with a review of important aspects of tree growth and development. It then discusses the importance of rootstocks, with an emphasis on the mechanisms and morphological effects of dwarfing. The chapter provides a brief introduction to the manipulation of tree growth and development and follows it up with a discussion of the effects of different planting systems.
Prof. Rainer Horn
Soil texture and structure: role in soil health
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Soil texture is a major parameter in quantifying basic soil properties. Healthy soils are well aggregated and provide a continuous pore system with high surface accessibility. They are well aerated, contain sufficient plant available water and provide a reliable filter and buffer capacity. This chapter discusses the effects of particle size and aggregate formation on soil properties, which affect soil health such as cation exchange capacity and hydraulic conductivity, as well as what optimal particle size and aggregate formation mean for soil management.
Robert L. Myers, USDA – SARE and University of Missouri, USA
Use of cover crops to promote soil health
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Several principles are recommended for improving soil health, including keeping the soil covered, providing living roots as much of the year as possible, increasing biodiversity and reducing disturbance of the soil. Cover crops contribute to achieving all of these principles. In addition to their contributions to soil health, cover crops help with weed and pest management, provide habitat and food for pollinators and wildlife, and contribute to environmental benefits such as reduced erosion, sediment loss and water quality impacts from nutrients and pesticides. This chapter describes a range of different ways that cover crops can help improve or promote soil health. Many of the cover crop impacts on soil health are interrelated, and such connections will be identified where appropriate in the following sections.
Bruno De Meulenaer, Raquel Medeiros Vinci and Frédéric Mestdagh, Ghent University, Belgium
Acrylamide formation in fried potato products and its mitigation
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Acrylamide is carcinogenic to rodents and also a ‘probable’ human carcinogen. No regulatory limits have yet been established on the levels of this contaminant in food, but food industries are nevertheless under pressure to find ways of reducing acrylamide formation. The greatest contribution to dietary acrylamide exposure comes from potato products, coffee, bakery products and chocolate. Acrylamide is formed in potato products during industrial processing, retail, catering and domestic preparation. This review summarizes the research to date on acrylamide levels in food, mechanisms of formation, assessment of acrylamide intake and health risks, regulatory measures and possible mitigation strategies from farm to fork in fried potato products. Issues regarding the implementation of mitigation strategies on an industrial scale are discussed and options for risk management are summarized.
Dr Skye Wills
Soil sampling for soil health assessment
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A successful soil health study or project requires thorough planning. Accurate results in soil health assessment can be difficult to obtain due to complications from spatial, temporal and managerial variability. A well-planned soil health sampling design will ensure that the resulting data are representative of the sample population and study objectives. This chapter focuses on three crucial stages of a successful soil health study: defining objectives and generating hypotheses, designing a suitable sampling plan and collecting data.
Colin Jeffries and Christophe Lacomme, Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA), UK
Viruses affecting potatoes
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The impact of viruses on potato production can be devastating in many areas worldwide. Breeding for agronomic and resistance traits, knowledge of virus species and their epidemiology, together with the development of accurate diagnostic methods have been essential for the development of crop management strategies, and helped certification programmes worldwide in maintaining high health standards. However, in developing countries, there are still major challenges in achieving these goals and, in particular, obtaining: high-quality seed potatoes, appropriate agronomic skills and cultivars that are adapted to a specific environment. In developed countries the challenge resides in increasing further harvestable yields for seed and ware potatoes to compensate for a decreasing arable surface area. There are more than forty virus species that infect potato, and their differing epidemiology poses a challenge for their management and control worldwide. Amongst these virus species, insect-transmitted viruses are the major cause of crop degeneration worldwide. The chapter addresses in detail the challenges posed by viruses in potato production and the challenges of managing and controlling potato-infecting viruses. It includes a case study on the transmission and distribution of aphid-transmitted viruses in field conditions, and looks ahead to future trends in this area, providing guidance on further reading.
A. Fortuna, Washington State University, USA; A. Bhowmik, Pennsylvania State University, USA; and A. Bary and C. Cogger, Washington State University, USA
Biological indicators of soil health in organic cultivation
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This chapter reviews the range of physical, chemical and biological indicators of soil health and how they can be used in practice, in this case focussing on measuring soil health in organic vegetable cultivation and, in particular, the effects of adding organic amendments to soil. Measures include soil organic carbon (SOC), carbon (C) pools and biologically active carbon. The chapter also reviews use of biological indicators such as the use of functional gene copies of bacterial nitrifiers to measure the effects of amendments on soil biological health. The chapter identifies the need to develop standard protocols that simplify techniques, rendering them accessible, reproducible and economical for routine soil analyses.
Pim Lindhout, Michiel de Vries, Menno ter Maat, Su Ying, Marcela Viquez-Zamora and Sjaak van Heusden, Solynta, The Netherlands
Hybrid potato breeding for improved varieties
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Hybrid potato breeding promises to create new cultivars within a few years. This would facilitate the introgression of genes by marker-assisted selection. In addition, hybrid cultivars can be made available as true seeds, free of soil-borne pathogens, quick to multiply and easy to transport and store. Self-incompatibility and inbreeding depression were previously thought to be prohibiting factors for hybrid potato breeding but have recently been overcome: nearly homozygous diploid inbred lines have been generated and the first experimental hybrids have been evaluated in the field. In this chapter, we review the scientific basis for hybrid potato breeding and highlight the features of our strategy for creating a hybrid breeding system in potato including propagation through seed. We discuss the recent progress made towards the development of useful hybrid varieties, and consider how the hybrid potato breeding technology platform will need to be adapted and optimized for different production systems.
Mark G. Kibblewhite, Cranfield University, UK and Landcare Research, New Zealand
Soil and soil health: an overview
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Soil health is an urgent concern because of the need to manage soil resources better to meet food and other security imperatives. The different meanings of soil ‘quality’ and ‘health’ are explained. Soil health is defined as an integrative property of the biotic and abiotic components of the soil system that describes its performance relative to its inherent potential. Options for assessing soil health are reviewed and a commentary provided on which of these may be most useful in practical agriculture. The importance of good governance of soil health is emphasised and some insights are presented about its management.
Gilbert C. Sigua, USDA-ARS, USA
Effects of crop rotations and intercropping on soil health
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There has been an increasing interest in evaluating the health of soil resources motivated by the growing cognizance that soil is a critically important component of the earth’s biosphere, playing an important functional role not only in producing food and fibre, but also in maintaining ecosystem services and global environmental quality. There was a great deal of concern in developing management practices that improve the capacity of the soil to perform its various functions by identifying the physical, chemical and biological soil attributes and by quantifying the changes in the state of soil resulting from different agronomic practices. The goal of this chapter is to discuss the effects of crop rotation and intercropping management practices that are relevant to productivity and their impact on soil health enhancement and stability. This chapter will also attempt to contribute holistic appreciations of the importance of leguminous crops and soil organic matter in maintaining healthy soils, sustaining crop productivity and enhancing biodiversity.
