Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing

• Reviews how precision livestock farming (PLF) technologies can be utilised to improve the efficiency and sustainability of pig production
• Highlights the remarkable ability of PLF technologies to monitor and measure physiological and behavioural traits of pigs
• Explores the range of technologies available to monitor pigs, from biosensors and wearable sensors, to the use of acoustic and machine vision technologies

• Reviews the range of precision livestock farming (PLF) technologies for monitoring dairy cattle health and milk quality
• Considers the applications of PLF technologies across beef and dairy production, such as the use of automated feeding technologies and those used to monitor housing/environmental conditions
• Discusses the range of supervised and unsupervised learning techniques in precision dairy farming, such as decision trees, support vector machines and neural networks

• Provides a detailed overview of the range of alternative animal feed ingredients
• Considers the potential of alternative animal feed ingredients as core ingredients or supplements in the diets of pigs and fish
• Discusses the techniques used to calculate the nutritional content and quality of alternative animal feed ingredients

• Highlights the significant importance of supporting farmers in their transition from relying on inorganic fertilisers to utilising more organic sources of nutrition
• Considers the role of biostimulants in promoting crop nutrient use efficiency and overall crop health
• Reviews the potential contribution of particular soil amendments to soil organic matter content, nutrient availability and nutrient cycling

• Comprehensively addresses the major challenges facing broiler production, including antibiotic resistance and environmental impact
• Considers the role of environmental and genetic factors on healthy broiler chick development
• Reviews the range of precision farming technologies used to monitor broiler health and welfare

• Provides a comprehensive overview of the major types of contaminants in food, including environmental and process contaminants, as well as natural toxins
• Reviews the establishment of major international and EU food safety frameworks
• Addresses recent advances in techniques for monitoring and detecting chemical contaminants in food

• Provides an authoritative review of current research on the ways agriculture contributes to key greenhouse gas emissions
• Outlines the range of options for adapting agricultural land use to reduce emissions and optimise carbon sequestration
• Explores the challenges and opportunities faced by different regions in developing appropriate agricultural land use strategies to achieve net zero

• Provides a comprehensive overview of the main types of cover crop species, including leguminous, gramineous and non-leguminous broadleaf cover crops
• Reviews the role of cover crops in helping to promote soil health and deliver key ecosystem services
• Reviews recent developments in the management of cover crops

• 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

• 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

• Considers both traditional and modern applications of hemp, including its use in construction and as livestock and fish feed
• Discusses consumer attitudes to hemp production and the role of the supply chain in allowing hemp to reach its full potential
• Addresses the range of abiotic and biotic stresses affecting hemp, as well as the role of improved resistance in mitigating them

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

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.

• 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

• Provides a detailed overview of the recent advances in the biocontrol sector, focussing on the development of products to control crop insect pests
• Considers the key issues and challenges that can arise as a result of the development of novel biocontrol agents, such as the challenge of commercialising a new product to a rapidly changing market
• Addresses how breeding techniques can be optimised to improve plant defences against insect pest attacks

• Provides a detailed overview of the current challenges facing sheep production, including changing consumer and societal attitudes to sheep products
• Considers how sheep production can improve its sustainability through the implementation of key practices, such as the use of genetic improvements to reduce GHG emissions
• Reviews the recent advances in sheep breeding and genetic selection, as well as how it can be optimised to improve fertility and reproductive performance in sheep

• Considers how weed management can be optimised in Conservation Agriculture (CA) and other low-input production systems

• Provides a comprehensive overview of the recent research on the use of cultural and physical weed management techniques in CA systems, such as the use of allelopathy and thermal weed control

• Reviews the range of chemical and biological weed management techniques available to CA farmers, including the use of bioherbicides and other emerging methods of biological control

Pig nutrition faces many challenges, including the need to meet the changing requirements of animals as they grow whilst minimising environmentally-damaging nutrient losses. Additionally, with growing crops for feed seen as a significant contributor to climate change, there is an emerging consensus that the sector must seek alternative, more sustainable feed sources which have a reduced impact on the environment.

Advances in pig nutrition provides a comprehensive overview of the range of research addressing these challenges. The book addresses recent advances in understanding feed intake and feed formulation, focussing on advances in understanding pig nutritional requirements and ensuring feed safety. This collection also reviews the role of feed additives in optimising pig nutrition, including amino acids, prebiotics and exogenous enzymes.

“The depth of the analysis and the wealth of references in Dave Watson’s book provide a solid foundation for understanding the implications of the pressing environmental challenges we face, particularly the global food crisis. His engaging style makes this book not only informative but also inspiring. It encourages us to rethink our relationship with food, to value our culinary traditions, and to promote systems that nourish not only individuals but also our planet.” (Book Review Published in International Journal of Environmental Studies – Professor Nadia Boutaleb, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Morocco)

"Written from a supply side perspective, this is an excellent, well-written and comprehensive synthesis of a huge volume of literature on ways to improve the sustainability of food systems. I enjoyed reading it." (Professor Tim Benton, Distinguished Fellow - Environment and Society Centre, Chatham House - Royal Institute of International Affairs, UK)

There is an almost universal recognition that modern agri-food supply chains are unsustainable. They are seen as both contributing to and vulnerable to climate change, too reliant on environmentally-damaging synthetic inputs, as undermining biodiversity, generating significant losses and waste and failing to deliver the nutritious food required for a healthy, balanced diet.

Transforming food systems: The quest for sustainability addresses one of the greatest global challenges of our time: how to reform food systems so they are more sustainable but still able to produce the food we need. The book traces the evolution of the current global food production system and reviews competing approaches to achieving more sustainable production, starting with ‘reformist’ approaches which promote new technologies as a way forward, such as genetic modification and synthetic foods.

This collection also considers the pros and cons of ‘progressive’ approaches, such as regenerative and organic agriculture, as well as the more radical solutions which seek to achieve a more fundamental reform of the food system.

As the world tackles the central question of how food should be produced in the future, this book provides readers with an authoritative guide to the various solutions on offer and how to assess which road we should take.

Despite recent efforts, agricultural production continues to threaten biodiversity, disrupt delivery of key ecosystem services and contribute to climate change. A more regenerative approach is required to enable farmers to restore and work with the ecosystem services that underpin sustainable farming and food production. Biodiversity lies at the heart of this process.

Managing biodiversity in agricultural landscapes: Conservation, restoration and rewilding considers the range of techniques that can be implemented to improve biodiversity in farmland. It synthesises current research on the best ways to plan, implement and monitor ecological restoration projects as well as the role of government agri-environment schemes. The book also assesses what we know about the use and impact of individual conservation practices, such as field margins and hedgerows, and ways of successfully rewilding farmland.

“This 400-page book explores how organic dairy farming addresses challenges including environmental impact, animal welfare and antibiotic resistance. The book is aimed at academics, international policy professionals and organic farmers seeking research-based guidance, however it would also be a valuable addition to undergraduate reading lists in food science, biological sciences and agriculture. This is a timely and well-written resource.” (Book Review Published in the International Journal of Dairy Technology)

The dairy sector continues to face increasing scrutiny for its environmental impact and contribution to climate change.It must also address consumer concerns surrounding issues such as animal welfare, antibiotic usage/resistance and the ethics of intensive production systems.

Advances in organic dairy cattle farmingconsiders how organic dairy farming has the potential to address these challenges whilst also meeting the key organic principles of health, ecology, fairness and care. The book reviews advances in areas such as breeding, optimising pasture-based production and organic milk quality, improving the health and welfare of calves and adult cows, as well as promoting biodiversity and the move to a more circular, sustainable bioeconomy.

“Poultry consumption has increased over the last several years and this trend is expected to continue with the increasing population. With this in mind, the authors of this book have done an excellent job of reviewing current practices in poultry nutrition, evaluating new trends, and discussing how these new trends will impact the poultry industry in the future to meet the increasing demand for poultry meat and eggs. Researchers and nutritionists will find very useful information regarding a variety of topics related to current and future trends in poultry nutrition. Additionally, this book may also be used as supplementary material for poultry science courses.” (Book Review Published in the Journal of Applied Poultry Research)

Poultry nutrition faces many challenges, including the need to meet the changing requirements of growing birds whilst also avoiding over-nutrition and nutrient losses which can be both environmentally and economically damaging.** With the sector also facing increasing pressure to reduce its reliance on antibiotics, a greater understanding of the poultry gut, its function and its role in optimising overall bird health is required.

Advances in poultry nutrition provides a detailed overview of the physiology of feed intake in broiler production, focussing on recent advances in nutrient requirements, poultry digestive physiology and the genetic factors which can affect feed conversion efficiency in broilers. The collection also reviews the nutritional value of poultry feed and the range of in vivo and in vitro techniques used to measure factors which can influence its value, such as feed digestibility and metabolizable energy.

In recent years, there have been significant developments in the way that pigs are bred. This is primarily as a result of a shift in focus from production traits, such as meat quality, to other traits such as improved feed efficiency, reproductive performance and disease resistance. In light of this shift, a greater understanding of reproduction efficiency in pigs is required.

Advances in pig breeding and reproduction provides a comprehensive overview of the key research undertaken in these important areas and considers how reproduction efficiency can be optimised to achieve the desired breeding outcomes. The book also addresses recent advances in understanding how genetics can be engineered to breed pigs with an improved resistance to major diseases affecting pigs, such as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus.

“From the very first pages, this collective work impresses with the rigour of its composition. A carefully-structured table of contents guides the reader through the multiple dimensions of agro-environmental standards – from their institutional definitions to the assessment of their impact on the management of quality, safety and traceability. The book also explores their practical implementation across diverse sectors such as regenerative agriculture, livestock farming, forestry, carbon markets, and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) schemes. It will become an essential reference – helping policymakers, producers and researchers navigate the shifting complexities of these standards.” (Book Review Published in Nature Built Social Environment Health)

There is increasing scrutiny of the safety, environmental and social impact of food production. However, the complexity of modern agri-food supply chains has significantly complicated the process of setting and enforcing appropriate standards. The thematic scope of standards has also expanded from its original focus on safety and quality to cover social responsibility and ethical trading, animal welfare, environmental sustainability, biodiversity loss and nature-related risks.

Finally, the range of stakeholders involved in setting and monitoring standards governing agri-food supply chains has proliferated, from official national, regional and international bodies to non-government organisations (NGOs), the food industry itself and now the investment sector concerned to ensure their clients meet environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards.

Improving standards and certification in agri-food supply chains: Ensuring safety, sustainability and social responsibility comprehensively addresses the challenges raised by this complex picture and features contributions from leading international experts from the Codex Alimentarius Commission and the Rainforest Alliance. The book discusses how to reconcile the roles of different stakeholders in standard setting, how changes in governance and technology can improve accountability, as well as the different ways of enhancing good agricultural practices (GAP) to meet new ways of producing food.