Professor Professor Jeffrey Mitchell
Managing irrigation for soil health in arid and semi-arid regions
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Irrigated arid and semi-arid regions of the world account for more than 40% of the global crop production. Managing soil health while simultaneously increasing water use efficiency in these areas is challenging, but critical to future global food security. This chapter describes production practices such as no-tillage and surface residue preservation that maximize both water infiltration into soil and soil water retention, reduce runoff and evaporation and thereby increase the productive flow of water via transpiration. The chapter summarizes recent information on the application of soil health management principles in irrigated and dry land arid and semi-arid environments, including examples of cost–benefit trade-offs associated with reduced-disturbance no-tillage systems and the use of cover crops. The chapter looks ahead to future trends in this area and suggests further reading for those interested in researching further.
Dr Prashant G. Kawar
Developing early-maturing and stress-resistant potato varieties
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Asian countries with a cereal-based cropping system face a tremendous food security challenge to feed their 4.3 billion people. Potato, being a complete food, can be a valid alternative. This chapter describes the selection of germplasm and traits for breeding early-maturing varieties of potato, exploring genetic aspects of earliness and breeding strategy. The chapter looks at early tuber initiation, high dry matter partitioning efficiency and basic factors that need to be taken into account when breeding for earliness in the potato. The chapter suggests breeding strategies for earliness and stress resistance and considers the genetic aspects. The chapter incorporates a detailed case study of developing an early-maturing, moderately late-blight-resistant Kufri Khyati potato variety for Indian plains. Finally, the chapter looks ahead to future research trends in this area.
Brian K. Slater, Ohio State University, USA
Soil health assessment and inventory: indices and databases
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It is increasingly appreciated that the soil resource embodies significant natural capital supporting valuable ecosystem services, yet soil natural capital and ecosystem services are threatened by land degradation at the same time as they become more central to efforts to expand food production to feed a growing population. This chapter explores the challenges for comprehensive soil health assessment, giving an account of soil health assessment frameworks and indices and indexing systems in active use. The chapter looks at practical on-farm assessment of soil health, including the use of soil health cards, crowdsourcing and citizen science. It also describes methods of mapping soil health and the use of soil property databases, concluding with a proposal for a multi-scale soil database framework. Finally, the chapter looks ahead to future research trends and provides detailed guidance on further reading in this area.
Adrian Briddon, Adrian Cunnington and Glyn Harper, Sutton Bridge Crop Storage Research, UK
Post-harvest storage of potatoes
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Storage is one component of the field to fork cycle and good storage can maintain the quality of the input tubers with positive benefits for the rest of the supply chain. This chapter reviews the mechanisms underlying potato spoilage and discusses key techniques for storing potatoes to maintain quality and shelf life, with where possible and as little reliance on agrochemical usage as possible, to conform to current and forthcoming legislation. This is crucial to maximise the profit of potato production to enable progressive and sustainable agriculture. The principal tool available to the store manager is the control of air, as the means by which temperature and humidity are controlled, chemical treatments are delivered, oxygen is maintained and carbon dioxide removed. Pathological and physiological factors both impact on quality and these are discussed in relation to available current practical, effective, storage control methods.
Dr Dr A. O. Ogunkunle
Maintaining soil health in Africa
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Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has a wide variety of natural ecosystem resources, including soils, vegetation, water and genetic diversity. However, land degradation in SSA is intensifying at an alarming rate, and this region has the lowest agriculture and livestock yields of any region in the world. This is accompanied by the world’s highest rates of deforestation and malnutrition. This chapter focuses on land degradation and will examine the different types of land degradation as well as their ecological, economic and social consequences. It also addresses the relationships between soil quality, soil health (SH) and food security, and then reviews strategies for maintaining SH.
Prof. Sara G. Baer
Soil ecosystem services: an overview
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Ecosystem services provided by soil can be supporting (e.g. providing primary production and biodiversity) or regulatory (e.g. erosion control, water infiltration, nutrient retention, atmospheric gas regulation and pest control). This chapter explains how ecosystem services benefit human welfare through these functions, addressing the role of soil in the production of food, fibre and energy, erosion control and nutrient abatement. The chapter also examines how soil regulates infiltration of water, can mitigate greenhouse gases control pests and supports biodiversity. The chapter provides an extensive review of the literature for further reading on the subject and looks ahead to future research trends in this area.
Prof. Samira Daroub
Chemical composition of soils: role in soil health
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Integrated nutrient management systems that use a holistic approach, using inorganic fertilizers as well as management practices aimed to increase soil organic matter, are needed to improve soil health. Management practices need to take into account differences in soil properties, climate and available local resources. In this chapter, we discuss the chemistry of nutrients focusing mostly on nitrogen and phosphorus. The impact of chemical composition of soils (nutrients, pH and salinity) on soil health is discussed. We review factors influencing the solubility of nutrients and discuss management practices to improve nutrient availability and reduce the reliance on inorganic fertilizers. We illustrate a case study from India that shows how integrated nutrient management, using both inorganic fertilizers, including sulphur and micronutrients, and practices to improve and increase soil organic carbon, can be done successfully and used on a large scale using site-specific research and available resources.
A. Lees, The James Hutton Institute, UK
Fungal diseases affecting potato storage
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Fungal and oomycete pathogens responsible for causing potato storage diseases are both numerous and ubiquitous wherever potatoes are grown. These diseases can result in losses of 5–10% during storage, with additional losses caused in the field in subsequent growing seasons for affected seed crops. Previous research has tended to focus on individual diseases and their management, but there is a growing need to understand the bigger picture. This chapter considers the issue in three stages: identifying the causal pathogens, understanding the epidemiology of the diseases and managing disease in the field and during storage. A detailed case study of Fusarium dry rot is presented to illustrate how improved understanding of diseases can be used to ensure more effective management.
Dr Dr Promil Mehra
Soil health and climate change: a critical nexus
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A healthy soil has the capacity to sustain biological activity, maintain environmental quality and promote plant and animal health. This chapter reviews the impact of climate change on the key components of soil health, including soil physical, chemical and biological properties. Holistically, under the nexus of climate change and farming systems, this chapter also reviews some of the key management practices that have been demonstrated to improve soil health and deliver climate benefits. To address the conundrum of building soil health under a changing climate, this chapter proposes a framework for wider implementation of sustainable management approaches for improving soil health globally. The chapter looks ahead to future research trends in this area, including multidisciplinary collaboration and communications, and provides guidance on further reading on the subject.
Jerry Knox and Tim Hess, Cranfield University, UK
Advances in irrigation management and technology in potato cultivation: experiences from a humid climate
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For many farmers, irrigation is an essential component of potato production, serving to maximise yields and meet quality assurance targets for retailers and consumers. In recent years, rising costs for labour and energy (pumping) have led to considerable attention being given to improving on-farm irrigation efficiency and water productivity, or ‘more crop per drop’. This chapter focuses on recent advances in both in-field water management (notably irrigation scheduling) and application equipment, including the challenges in implementing precision irrigation technologies to improve productivity and reduce water demands. The chapter reports evidence relating to research and practitioner experiences from the United Kingdom, which has a humid climate and where irrigation is supplemental to rainfall, but the issues raised and measures proposed are equally applicable to other environments where water resources for agriculture are under scrutiny and potatoes are an important commodity crop.