The book also discusses the challenges and solutions in achieving effective standards promoting more socially responsible production and how best to address emerging practices to improve environmental sustainability such as regenerative agriculture.

Microbiomes are communities of microorganisms living in soil and other habitats. In recent years, a new wave of research into understanding soil microbiomes has emerged, with stakeholders across the supply chain recognising the fundamental importance of these communities in optimising both crop and soil health. Despite these advancements, many soil microorganisms and their ecological functions remain only partially understood.

Understanding and utilising soil microbiomes for a more sustainable agriculture summarises the wealth of recent research in this important area. It reviews advances in techniques for analysing soil microorganisms, the composition and dynamics of soil microbial communities, the ecosystem services they support and how they can be enhanced.

The agricultural sector remains under increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact and consequent contribution to climate change, whilst also producing enough food to feed a rapidly growing population. With the variety and volume of data, coupled with the advanced methods for data processing, a new era of digital agriculture is emerging as a possible solution to this monumental challenge.

Smart farms: improving data-driven decision making in agriculture provides a comprehensive review of the recent advances in gathering and analysing data as a means of improving farm sustainability, productivity and profitability. The book discusses the evolution of farm information management systems, highlighting current trends and challenges, as well as methods of data acquisition and analysis, including the use of artificial intelligence.

“This book is a jewel, its many facets revealing the full range of advanced technical and technological data and innovative strategies in nitrogen management aimed at improving agricultural productivity and supporting sustainable and resilient agriculture, while also minimizing negative environmental impacts in line with sustainable development goals.” (Book Review Published in International Journal of Environmental Studies – Professor Nadia Boutaleb, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Morocco)

In the last 60 years fertiliser use in agriculture has increased by 900%. However, it’s been reported that up to 80% of these fertilisers are not utilised by crops but are lost to the environment as nitrous oxide, ammonia and nitrate. Improving nitrogen use efficiency is recognised as one possible solution to reducing the sector’s environmental impact and optimising its productivity and sustainability in the face of increasing pressure to feed a growing population.

Improving nitrogen use efficiency in crop production reviews recent advances in understanding nitrogen cycling in soil as well as advances in monitoring nitrogen status and synchronising fertiliser application. The book also considers developments in inorganic fertilisers to improve nitrogen use efficiency, as well as how more organic sources of nitrogen, such as livestock manure, can be optimised to achieve the same goal.

Avocado is one of the world’s most economically important subtropical/tropical fruit crops, ranking fourth in export value behind bananas, grapes and apples. In the past 20 years, global avocado production has increased dramatically, with production now occurring in over 70 countries as a result of increased consumer demand.

This growth in production and consumer demand has been attributed to the fruit’s remarkable sensory, nutritional and nutraceutical properties. However, continued growth of the sector depends on optimising these properties, as well as improving the sustainability of pre-harvest cultivation and post-processing operations in the face of several challenges, including climate change.

Built on a lifetime’s experience from one of the world’s leading experts in the field, Sustainable production and postharvest handling of avocado considers how the avocado value chain can be optimised to achieve this growth. The book includes seven chapters which each offer a detailed insight into different elements of avocado production, covering topics such as nutritional compounds and health benefits, cultivars, growing techniques, pest and disease management, as well as post-harvest physiology and treatment and handling.

Written by a world-renowned expert, Sustainable production and postharvest handling of avocado will be a standard reference for commercial avocado growers, producers, processors and retailers, university and other researchers in tropical fruit science, as well as government and other private sector agencies supporting the sustainable production of avocados.

It’s been suggested that around 12 million hectares of agricultural land are affected by soil erosion each year. If the degradation of the world’s soil reservoir continues, many have estimated that this could lead to a 30% reduction in global food production by 2040.

Understanding and preventing soil erosion provides a comprehensive overview of recent research on understanding the mechanisms of soil erosion, as well as the best practices for measuring and modelling soil erosion risk in agricultural soils. The book also considers the range of agronomic practices and techniques available to mitigate future soil erosion, including the use of buffer strips, zero/no-tillage and soil stabilisers.

In its detailed assessment of soil erosion, the book succeeds in highlighting the potential future impact of degraded soils on the quality, security and longevity of our global food system if the problem of soil erosion isn’t effectively managed.

Whilst there are many types of agri-food supply chain, all face growing pressures to improve safety, efficiency, equity, environmental and health impacts for chain actors and consumers.

Frontiers in agri-food supply chains: Frameworks and case studies takes a considered approach to detailing the recent developments across the sector which support the changing demands placed upon agri-food supply chains, including the emergence of digital technologies to ensure a sufficient supply of safe, high-quality food. The collection highlights the need to assess the performance, infrastructure and governance of agri-food supply chains and provides detailed case studies from several regions around the world to demonstrate examples of improved performance.

In its comprehensive exploration of agri-food supply chains, the book succeeds in highlighting the fragility of our global food system and ways to improve the resilience and efficiency of agri-food supply chains.

With the global population estimated to reach 9 billion by 2050, agricultural production must align with this growth to alleviate any further burden on our current food systems. More sustainable and alternative modes of production are required to ensure that this overburden doesn’t occur and that the food security of millions isn’t compromised in the process.

Advances in cultured meat technology reviews the growing interest and emergence in the field of cellular agriculture as one possible solution to achieving this. The book reviews the major technologies used in cultured meat product development, including cell line sourcing, cell growth media, bioreactors for cell multiplication and tissue engineering using scaffolds. The need to establish regulatory frameworks to permit the creation and trade of this new type of product is also highlighted, as is the key issue of consumer acceptance of this new technology.

In its comprehensive exploration of the recent advances in cultured meat, the book showcases the potential of cultured meat production in alleviating the burden on our food systems, as well as some of the welfare and sustainability issues that arise during traditional livestock production.

Natural capital accounting provides techniques to value natural resources and the ecosystem services they deliver. These techniques are being increasingly used by governments, banks and other financial institutions to set conservation priorities, make ecologically-based investment decisions, and to improve the impact of agri-food businesses on the natural world.

Protecting natural capital and biodiversity in the agri-food sector provides a comprehensive overview of how key actors in the agri-food supply chain account for their impacts on natural capital. The book explores recent advances in the accounting and reporting frameworks to measure these impacts, as well as how natural capital and biodiversity can be identified and protected in a variety of agri-food sectors such as dairy production, palm oil production and winemaking.

The book showcases how the agri-food sector can better value and protect ecosystem services and reverse the depletion of natural capital and biodiversity.

In recent years, consumers have become increasingly interested not just in price and quality but in where and how food is produced. However, these changes to consumer attitudes have highlighted a considerable gap between intention and actual purchasing behaviour, particularly where ethical and environmental issues are concerned.

Consumers and food: Understanding and shaping consumer behaviour reviews what we know about changing food purchasing behaviours so that farmers, food manufacturers, retailers and policymakers can better meet and influence customer needs and expectations. The book reviews existing models of customer behaviour such as dual process and neuroscience approaches.

The book also considers contemporary issues such as regional and cultural influences on consumer purchasing behaviour, as well as how consumers assess attributes such as food origins and sustainability.

“The book is a ‘must have’, for it considers many complex and intertwined aspects from the consumer to genetics, to pre- and postharvest management, that impact and determine eating quality. This positions the book well for those young researchers starting a career on these topics.” (Book Review Published in Chronica Horticulturae – Professor Luca Corelli Grappadelli, University of Bologna, Italy and Chair ISHS Division Temperate Tree Fruits)

Apples are one of the most highly consumed fruits globally, with estimations that almost 88 million tonnes of apples are produced worldwide each year. As a result of this popularity, consumers have extremely high expectations of the sensory quality of the apples they consume.

Improving the quality of apples provides a comprehensive review of the wealth of research on the processes which determine the key quality attributes of apples, including texture and nutritional content. The book addresses how these properties can be enhanced during the pre- and postharvest stages to ensure product quality and customer satisfaction, as well as the role of breeding programmes in identifying genes directly related to sensory quality characteristics.

In its detailed exploration of the key quality attributes of apples, the book provides its readers with an insight into the science behind producing the ‘perfect’ product and how influential quality attributes are on consumer purchasing behaviours.

The global population is expected to reach 9 billion by 2050. Feeding this growing population more sustainably is a huge challenge facing agriculture. Developing agricultural robotics is seen as one potential solution to tackling this challenge.

Advances in agri-food robotics reviews the utilisation of agricultural robots to deal with increasing labour shortages in agriculture whilst bringing greater precision and efficiency into farming operations. The book addresses recent advances in agricultural robotic technologies and how these can be optimised to monitor and manage crop production more effectively, from phenotyping for improved varieties to harvesting the finished product.

In its comprehensive exploration of the technologies available, the book provides farmers with the means necessary to invest – and trust – in agricultural robotics to improve the productivity and profitability of their farm.

“The book contains valuable chapters that provide a useful introduction to how circular economy concepts apply to agricultural systems, supplemented with more in-depth descriptions and analyses of important technologies which may help moving towards improved circularity.” (Book Review Published in the Journal of Circular Economy – Dr A. G. T. Schut and Dr W. J. Vonk, Wageningen University, The Netherlands)

With the agricultural sector pledging to improve its sustainability, there is an urgent need to move away from linear food production models which rely on significant raw material inputs and generate large amounts of residual waste.

Developing circular agricultural production systems reviews the emergence of circular agriculture as an approach to improving the sustainability of the agricultural sector. The book addresses recent advances in understanding and developing closed-loop systems to optimise crop nutrient cycles and resource use, as well as ways agricultural wastes can be recycled back into agricultural production or used as feedstock to produce a range of bio-based materials.

With its comprehensive coverage, the book showcases how to develop circular agricultural production systems, from using crop residues as livestock feed, to producing biogas from livestock manure and manufacturing bio-plastics from agricultural waste.

Climate change is a key threat to agriculture. Modelling is fundamental to assessing its potential impacts. This collection summarises the wealth of research on improving climate impact models and their use in assessing impacts on different regions.

Modelling climate change impacts on agricultural systems reviews research on developing models in areas such as improving data flows, incorporating genetic information and dealing with uncertainty. This collection also reviews what we know about potential climate change impacts on regional agricultural systems such as, Europe, North America, Latin America, Australia and Oceania, as well as different regions in Asia and Africa.

Irrigated agriculture accounts for around 70% of global water use. However, an estimated 60% of irrigated cropland remains highly water-stressed, a problem intensified by the effects of climate change.

Improving water management in agriculture: Irrigation and food production considers ways of addressing this challenge. It reviews advances in monitoring and optimising irrigation efficiency, ways of retaining and re-using water resources as well as how farmers can work collaboratively with other stakeholders to manage watersheds more sustainably.