Kim Davie and Jon Pickup, Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA), UK
Nematode pests of potatoes
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Potatoes are particularly susceptible to attack from nematodes, with around 70 species from 24 genera several different reported. Nematodes reduce the value of the harvested crop by affecting yield, tuber size and marketability or indirectly through the transmission of viruses. After introducing nematodes and nematode pests of potato, this chapter describes quarantine regulations affecting potatoes with regard to nematodes, before outlining techniques of nematode management. Finally, the chapter describes the major nematode pests of potatoes, outlines future trends in research and suggests further reading on the subject.
Curtis M. Frederick
Advances in understanding potato plant physiology and growth
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Potato physiology determines how genetically-encoded developmental attributes interact with local environmental conditions, as modified through agricultural practice, to produce the final crop. This chapter highlights how physiological responses of potato to management choices made by growers and environmental conditions during growth and post-harvest storage determine yield, quality and sustainability. The development of the potato plant is described and special emphasis is given to the interdependence of tuber growth and canopy development. Key aspects of the root system architecture are reviewed. The chapter discusses research assessing the sensitivity of potato yield to water and nutrient availability, highlighting the adverse effects of water deficits and high temperatures on tuber growth, quality and overall sustainability.
Peng Zhang, Weijuan Fan, Hongxia Wang, Yinliang Wu and Wenzhi Zhou, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China; and Jun Yang, Shanghai Chenshan Plant Science Research Center, Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden, China
Developing new sweet potato varieties with improved performance
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Novel sweet potato varieties with improved traits are needed, especially for marginal lands and disease-prone regions. However, the high degree of heterozygosity, high levels of male sterility, and self- and interspecific incompatibility of the sweet potato plant results in strong segregation of hybrid progenies. Molecular breeding provides a promising approach for the development of new varieties with value-added traits. This chapter reviews the development and application of genetic transformation and trait improvement to sweet potato, including the development of sweet potato plants which are resistant to disease and abiotic stress, and sweet potatoes with improved starch quality and higher anthocyanin content.
Liping Jin, Chinese Academy Of Agricultural Sciences, China
Potato production and breeding in China
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China is the largest potato producer in the world, accounting for a quarter of total global production. The potato has become the fourth most important food crop in China, following corn, rice and wheat. The development of the potato industry has significantly helped to alleviate poverty, improve food security and increase farmers’ incomes. This chapter provides a systematic and comprehensive review of the Chinese potato industry. Topics addressed include potato germplasm collection and evaluation, variety breeding, cultivation and planting patterns. Seed potato propagation is also covered.
E. A. Stockdale, Head of Farming Systems Research, NIAB, UK
Nutrient cycling in soils
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Sustainable agricultural systems must enable profitable production of sufficient high-quality crops to meet human demands while simultaneously minimising off-site impacts. Though simple chemical equilibrium plays a part, nutrient cycling processes in soil are largely the outcome of biochemical processes resulting from the activity and interactions of a huge diversity of soil organisms. Hence soil health is central to nutrient cycling. Decomposition and cycling of C are the central processes driving almost all soil nutrient cycles. The size, diversity and activity of the soil community are affected by complex interactions between physical, chemical and plant community factors within the soil, as well as farm management practices and local climate. New research methods continue to provide increasing insight into the biological and geochemical interactions within soil nutrient cycles. But this research must be conducted in partnership with farmers and agronomists to develop effective site-specific nutrient management approaches and increase the sustainability of farming systems, whilst maintaining soil health.
John Bamberg and Shelley Jansky, USDA-ARS, USA; Alfonso del Rio, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA; and Dave Ellis, International Potato Center (CIP), Peru
Ensuring the genetic diversity of potatoes
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Preserving genetic diversity lies at the heart of improvements in breeding and resilience in potato cultivation. This chapter discusses the challenges, opportunities and recent accomplishments of potato gene banks in the areas of acquisition, classification, preservation, evaluation and distribution of genetic stocks and information, as well as offering a legal perspective on access to genetic materials. The chapter reviews routes for acquisition of potato genetic material, together with methods for its classification and preservation. The chapter also discusses the evaluation and enhancement of potato genetic material, before looking at issues of control and assess to minimise problems such as transmission of disease.
Moses Nyongesa and Nancy Ng’ang’a, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, Kenya
Improving potato cultivation to promote food self-sufficiency in Africa
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Demand for potato in sub-Saharan Africa is growing, but the projected growth in demand is not matched by the projected growth rate in local potato production. An interplay of factors ensure the production gains achieved are small and slow. This chapter reviews the current state of potato production in Africa, and the challenges it faces. We review the development and promotion of suitable potato varieties, consider crop improvement initiatives and programs, and emphasise the potential of potato to contribute to food security and poverty reduction.
Dr George G. Brown
The role of soil fauna in soil health and delivery of ecosystem services
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Soil fauna includes microscopic organisms such as nematodes (microfauna), mites and springtails (mesofauna), up to larger invertebrates such as worms, spiders, ants, termites and beetles (macrofauna) and vertebrates (megafauna) such as amphibians, reptiles and mammals. This chapter explains how their activity is important for soil health and can result in various ecosystem services, including provision of food and primary production, nutrient cycling and organic matter dynamics, water availability in soil, gas exchanges, soil formation, pollination and seed dispersal. The chapter classifies soil fauna and reviews currently available information on soil fauna biodiversity and functional roles worldwide, their role in soil health and the importance of management in determining soil fauna communities.
Jai Gopal, ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, India
Advances in conventional potato-breeding techniques
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Potato is highly heterozygous. In order to maintain productivity, improved potato varieties are therefore developed by inter-mating desired parental lines and selecting superior clones from the progeny. Since potato is vegetatively propagated, any selected genotype can be fixed with all its intra- and inter-locus interactions responsible for phenotypic expression, and multiplied for commercial cultivation if desired. Recent advances in molecular breeding provide opportunities for rapid genetic gain (Slater et al. 2014a). Nevertheless, phenotypic selection remains the common practice in conventional potato-breeding programmes. Nearly all new varieties of potato still emerge from a process free from use of molecular technologies. This chapter reviews the progress and advances made in phenotypic selection techniques of conventional potato breeding. The role of molecular approaches in improving phenotypic selection is also described briefly.
Paul C. Struik, Wageningen University and Research, the Netherlands
Understanding ageing processes in seed potatoes
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The physiological quality of seed tubers is very important for the performance of the crop grown from them, and interacts strongly with seed tuber size. Physiological quality consists of two components: dormancy and physiological age. This chapter reviews the conditions which influence both dormancy and physiological age, and the effects of seed quality on various aspects of crop performance. Future research should aim for a reliable, cheap indicator of physiological age that can predict the performance of the crop grown from the seed under different conditions and for different outlets.
Vijay Kumar Dua, Sanjay Rawal, Sukhwinder Singh and Jagdev Sharma, ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, India
Improving potato cultivation practices: an overview
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Environmental and food safety concerns are driving potato research towards the development of sustainable practices. Soil and planting management, as well as cultivation practices, are directly related to increased marketable yield and quality and are of great importance for quick crop emergence, better growth and quality. Based on research and development in India and abroad, this chapter explores the adoption of production technologies by potato growers in the Indo-Gangetic plains. The chapter provides an overview of potato cultivation in India before considering techniques of soil management, seed bed preparation and planting, and potato cultivation. The chapter then moves on to consider the contribution of green manures and cover crops to potato nutrient management, as well as the impact of irrigation, mechanisation and conservation agriculture.
Prof. Minggang Xu
Organic amendments to improve soil health and crop productivity: a case study in China
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This chapter focuses on three long-term fertilization experiments with a temperature and precipitation gradient from China, which aim to improve soil fertility, maintain soil health and increase crop productivity. After outlining the approaches adopted in long-term experiments in fertilization management, the chapter examines the impact of different fertilization techniques on soil health. The chapter then addresses the impact of different fertilization techniques on crop yield, and finally looks ahead to future research trends in this area.
Robert J. Kremer, University of Missouri, USA
Pesticide use and biodiversity in soils
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Pesticides are applied to agricultural systems in high quantities relative to other synthetic compounds and therefore have considerable effects on soil microbial communities and their functions. Although pesticides undergo considerable evaluation for efficacy in controlling target pests in agroecosystems and non-agricultural sites, effects on soil and environmental organisms and their activities receive minimal attention beyond specific environmental impacts required by regulatory agencies. Limited research has found that pesticides used in agricultural management systems influence both structural and functional biodiversity in soils, which are important components of soil health. The objectives of this chapter are to present the mechanisms by which pesticides affect soil microbial diversity and describe management systems developed to limit impacts of pesticides on soil and environmental health.
Humberto Blanco-Canqui, University of Nebraska, USA
Conservation grass hedges and soil health parameters
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Grass hedges, narrow (
A. Fortuna, Washington State University, USA; A. Bhowmik, Pennsylvania State University, USA; and A. Bary and C. Cogger, Washington State University, USA
Managing soil health in organic cultivation
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Although organic standards do not refer directly to soil health, organic agriculture has the potential to improve soil health and environmental services by promoting soil conservation and reducing greenhouse gases. This chapter presents findings from a field experiment which continuously monitored the soil health of an organically managed production system from 2003 to 2014. The experiments focus on intensive organic vegetable crop production systems typical of experienced fresh market growers. The research sought to evaluate short- and long-term effects of various different management systems, including crop rotations, cover crops and animal amendments. We discuss the impact of these measures in terms of nutrient release, soil health, greenhouse gas emissions and ecosystem structure and function.
Putri Ernawati Abidin and Edward Carey, International Potato Center (CIP), Ghana
Improving the breeding, cultivation and use of sweetpotato in Africa
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Sweetpotato is a low-input crop with significant potential for improving public health and nutrition and developing food security in sub-Saharan Africa. This chapter examines the nutritional contribution made by OFSP (orange-fleshed sweetpotato) in poor rural communities in Malawi, Ghana, Nigeria and Burkina Faso; sustainable breeding and seed systems; and effective commercialisation and marketing to benefit the communities concerned. The chapter includes detailed case studies from Ghana and Malawi and offers suggestions for future trends for research in this area.
Dr Pandi Zdruli
Maintaining soil health in dryland areas
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Drylands cover 40% of the global terrestrial space and are home for 2 billion people, often the most vulnerable. Land use is dominated by rangelands and much less by croplands, while barren areas with sparse vegetation mixed with rock outcrops are widespread. In spite of their hostile nature, drylands host 50% of global livestock and 30% of all present grown crops originate from them. This chapter addresses critical research issues needed to maintain soil health in the drylands, including nutrient cycling, preservation of soil biota, carbon sequestration, erosion control, rainwater harvesting and irrigation efficiency. The chapter examines the options for improving dryland soil health and provides a case study from Egypt, as well as looking ahead to future trends in this area and suggesting detailed further reading on the topic.
Ankush Prashar and Filipe de Jesus Colwell, Newcastle University, UK; and Csaba Hornyik and Glenn J. Bryan, The James Hutton Institute, UK
Advances in development of potato varieties resistant to abiotic stress
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Abiotic stresses namely drought, salinity, high or low temperature, submergence, nutrient deficiency and so forth have an impact on potato yields. These suboptimal conditions restrict potato plant performance so that the plants do not reach their full genetic potential. This chapter examines different abiotic stress improvement targets in the potato as well as the variety of tools and techniques being developed and used for crop improvement for abiotic stresses. The chapter reviews technological advances to develop abiotic stress resistance in potatoes and tolerant varieties, especially through genetic engineering, and looks ahead to future trends in this area.
Santanu Bakshi and Chumki Banik, Iowa State University, USA; and Zhenli He, University of Florida, USA
The impact of heavy metal contamination on soil health
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Heavy metal pollution often results in the degradation of soil health. The term ‘soil health’ or ‘soil quality’ is used to express the status of the soil’s functional ability in the ecosystem, as indicated by its physical, chemical and biological properties. Contamination of heavy metals above threshold values can destroy the soil’s natural ability to perform ecosystem services, a change which can be irreversible. Heavy metal contamination of soils is a global challenge that needs to be resolved by the joint efforts of governments and scientific communities. The purpose of this chapter is to summarize the available literature regarding sources, impacts, indicators, risk assessment, remediation and the future problems of heavy metals in relation to soil and human health, and to provide directions for the improvement of soil management and the development of effective pollution control strategies.
Eleanor E. Campbell, University of New Hampshire, USA; and John L. Field and Keith Paustian, Colorado State University, USA
Modelling soil organic matter dynamics as a soil health indicator
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The presence of soil organic matter (SOM) is seen as essential for soil health. Modelling SOM in soils helps researchers and farmers understand and predict the effects of different cultivation practices on changes in SOM. This chapter reviews key issues in SOM modelling and the development of increasingly sophisticated, dynamic SOM models. It looks at the role of SOM models in improving soil health monitoring and developing decision support tools for farmers.
Francis J. Larney, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canada
Manure and compost management to maintain soil health
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This chapter discusses the role of manure and compost in maintaining soil health in relation to the use of inorganic fertilizer. It reviews best management practices in using manure and the effects of increased manure use, including resolving problems related to excess manure. The chapter reviews ways of integrating livestock and crop production to optimise soil health, and includes a case study on the legacy effect of a one-time manure application on crop yield and soil health.
Jeffrey Strock, University of Minnesota, USA
Drainage requirements to maintain soil health
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The effective management of soil water conditions is essential for ensuring healthy plant growth and optimum yield. Drainage is the primary technique by which producers keep soil water conditions at or near optimum for plant growth. A well-designed drainage system may result in a number of benefits including: better soil aeration, less flooding in low areas, less surface runoff, better soil structure, better root development, higher yields and improved crop quality. This chapter begins with a brief summary of the history, purpose and practice of land drainage. This is followed by a review of the literature on the impact of excess water and drainage on different aspects of soil health, including physical, chemical, and biological properties and processes.