The book highlights key areas where innovation is required to ensure that water use is optimised at farm and watershed scales. The book also encourages farmers to reassess their current irrigation models and implement alternative practices which improve efficiency with a reduced environmental impact.

With increasing temperatures and an escalation in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, agricultural productivity remains at risk of being compromised. With the food security of millions threatened, there remains a need to develop alternative, sustainable production models which can thrive in the face of climate change.

Advances in plant factories: New technologies in indoor vertical farming reviews the wealth of research on optimising plant factories with artificial lighting (PFALs) as one potential solution to achieving a more sustainable agriculture. The book addresses developments in process monitoring, optimising energy use, as well as adjusting lighting conditions to improve the sensory and nutritional quality of a range of horticultural crops.

Agriculture is facing unprecedented scrutiny for its social and environmental impacts. Many of the key choices it must make are fundamentally about ethics.

Key issues in agricultural ethics explores key ethical debates surrounding agriculture and agri-food supply chains. These include issues such as animal welfare, use of labour, the effects of new technologies and the overall impact of agriculture on the environment. It considers the ways these ethical dilemmas may be better understood and potentially resolved.

Edited by a leading researcher in the field, Key issues in agricultural ethics will be a standard reference for researchers in agriculture and environmental science, government and other private sector agencies responsible for monitoring good agricultural practice, as well as researchers involved in the social sciences with a focus on ethics.

Increasing consumer demand for low-input cultivation and minimal processing has significantly increased the risk of microbiological contamination of fresh produce. This both presents a health risk to consumers and undermines trust in the food supply chain from farm to fork.

Advances in ensuring the microbiological safety of fresh produce reviews our current understanding of key pathogenic risks to fresh produce such as Salmonella, Listeria and E.coli. The book addresses recent advances in improving safety along the value chain, from advances in detection to improving consumer handling of fresh produce.

By providing a comprehensive insight into the pathogenic risks facing the fresh produce sector, the book details how key stakeholders across the agri-food supply chain can reduce the risk of pathogen contamination and outbreaks of foodborne illnesses.

Edited by an internationally-renowned expert in the field and featuring contributions from a team of expert authors, Advances in ensuring the microbiological safety of fresh produce will be a standard reference for researchers in food safety, agricultural engineers specialising in fresh produce storage, retail and other companies involved in the fresh produce supply chain, as well as government and commercial agencies responsible for safety and quality monitoring of agri-food supply chains.

“The one thing that really struck me about this book was the calibre of the editorial team and the international range and expertise of the contributing editors and authors. With over 550 pages this book is well worth its place on the bookshelf of anyone who is interested in poultry breeding and genomics.” (International Hatchery Practice)

“The editor of the book is Nick French, an internationally highly recognised scientist and practitioner in the field of poultry breeding, which in turn guarantees a close link between research and practice. Embryo development and hatchery practice in poultry production will fill a gap in this field and provide practitioners, researchers and students with an up-to-date reference work.” (Book Review Published in European Poultry Science – Dr Barbara Tzschentke, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany)

It is widely recognised that developments in the chick embryo have a profound effect on hatchability and the subsequent health and productive capacity of poultry. With a stronger focus on welfare, prevention of disease and more sustainable poultry production, understanding these early stages has never been more crucial.

Embryo development and hatchery practice in poultry production addresses the key stages and factors in embryo development in poultry to optimise hatchability and chick health. The book reviews the role of parental and environmental factors on embryo development and skeletal growth.

The book also reviews the effects of incubation on chick health and development, including factors such as temperature, light exposure and humidity, as well as best practice in managing the hatching stage.

Through focussed and authoritative discussions, the book details best practices for managing a hatchery environment to ensure that chick welfare, health and productive capacity are optimized.

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

Developing drought-resistant cereals reviews the wealth of research which addresses how to overcome this challenge in order to mitigate climate change effects in cereal production. This collection details our understanding of the mechanisms of drought tolerance, as well as developments in techniques for improving resistance, including phenotyping, identifying genes relating to root and photosynthetic function and the use of genomic selection and genome editing.

With growing concerns surrounding the impact of climate change on both native and invasive pest invasions, coupled with the rising threat of global food insecurity, more research is required to understand the major insect pests of cereals, including how best to control and monitor them.

Advances in understanding insect pests affecting wheat and other cereals provides a comprehensive review of the wealth of research that addresses this challenge. This collection discusses the most recent developments in fundamental and applied research on major pests and shows how better understanding of these pests can be used to improve integrated pest management strategies.

The safety of agri-food supply chains remains under constant threat from risks such as food adulteration, malicious contamination, microbiological and chemical hazards, as well as the presence of foreign bodies in food products.

Developing smart agri-food supply chains: Using technology to improve safety and quality provides an authoritative assessment of recent developments to improve safety and quality at key points in the agri-food supply chain. This collection provides a comprehensive coverage of the methods used in tracking and traceability (including detecting genetically-modified organisms in food products), ways of assessing product integrity, dealing with malicious contamination as well as quality assessment and ensuring transparency in supply chains.

Edited by Professor Louise Manning, Royal Agricultural University, UK, Developing smart agri-food supply chains: Using technology to improve safety and quality will be a standard reference for those researching food safety, agri-food logistics and supply chains in universities or other research centres, as well as government and commercial agencies responsible for safety and quality monitoring of agri-food supply chains. It will also be a key reference for supply chain actors, from farmers to food processors and retailers.