Bijay-Singh, Punjab Agricultural University, India
Optimising fertiliser use to maintain soil health
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Maintaining the health of soils, and therefore their capacity to carry out the ecosystem functions necessary for sustainable food production, is a complex and evolving area of science. This chapter examines management of mineral fertilisers and organic manures in relation to its effects on soil health in terms of soil organic carbon and nitrogen, soil acidification and soil microbiology. The chapter discusses the optimisation of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilisers use, together with their interactions and interdependency. The chapter considers agricultural systems and practices and offers suggestions for future areas of research.
Jane Rickson, Cranfield University, UK
Mechanisms of soil erosion/degradation
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Soil degradation threatens soil health in terms of soils functioning as complex living biological systems, delivering multiple ecosystem goods and services. For example, soil erosion removes the most fertile topsoil, reducing soil depth and soil health, which leads to poor crop growth. This impacts on the economic sustainability of farmers’ livelihoods. This chapter identifies different types of soil degradation, focusing on soil erosion by water. Soil erosion processes are described, and how these change soil properties that relate directly to crop growth, including soil depth, water-holding capacity, biota, carbon content and nutrient reserves. The causal links between soil erosion and crop production are presented, including attempts to quantify the economic costs incurred. It is likely that current impacts and costs will increase further under climate change, increasing the need for effective soil erosion mitigation measures that also enhance soil health.
Stuart Reitz, Oregon State University, USA
Potato pest management with specific reference to the Pacific Northwest (USA)
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Over the past 20 years, potato pest management in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) region of the United States has changed dramatically with the emergence and resurgence of new insect pests, including vectors of new, devastating plant pathogens. This chapter reviews the status of pest management in the PNW, along with future research aimed at enabling growers to maintain economically viable and sustainable potato production. The chapter describes the life cycles and effects of the main arthropod pests in the region, including the beet leafhopper, the potato tuberworm and the most significant emerging pest, the potato psyllid, vector of zebra chip disease.
Richard W. Zobel, USDA-ARS, USA
Plant–soil interactions: an overview
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Plant–soil interactions are the prime mechanism for integrating the impacts of the aerial environment, animals (including plant shoot symbionts and pathogens), plant shoot physiology, plant root physiology and structure, the soil microbiome and soil chemistry and structure into what is commonly termed soil health. This chapter addresses three aspects of this chain: interactions of the shoot with the roots, interactions between the roots and the microbiome, and interactions between the root system and the soil physical and structural characteristics. The chapter looks ahead to future developments in this area of research.
Dr Thomas F. Döring
Organic potato cultivation
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Organic potato cultivation requires a whole system perspective, with particular focus on rotation design. Producing organic potatoes relies strongly on indirect, preventive and long-term strategic measures for both plant nutrition and plant protection. This chapter examines all aspects of the process of cultivating organic potatoes, including rotation and diversification, breeding, seed potatoes, planting, tillage, weed control, nutrient management, soil fertility and irrigation. The chapter also describes the main diseases and pests of potatoes and organic methods of disease and pest regulation.
Melissa Miller and Henry Lin, Pennsylvania State University, USA
The role of soil hydrology in soil health
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Soil hydrology stands at the forefront of soil health due to its critical importance in regulating physical, chemical and biological processes in soils. Soil–water interactions are closely related to and create both positive and negative feedbacks with soil characteristics, landscape features and management practices that are closely tied to soil health. This chapter discusses various soil hydrologic processes and properties that influence soil health along with crop growth, ecosystem services and environmental impacts. It describes how soil physical, chemical and biological processes are often mediated by soil hydrologic conditions. These processes and related properties are discussed in this chapter in relation to soil hydrologic functions in the context of soil health and various management practices.
Andrew P. Robinson, North Dakota State University and University of Minnesota, USA
Non-infectious disorders affecting potatoes
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There are a wide range of non-infectious disorders that can affect potatoes, generally as a result of imbalances within the plant caused by environmental stresses. Such disorders make tubers unappealing to consumers, and therefore have significant economic consequences. However, non-infectious disorders are often poorly understood and characterized, limiting the extent to which they can be prevented and detected. This chapter describes a range of disorders of potato tubers, categorizing them as external, superficial or internal. In each case, a description of symptoms is given, followed by information about the causes of the disorder and ways of preventing and minimizing its symptoms.
Dr Linley Chiwona-Karltun
Supporting smallholder women farmers in potato cultivation
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As the importance of potato cultivation among smallholder farmers increases, it is clear that women farmers have a vital role to play in shaping and maximising this growth, safeguarding potatoes as a primary food security crop. The present chapter offers a summary of the current state of potato cultivation and the role of women, with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa. We highlight the enormous potential of women farmers in promoting the broader goals of development and food security in these areas, before examining some of the challenges women face in making their voices count. Different strategies are presented for supporting women smallholders, with a particular emphasis on ensuring that women benefit from agricultural training and have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and resources.
Ilkka Leinonen, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), UK; and Hongyan Chen and James A. Taylor, Newcastle University, UK
Modelling potato growth
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The development of mechanistic models for predicting growth of various crops (including potatoes) has continued for several decades, and new applications of such models are increasingly becoming available. Despite the benefits of this development, it may be difficult for the user to choose particular models suitable for a specific purpose (such as decision making in potato farming). In this chapter, we try to provide insights that would help the potential user to better understand the benefits and limitations of various types of models. First, we present some ideas on the general principles of mechanistic modelling and potential applications of crop models. Then, we briefly describe the main physiological processes of potato growth and how they have been handled in mechanistic models. Finally, we provide examples of the recent applications of potato models and discuss the future use of the models for new applications, mainly in precision farming.
Duroy A. Navarre, Washington State University and USDA-ARS, USA; and M. Moehninsi, Sen Lin and Hanjo Hellmann, Washington State University, USA
Nutritional properties and enhancement/biofortification of potatoes
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There are a number of factors that make potatoes a logical focus for nutritional breeding efforts. As one of the world’s staple foods, they have a key role to play in improving global food security, largely due to their nutritional value, storability, affordability and high yield. Recent years have also witnessed greatly increased consumer concern for healthy food choices, leading to high demand for an increase in the nutritional value of foods that have previously been subject to negative health publicity. This chapter reviews the nutritional composition of potatoes from diverse germplasm including vitamin C, B vitamins, potassium, carotenoids, phenylpropanoids and glycoalkaloids. In each case, we discuss the feasibility and health benefits of increasing these nutrients through traditional and precision breeding efforts. We conclude that the time is ripe for intensifying such efforts, and that some potential targets may have merit beyond health benefits, such as improving flavour, taste and environmental resistance.
Daniel K. Manter and Jorge A. Delgado, USDA-ARS, USA; and Jennifer Moore-Kucera, USDA-NRCS, USA
Integrated soil health management: a framework for soil conservation and regeneration
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Soil function is an interplay of physical, chemical and biological processes, and soil microbes play a direct role in driving soil chemical and physical processes important for overall ecosystem function. This chapter highlights some of the known impacts of management strategies on soil health, conservation and regeneration. The chapter introduces an Integrated Soil Health Management (ISHM) framework that may be used to design, implement and evaluate management decisions for soil conservation and regeneration. The chapter examines the role of soil microbes in chemical and physical processes as well as plant processes, and also examines the challenge of moving beyond tolerable soil loss (T) to ISHM.