"What Dr Samuel Johnson did for English, Professor Amir Kassam has done for Conservation Agriculture (CA). He is eminently well qualified and has enlisted more than a hundred battle-hardened champions to contribute 26 chapters amounting to over a thousand scholarly pages. The content is formidable. Volume one, Systems and Science, embraces: the need for CA; global developments; soil health and landscape management; the roles of minimum soil disturbance, mulch and cover crops; crops and cropping systems, vegetable systems, perennial systems; integration of cropping and livestock; mechanization; certification; institutional and policy support. Volume two, Practice and Benefits, includes management of crops and cropping systems, soil, weeds, insect pests and disease, nutrients, carbon, and biodiversity; climate change mitigation and adaptation; benefits to farmers and society; ecosystem services; and rehabilitation of degraded farmland…This book can change the future."review by David Dent in International Journal of Environmental Studies

This volume summarises research on key components for successful Conservation Agriculture (CA).

Chapters review the latest research on ways of optimising no-till techniques to minimise soil disturbance in relation to seeding, weeding and other operations. Chapters also review ways to improve soil health in CA, including mulch cover, cover crops, rotations and intercropping.

The book also includes case studies on optimising CA in particular systems, including rice, root, tuber and horticultural crops as well as integrating livestock in CA systems. The book concludes by looking at certification schemes and institutional support to promote good CA practice.

World egg consumption is increasing, particularly in developing countries. This creates new challenges, particularly for more intensive systems which have played a major role in increasing production and productivity. Intensive systems face a continuing threat from zoonoses. At the same time, consumer expectations about both safety, sensory and nutritional quality have never been higher. There is also increasing concern about the environmental impact of and animal welfare issues in egg production.

Drawing on an international range of expertise, this book reviews key research addressing these issues. Part 1 looks at advances in understanding and improving the welfare of hens, from welfare standards to nutrition and other aspects of husbandry. Part 2 discusses sustainability issues, from ways of measuring the environmental impact of egg production to ways of improving sustainability such as improved waste management.
Achieving sustainable production of eggs Volume 2: Animal welfare and sustainability will be a standard reference for poultry and food scientists in universities, government and other research centres and companies involved in egg production. It is accompanied by Volume 1 which reviews safety and quality issues.

"The result is a refreshing balance between readability and practicality, underpinned by true science and the appliance of science… as a comprehensive resource on the breadth of information available with the combination of general principles, up-to-date advice, coupled with an excellent provision of further reading and resources for every chapter, makes this an essential addition to any poultry library!" (Dr Stephen A. Lister, review in Avian Pathology)

Diseases remain a significant burden to poultry production and its future, with outbreaks of disease resulting in catastrophic financial losses to the sector. Whilst it is widely recognised that vaccines have a major role in inducing protection, they can only be considered as part of the solution to this rapidly growing problem.

Optimising poultry flock health instead reviews ways of optimising preventative measures to reduce the risk of disease in flocks. The book reviews the wealth of recent research on the mechanisms of transmission for infectious diseases and how this understanding can be used to improve poultry flock health.

By showing how poultry flock health can be optimised at different stages of production, the book showcases the extent of preventative measures available to farmers and producers, as well as how these measures can be implemented effectively to protect their flocks against disease.

To meet growing demand, the FAO has estimated that world poultry production needs to grow by 2-3% per year to 2030. Much of the increase in output already achieved has been as a result of improvements in commercial breeds combined with rearing in more intensive production systems. However, more intensive systems have increased the risk of transmission of animal diseases and zoonoses. Consumer expectations of sensory and nutritional quality have never been higher. At the same time consumers are more concerned about the environmental impact of poultry production as well as animal welfare.

Drawing on an international range of expertise, this book reviews research on poultry breeding and nutrition. The first part of the book reviews how advances in genetics have impacted developments in breeding. Part 2 discusses ways of optimising poultry nutrition to ensure quality and sustainability in poultry meat production. Chapters review the use of feedstuffs and ingredients such as amino acids, enzymes and probiotics as well as feed formulation and safety.

Achieving sustainable production of poultry meat Volume 2: Breeding and nutrition will be a standard reference for poultry and food scientists in universities, government and other research centres and companies involved in poultry production. It is accompanied by two further volumes which review safety, quality and sustainability as well as poultry health and welfare.

"…a well-curated collection of chapters that provides a broad state-of-the-art survey of how roots contribute to plant crop performance and edaphic stress tolerance…Given the urgency to deploy sustainable and resilient agricultural technologies, this excellent collection demonstrates how novel approaches and collaborative trans-disciplinarity can prepare the field of root biology for transformative, real-world impacts." (Annals of Botany)

Recent decades have seen a dramatic increase in research on plant roots. A deeper understanding of the complex ways roots interact with soils is making it possible to ‘design’ roots to optimise nutrient/water uptake in low-input environments, as well as deliver other benefits such as improved soil health and reduced nutrient leaching. Continued research is needed in this important area so that it can contribute to more sustainable, ‘climate-smart’ crop production.

Understanding and improving crop root function features authoritative reviews of current research in all aspects of root science, including root growth regulators, root anatomy, nutrient acquisition and root system architecture. This collection discusses the responses of plant roots to abiotic and biotic stresses and how understanding nutrient uptake can be exploited to optimise root function. The book concludes with a dedicated section on methods used to improve crop root function and crop nutrient use efficiency, such as the use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR).