Philip J. White, The James Hutton Institute, UK
Improving nutrient management in potato cultivation
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Potatoes require 14 mineral nutrients, which are often applied in fertilisers. This chapter describes management practices that maximise crop production and minimise nutrient losses to the environment. First, it describes the development of the crop and its temporal demands for macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, magnesium, calcium) and micronutrients (chlorine, boron, iron, zinc, manganese, copper, nickel, molybdenum), and current agronomic practices for delivering these. It then reports recent developments in precision management of potato crop nutrition, underpinned by geospatially referenced soil maps and application systems, which aim to optimise fertiliser inputs by addressing local heterogeneities in soil conditions and varying inputs across a cultivated area. Finally, it describes how agronomic strategies can be complemented by breeding cultivars with greater acquisition of mineral nutrients, by focussing on root characteristics, and better physiological utilisation of nutrients for tuber yields, by focussing on canopy architecture and nutrient or biomass partitioning within the plant.
Various authors
Instant Insights: Understanding and tackling Fusarium wilt of banana
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Discusses the impact of monoculture in the banana industry and its contribution to the spread of Fusarium wilt
Highlights the potential of key breeding technologies which can be used to improve resistance to Fusarium wilt of banana
Discusses the challenges associated with developing hybrid banana varieties
Contributions by: Catherine E. Scott, University of Leeds, UK; Lucas William Mendes, Alexandre Pedrinho and Thierry Alexandre Pellegrinetti, University of São Paulo, Brazil; and Dennis Goss-Souza, Institute of Paraná, Brazil; Liz Lewis-Reddy, ADAS Polic
Instant Insights: Land use change and management
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Considers the contribution of land use change to climate change and global biodiversity decline
Reviews the development of agri-environment schemes in the UK and how they coincide with the principles of sustainable land management
Addresses the impact of land use change on the composition and functionality of soil microbiomes
Contributions by: Noa Simón Delso, BeeLife European Beekeeping Coordination, Belgium; and Walter Haefeker, European Professional Beekeepers Association, Germany; Nicola Bradbear, Bees for Development, UK; Darren M. Evans and Fredric M. Windsor, Newcastle
Instant Insights: Understanding and conserving pollinators
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Discusses the range of key ecosystem services provided by pollinators
Reviews the range of ongoing habitat restoration projects in the European Union and North America
Considers how data and ‘smart agriculture’ can be utilised to assess the impact of key agricultural practices on pollinator species
Contributions by: Daniel Tapia Garcia, Maria Fe Andres and Azucena Gonzalez-Coloma, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Spain; Shannon Borges and Mike Mendelsohn, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, USA; Martin Erlandson, Agricultur
Instant Insights: Novel biocontrol agents
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Highlights recent advances in the development of more sustainable crop protection products
Considers the range of regulatory issues which may arise as a result of the development of novel biocontrol products
Provides an overview of the development of botanical pesticides and features a case study on the use of a plant-based biocontrol agent in black truffle cultivation
Emeritus Professor Emeritus Professor John Webster
Achieving net zero dairy farming
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Assesses recent advances in understanding fundamental processes within the dairy cow and on dairy farms
Reviews current methods for measuring emissions from dairy farming
Considers the range of strategies that can be implemented to achieve net zero dairy farming
Professor Professor Richard Oliver
Global trends in pesticide resistance
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Provides a truly global insight into pesticide use and pesticide resistance
Brings together the latest information on patterns of resistance in different regions and what this means for the future of pesticide use
Considers potential solutions such as more targeted pesticide use and role of alternative approaches, including integrated disease, pest and weed management
Professor Emerit Professor Emerit Jay Stratton Noller
Achieving sustainable cultivation of hemp
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Considers both traditional and modern applications of hemp, including its use in construction and as livestock and fish feed
Reviews the United States’ and Canada’s regulatory stance on industrial hemp production
Addresses the range of abiotic and biotic stresses affecting hemp, as well as the role of improved resistance in mitigating them
Contributions by: Ying Liu, Paul Kusuma and Leo F. M. Marcelis, Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands; Michael Martin, IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute and KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden; and Francesco Orsini, Universi
Provides a detailed overview of the recent advances in controlled environment agriculture
Reviews the sustainability of controlled environment agriculture
Summarises recent developments in controlled environment technologies, including lighting and climate control
Edited by: Professor Jeanette Norton, Utah State University, USA, Professor Josh Schimel, University of California – Santa Barbara, USA and Professor Zoë Lindo, University of Western Ontario, Canada
Measuring and assessing the biological health of soils
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Reviews the range of techniques for measuring soil biological activity, including DNA-based, quantitative PCR and enzyme assay methods
Combines coverage of soil microorganisms with assessment of micro-, meso- and macrofauna
Shows how biological indicators can be integrated into soil health testing programmes to improve the quality of different soils
Contributions by: Louise Manning, University of Lincoln, UK; and John G. Keogh, McGill University, Canada; Thomas P. Saunders and Elizabeth A. Bihn, Produce Safety Alliance – Cornell University, USA; Louise Manning, University of Lincoln, UK; and James
Instant Insights: Good agricultural practices
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Highlights the importance of good agricultural practices (GAPs) in achieving a safe, sustainable and secure agri-food supply chain
Considers the evolution of GAPs and their implementation within the fresh produce sector to improve food safety
Includes case studies which demonstrate how GAPs have been utilised to improve crop production in three contrasting maize cultivation systems
Various authors
Instant Insights: Alternative sources of protein for pigs
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Highlights the range of novel protein sources which could replace conventional proteins, from macroalgae and macroalgal derived extracts, to insects and corn fermented protein
Considers the benefits and challenges of using alternative sources of protein in the diets of pigs
Reviews the current state of insect production for pig feed globally
Contributions by: Dr Sahil Kalia, Dr Andrew D. Magnuson, Dr Guanchen Liu, Professor Xin Gen Lei, Arya Rezaei Far, Somaya Naser El Deen, Dr Teun Veldkamp, Dr M. Mabelebele, E. Malematja, S. D. Kolobe, T. G. Manyelo, N. A. Sebola, F. Manyeula, Archibold G.
Instant Insights: Alternative sources of protein for poultry
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Addresses the issue of the poultry sector’s over-reliance on a limited number of feed ingredients
Considers the effects of alternative protein sources on poultry performance, molecular responses and meat/egg quality
Reviews the emergence of non-conventional protein sources for use in poultry diets, such as insect meal, algae, corn fermented protein and distillers dried grains and solubles
Contributions by: James Lowenberg-Deboer, Harper Adams University, UK; David J. Pannell and Asjad Tariq Sheikh, University of Western Australia, Australia; Pieter de Wolf, Saskia Houben, William Bijker and Koen Klompe, Wageningen Plant Research, The Nethe
Instant Insights: Economics of agriculture
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Provides a detailed overview of the economics of agriculture
Considers the economic feasibility of agricultural robotics
Discusses the economic consequences and environmental impact of nitrogen fertilisers
Contributions by: Lidia Sas Paszt and Slawomir Gluszek, Research Institute of Horticulture, Poland; Cristina Lazcano, University of California-Davis, USA; Charlotte Decock, California Polytechnic State University, USA; Connie T. F. Wong, University of Cal
Instant Insights: Organic soil amendments
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Considers the effects of applying organic amendments to soil and the environment
Reviews the main technologies used to convert livestock manure into biofertiliser or bioenergy sources
Includes case studies which detail the benefit and risks of using compost in two different agricultural settings
Contributions by: Rolf Meyer, Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis (ITAS), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Germany; Rosanne Wielemaker and Jan Weijma, Wageningen University, The Netherlands; Angela Marchetti, Gaia Salvatori an
Instant Insights: Developing a circular economy
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Provides an overview of the key challenges facing successful development of circular, closed-loop agricultural systems
Details recent advances in waste management and its application in urban agricultural settings
Reviews sustainable alternatives to plastics in food packaging and their role in mitigating the environmental impact of the food-packaging industry
Contributions by: Jean-Marc Gilliot, AgroParisTech Paris Saclay University, France; and Ophélie Sauzet, University of Applied Sciences of Western Switzerland, The Geneva Institute of Technology, Architecture and Landscape (HEPIA), Soils and Substrates Gr
Instant Insights: Machine vision applications in agriculture
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Reviews the use of machine vision technologies to measure soil texture, structure and topography
Provides an overview of recent advances in the use of machine learning in agri-food robotics
Considers the application of machine vision in indoor farming, focussing on its use in plant factories with artificial lighting
Contributions by: J. F. Angus, CSIRO Agriculture and Food and Graham Centre – Charles Sturt University, Australia; Samantha Earl-Goulet, Claudia Wagner-Riddle and Laura Van Eerd, University of Guelph, Canada; and Kate Congreves, University of Saskatchew
Instant Insights: Nitrogen-use efficiency
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Considers the impact of nitrogen overuse on crop yield, grain quality and profit
Discusses recent advances in understanding nitrogen cycling in soil
Highlights the need to develop more efficient varieties of wheat with improved traits related to nitrogen uptake, assimilation and remobilisation
Edited by: Professor Agnes van den Pol-van Dasselaar
Advances in temperate grassland science and management
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Provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research in grassland science and management
Includes a selection of case studies which highlight current challenges facing alpine/mountain grasslands, as well as grasslands in Europe and New Zealand
Discusses recent developments in botanical composition of grasslands, including the design of multi-species swards and herbal leys
Edited by: Professor Shashi Sharma, Murdoch University, Australia and Dr Minshad Ansari, Bionema, UK
Advances in bioprotection of plants against diseases
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Reviews the latest trends in the rapidly evolving bioprotectants sector
Highlights the importance of developing an effective regulatory regime for bioprotectants
Considers the range of techniques for identifying bioprotectants
Professor Professor Gerrit Hoogenboom
Current crop models
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Provides a comprehensive overview of the main crop models developed in North America, Europe, Asia and the Pacific
Considers how current crop models can be improved with future enhancements, such as the incorporation of genetics
Details examples of current applications of crop models, focussing on genotype-environment-management (G x E x M) interactions
Contributions by: Kenneth C. Eastwell, Washington State University, USA; Karel Petrzik, Biology Centre CAS, Czech Republic; Manuel Rubio, Federico Dicenta and Pedro Martínez-Gómez, CEBAS-CSIC, Spain; H. Czosnek, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel; A
Reviews the implementation of best practices to reduce the risk of virus spread in apple orchards
Provides a detailed overview of key viruses affecting banana production, such as banana bunchy top virus and banana bract mosaic virus
Addresses the modes of transmission and spread of Apple mosaic virus
Contributions by: Glen W. Almond and Emily Mahan-Riggs, North Carolina State University, USA; M. L. W. J. Broekhuijse, Topigs Norsvin Research Center B.V., The Netherlands; Glen W. Almond, North Carolina State University, USA; and Diego F. Leal, Universit
Instant Insights: Optimising reproductive efficiency in pigs
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Provides an overview of the factors affecting the reproductive efficiency of sows, including gilt development and litter size
Discusses the main factors affecting the reproductive efficiency of boards, including low sperm count and semen quality
Reviews the advantages and disadvantages of utilising genetic selection for improved reproductive performance in sows
Professor Professor Laurie E. Drinkwater
The science and practice of agroecology
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Summarises the latest developments in ecological principles underpinning agroecology which provide the foundation for approaches such as regenerative agriculture
Reviews how to balance trade-offs in agroecosystems to balance yields with resilience and protection of biodiversity
Assesses how to optimise practical agroecosystems by involving farmers and using open-source technology and indigenous knowledge
Dr Dr John Stafford
Precision agriculture for sustainability: Second edition
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Provides a comprehensive overview of the major technologies used in precision agriculture, from proximal/remote sensing and use of unmanned aerial vehicles to the wide range of variable rate delivery systems
Discusses the breadth of precision agriculture applications both in crop and livestock farming, from precision tillage and variable-rate seeding to precision pasture management
Includes new developments such as multi-sensor fusion, robotics, artificial intelligence and big data
Distinguished Laureate Professor Distinguished Laureate Professor Ravi Naidu
Contaminants in agricultural soils
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Reviews the main types of contaminants in agricultural soils, such as heavy metals, pesticide residues and petroleum hydrocarbon waste products, per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contaminants
Explores bioremediation techniques such as the use of soil amendments and additives
Covers techniques such as phyto-stabilisation and phyto-extraction
Professor Professor Cristina Alamprese
Advances in improving the safety and quality of eggs
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Provides a detailed overview of the range of techniques and treatments used to optimise safety at the pre-harvest and postharvest stages of egg production
Outlines key shell egg quality standards and ways of meeting quality requirements
Considers the environmental impact of egg production systems and how these can be better optimised to improve sustainability
Edited by: Professor Maria Rosa Mosquera-Losada, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Dr Ladislau Martin, Embrapa, Brazil; Professor Anastasia Pantera, Agricultural University of Athens, Greece; and Dr Allison Chatrchyan, Cornell University USA
Advances in temperate agroforestry
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Provides a comprehensive overview of the ways agroforestry can support key ecosystem services
Reviews the range of silvopastoral and silvoarable systems and their application in agriculture to optimise crop and livestock production
Considers the benefits of temperate agroforestry in mitigating/adapting to climate change
Contributions by: Andreas Schindlbacher, Federal Research and Training Centre for Forests, Natural Hazards and Landscape (BFW), Austria; Mathias Mayer, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL), Switzerland and University of Na
Instant Insights: Carbon monitoring and management in forests