With its eminent editor and international array of expert authors, Understanding and improving crop root function will be a standard reference for university researchers in crop physiology and nutrition, government and other agencies supporting agriculture, companies supplying crop nutrition products and services, as well as farmers.

• Detailed coverage of particular grain legumes
• Chapters on each key aspect of grain legume cultivation: improved varieties and advances in cultivation techniques
• International range of authors with specific expertise in each grain legume

"[The book]…provides a balanced picture of the possibilities and advantages, as well as the challenges, that use of biological crop protection entails… For anyone involved in the microbial bioprotectants space, this is a comprehensive resource you won’t want to miss out on. It includes practical yet academic-led discussion and examples that help establish the roadmap for this section of the bioag sector."(BioAgWorld)

"This book provides a plethora of knowledge on the biological fight against plant diseases. It’s a must have for everyone involved in plant science."(Arie Dwarswaard, Greenity)

"The authors provide an overview of beneficial microorganisms against plant pathogens, with a focus on product development, authorisation and application in practice. The book is a source of knowledge and inspiration for researchers, product developers, policy makers and growers."(Doriet Willemen, Gewasbescherming)

With growing concerns about the environmental impact of synthetic fungicides, increasing levels of fungicide resistance and increasing regulatory restrictions on fungicide use, the crop protection sector faces mounting pressure to replace synthetic fungicides with more environmentally-friendly biological alternatives for disease control.

Microbial bioprotectants for plant disease management provides a comprehensive coverage of the recent advances in the development of more ecologically balanced biological methods to control plant diseases. The collection offers a focussed review on the availability and use of bacterial, fungal and viral bioprotectants, as well as the issues that arise with their development and use.

Edited by two world-renowned figures in the field, Microbial bioprotectants for plant disease management will be a standard reference point for researchers in crop protection and agronomy; government and private sector agencies involved in sustainable agriculture; agrochemical companies manufacturing/selling crop protection products; agronomists and farmers wanting to broaden their knowledge on bioprotectants.

Grain legumes are characterised by their nutritional value, an ability to grow rapidly and improve soil health by fixing nitrogen. This makes them a key rotation crop in promoting food security amongst smallholders in particular. However, yields are constrained by factors such as pests and diseases as well as vulnerability to poor soils, drought and other effects of climate change.

This collection reviews the wealth of research addressing these challenges. Volume 1 focusses on breeding and cultivation. Part 1 summarises advances in understanding crop physiology and genetic diversity, and how this understanding has informed the development of new varieties. Part 2 reviews improvements in cultivation techniques to make the most of these new varieties, from variety selection and seed quality management, through pest and disease management to storage and quality assessment.

With its distinguished editorial team and international range of expert authors, this will be a standard reference for the grain legume research community and farmers of these important crops as well as government and other agencies responsible for agricultural development. It is accompanied by a companion volume which reviews particular grain legumes.

Rice is one of the most important foods in the world. As the demand for rice continues to increase, there is an urgent need to increase yields in the face of such challenges as climate change, threats from pests and diseases and the need to make cultivation more resource-efficient and sustainable.

Drawing on an international range of expertise, this collection focuses on ways of improving the cultivation of rice at each step in the value chain, from breeding to post-harvest storage. Volume 2 reviews research in improving cultivation in such areas as irrigation and nutrition as well as developments in disease and pest management.

Achieving sustainable cultivation of rice Volume 2: Cultivation, pest and disease management will be a standard reference for rice scientists in universities, government and other research centres and companies involved in rice cultivation. It is accompanied by Volume 1 which reviews research in breeding, nutritional and other aspects of rice quality.

This book provides a comprehensive review of advances in breeding techniques for cereals such as wheat, barley maize and rye.

Part 1 discusses ways of better exploiting genetic diversity through techniques such as trait introgression. Parts 2-3 then summarise developments in the use of doubled haploids and hybrid breeding methods. Parts 4-5 review advances in high throughput phenotyping and its use in identifying markers for breeding using techniques such as genome-wide association studies and nested association mapping.

“This very timely book provides a comprehensive exploration of the current status of pollinators in farming and the strategies to promote pollination by insects other than honeybees. The editors, Peter Kevan and Susan Willis Chan, have assembled contributions from a large number of experts in the area of crop pollination, bee ecology and pathology…this book presents a state-of-the-art account of an essential topic and will remain a very useful resource for years to come. The Burleigh Dodds series in agricultural science aims to provide researchers with advice for sustainable food production. This volume does more than that: it will be a go-to reference not only for researchers but also for farmers and agronomists, policymakers and NGOs interested in learning about advances in techniques and protocols in promoting a crucial ecosystem service.” (Dr Katja Hogendoorn, The University of Adelaide, Australia)

It has been reported that up to 95% of all flowering plants require the services of other organisms to move pollen from male to female flower parts during the pollination process. These organisms, including bees, are collectively known as pollinators. However, in light of the growing evidence of global declines in pollinator species, the management, ecology and conservation of wild and managed pollinators is a subject of growing importance and research activity.

Promoting pollination and pollinators in farming reviews the wealth of research on our current understanding of existing pollination processes and their importance to our global ecosystems. The book considers how pollinators interact with plants, as well as the major threats to pollinator species, including climate change, diseases and pesticide exposure.

Through its comprehensive exploration of the current status of pollinators in farming, the book provides its readers with the knowledge required to promote pollination by protecting the world’s pollinators species and the ecosystem services they deliver using techniques such as habitat conservation.