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Explores the interactions between tropical forests and the immediate climate, as well as the role of tropical forests in the global carbon cycle
Highlights the development and submission of Action Plans for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) by a range of countries
Considers the debate surrounding whether forests should be classified as sources or sinks of carbon
Contributions by: Johnny Yeung, Yong Quan Tan, Siew Herng Chan, Kern Rei Chng, Calvin Yeo, Jer Lin Poh, Teng Yong Low and Joanne Sheot Harn Chan, National Centre for Food Science, Singapore; Gregory Jaffe, Center for Science in the Public Interest, USA; R
Instant Insights: Regulatory frameworks for new agricultural products and technologies
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Utilises case studies to highlight the processes involved in receiving regulatory approval for new agricultural products
Highlights the need for consistent regulation of genome-edited crops/products from country to country
Reviews recent advances in plant protection regulations in the EU, focussing on those applicable to biopesticides and bioprotectants
Contributions by: April Leytem, Robert Dungan, Mindy Spiehs and Dan Miller, United States Department of Agriculture, USA; Cristina Lazcano, University of California-Davis, USA; Charlotte Decock, California Polytechnic State University, USA; Connie T. F. W
Instant Insights: Regenerative techniques to improve soil health
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Addresses some of the common issues associated with the use of bio-based fertilisers
Reviews the use and benefits of service crops in intensive cropping systems and low input systems
Considers the use of compost as a means of improving soil health and biodiversity
Contributions by: A. J. Escribano, Nutrion Internacional, Spain; J. Ryschawy, University of Toulouse, France; and L. K. Whistance, The Organic Research Centre, UK;Lydie Dufour, INRA, France;Diomy S. Zamora, University of Minnesota, USA; Samuel C. Allen, N
Instant Insights: Agroforestry practices
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Considers the importance of agroforestry systems in achieving a more sustainable agriculture
Reviews the environmental, ecological and economic benefits of agroforestry systems
Explores the ways in which agroforestry practices can be implemented to enhance biodiversity
Contributions by: Alison Hamm and Daniel K. Manter, USDA-ARS, USA; Theodor Friedrich, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Italy; Michele Pisante, University of Teramo, Italy; Angelica Galieni, Council for Agricultural Research a
Instant Insights: Zero/no-till cultivation
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Reviews the effects of no-till practices on soil health, focussing on its impact on the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils
Considers the key concepts of no-tillage agriculture and how soil disturbance can be minimised during particular farming activities
Assesses the role of no-till agricultural practices on reducing the risk of soil erosion
Contributions by: Sander de Leeuw, Renzo Akkerman and Rodrigo Romero Silva, Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands; Samantha Islam, University of Cambridge, UK; Louise Manning, Royal Agricultural University, UK; and Jonathan M. Cullen, Univer
Considers recent advances in agri-food traceability systems and technologies
Reviews the role of food governance and technology in product recalls in food supply chains
Addresses the main causes of food losses and waste in agri-food supply chains and how they can be prevented/reduced
Contributions by: Lidia Sas Paszt and Slawomir Gluszek, Research Institute of Horticulture, Poland; Sylvia Kratz, Kerstin Panten, Ewald Schnug and Elke Bloem, Julius Kühn-Institute, Germany; April Leytem, Robert Dungan, Mindy Spiehs and Dan Miller, Unite
Instant Insights: Biofertiliser use in agriculture
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Considers the need to replace the application of synthetic fertilisers with more eco-friendly alternatives that have a reduced impact on the environment
Reviews recent advances in the use of treated wastes to optimise crop health and nutrition
Addresses key issues that can arise as a result of the use of bio-based fertilisers
Contributions by: Chunhua Zhang, Algoma University, Canada; and John M. Kovacs and Dan Walters, Nipissing University, Canada; Helge Aasen, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, ETH Zurich and Remote Sensing Team, Division of Agroecology and Environment, Agr
Instant Insights: Unmanned aircraft systems in agriculture
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Considers the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) as a means of measuring key plant traits, including canopy cover
Discusses the advantages and limitations of using unmanned aerial vehicle remote sensing platforms in precision agriculture
Reviews key elements of UASs, including platforms, sensors, flight planning and imagery acquisition
Contributions by: Arlene Garcia and John J. McGlone, Texas Tech University, USA; Jonathan Amory, Writtle University College, UK; and Nina Wainwright, British Pig Executive (BPEX), UK; Luigi Faucitano, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canada; and Antonio
Instant Insights: Improving the welfare of growing and finishing pigs
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Discusses the role of poor herd health management in the development of disorders and outbreaks of disease
Highlights the impact of intensive pig production systems on animal behaviour
Addresses the use of environmental enrichment as a means of mitigating aggressive behaviour in pigs, such as tail biting
Emerita Professor Emerita Professor Carolyn Sachs
Women and smallholder farming
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Provides a comprehensive overview of the key challenges encountered by women smallholder farmers, such as restricted access to markets and technical training programmes
Addresses the critical role of women smallholder farmers to the success of global agricultural production
Includes a selection of case studies which highlight the development of programmes to aid women smallholder farmers in crop and livestock production
Contributions by: Sophie Bertrand, French Dairy Board (CNIEL), France; J. Upton, E. Murphy and L. Shalloo, Teagasc, Ireland; M. Murphy, Cork Institute of Technology, Ireland; and I.J.M. De Boer and P.W.G. Groot Koerkamp, Wageningen University, The Netherl
Instant Insights: Improving the sustainability of dairy production
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Reviews the range of methods available to evaluate the environmental impact of dairy production
Considers the role of the ruminant microbiome on energy harvest and methane emission
Addresses how dairy farms can function more sustainably, focussing on how energy consumption and water use can be optimised to reduce environmental impact
Contributions by: M. Causse, E. Albert and C. Sauvage, INRA, France; Chris Barbey and Kevin Folta, University of Florida, USA; Kerry Walsh and Zhenglin Wang, Central Queensland University, Australia; Oliver Chen, Biofortis Research, Merieux NutriSciences
Instant Insights: Optimising quality attributes in horticultural products
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Reviews recent advances in the use of quantitative trait loci to identify and improve key sensory attributes of tomatoes and strawberries
Identifies the key health benefits associated with the consumption of cranberries, as well as future approaches for maximising the bioefficacy of cranberry-related food and products
Highlights the use of plant bioregulators in the tree fruit production industry as a means of controlling vegetative growth and the maintenance and development of tree structure
Edited by: Adriana Casillas, Tebrio, Spain
Insects as alternative sources of protein for food and feed
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With significant concerns about the environmental impact of conventional crop and livestock production, there is a growing interest in utilising novel alternative sources of protein in both human and animal diets. Insects have long been consumed by an array of species, such as birds, fish and mammals, including humans.
Insects as alternative sources of protein for food and feed provides a comprehensive overview of the recent research undertaken in this rapidly-expanding area. The book reviews the production and application of black soldier flies, yellow mealworms and other insects as alternative protein sources in poultry, pig and fish feed, as well as their nutritional benefits and challenges that can arise as a result of their use.
Through its considered approach, the book explores how the safety of insect-derived protein can be ensured across the supply chain, as well as how we can optimise its use as a sustainable feed and food source which contributes to a more resilient food system.
Dr Dr Steven C. Ricke
Improving poultry meat safety and sustainability
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$195.00
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Highlights the major zoonotic disease threats to poultry production, detailing their characterisation, identification and routes of transmission
Addresses both on-farm safety and postharvest management techniques in preventing the risk and spread of zoonotic and other diseases
Considers how elements of poultry production can be better managed to improve safety and sustainability, such as improving feed formulation and litter management to reduce environmental impact