There is a growing demand for cocoa. However, cultivation is dependent on ageing trees with low yields and increasing vulnerability to disease. There is growing concern about the environmental impact of cultivation in areas soil health and biodiversity. There is therefore an urgent need to make cocoa cultivation more efficient and sustainable to ensure a successful future. These challenges are addressed in Achieving sustainable cultivation of cocoa.

Part 1 reviews genetic resources and developments in breeding. Part 2 discusses optimising cultivation techniques to make the most of new varieties. Part 3 summaries the latest research on understanding and combatting the major fungal and viral diseases affecting cocoa. Part 4 covers safety and quality issues whilst the final part of the book looks at ways of improving sustainability, including the role of agro-forestry, organic cultivation and ways of supporting smallholders.

With its distinguished editor and international range of expert authors, this collection will be a standard reference for cocoa scientists, growers and processors.

"This two-volume set in Burleigh Dodds Agricultural Science may represent one of the most important projects in their series focused on sustainable agriculture and recent advances in research on key crop and animal species. Many scholars and students today often rely on the web to locate open-source references in research and courses, yet the value of comprehensive books that review specific topics cannot be ignored. The compilation on soil health edited by Prof. Reicosky is an example of quality scholarship, clear and accessible writing, and comprehensive referencing on an emerging topic in agriculture and food production… descriptions of methods and data from a wide range of sources and interpretations by experts in the field contribute to the timeless value of books such as these in the series on agricultural sciences. They should be part of contemporary library collections and available to everyone." Prof. Charles Francis in Agronomy Journal

"The books offer a valuable insight into the fundamentals of managing soil health… The broad range of fundamental information provided makes both volumes worth reading, not only for students and scientists, politicians and farmers but also for laypersons interested in soil health and sustainable agriculture."Applied Soil Ecology

There has been growing concern that both intensive agriculture in the developed world and rapid expansion of crop cultivation in developing countries is damaging the health of soils which are the foundation of farming. At the same time we are discovering much more about how complex soils are as living biological systems. This volume reviews the latest research on soil monitoring and management.

Part 1 starts by reviewing soil classification, sampling and ways of monitoring soil dynamics. Part 2 surveys key techniques for managing soil, from irrigation and fertiliser use to crop rotations, intercropping and cover crops. The final part of the book discusses ways of supporting smallholders in maintaining soil health in regions such as Africa, Asia and South America.

With its distinguished editor and international team of expert authors, this will be a standard reference for soil scientists and agronomists as well as the farming community and government agencies responsible for monitoring soil health. It is accompanied by a companion volume looking at developments in soil science.

”All three volumes of Achieving sustainable production of milk should be considered as a whole…Over more than 1200 pages, the authors review all fields of milk production, beginning with milk composition, genetics and breeding, safety and milk quality, sustainability of milk production as well as dairy herd management, health, welfare and nutrition of dairy. All three volumes could be considered a standard reference for graduate students in the fields of dairy science and veterinary medicine, animal and dairy scientists at universities and other research centres, and also those in governments and companies involved or working in the field of milk production.”
Animal Feed Science and Technology

In meeting rising demand, more intensive dairying systems face a range of challenges such as maintaining high standards of safety in the face of the continuing threat from zoonoses, whilst sustaining nutritional and sensory quality. At the same time farms need to become more efficient and sustainable. Finally, farming must also meet higher standards of animal health and welfare. Smallholder systems in developing countries face problems such as poor cattle nutrition, low productivity and vulnerability to disease which impact on safety, quality, sustainability and animal welfare.

Drawing on an international range of expertise, this book reviews research addressing safety, quality and sustainability. Part 1 reviews pathogens affecting milk, their detection and control. The second part of the book discusses the environmental impact of dairy farming and ways it can be better managed, from improved nutrition to ways of protecting biodiversity. The book also reviews ways of supporting smallholders improve dairy farming in the developing world.

Achieving sustainable production of milk Volume 2: Safety, quality and sustainability will be a standard reference for animal and dairy scientists in universities, government and other research centres and companies involved in milk production. It is accompanied by two further volumes which review milk composition, genetics and breeding as well as dairy herd management and welfare.

"…this book covers a range of algal phyla, specialised algal bioprocessing and application topics that make it very interesting for a broad audience. Each chapter covers a theme in such a way that can easily be read by a non-specialist but, as the authors incorporate recent published papers, the book will also be interesting for experts...I also recommend the book for entrepreneurs and technical staff working in different algal-based operations."(Journal of Phycology)

As the global demand for meat increases due to population and economic growth, more pressure has been placed on the animal feed sector to support sustainable livestock production, whilst also ensuring the nutritional value and palatability of feed. With traditional sources of protein, including oilseeds and distiller grains, considered as major contributors to climate change, there is growing interest in establishing alternative, more ‘climate-smart’ sources of protein, such as seaweed and other forms of microalgae that can supplement livestock diets.

Seaweed and microalgae as alternative sources of protein summarises current advances in utilising macroalgae and microalgae as alternative sources of proteins. The collection reviews processes of protein formation in macroalgae and microalgae, macroalgae farming and processing as well as microalgae bioprocessing. Chapters also discuss the practical application of seaweed as an alternative protein source in ruminant, pig, poultry and fish diets.

Edited by Professor Xin Gen Lei, Cornell University, USA, Seaweed and microalgae as alternative sources of protein will be a standard reference for researchers from universities or other research centres involved in macroalgae/microalgae production and livestock nutrition, companies involved in the manufacture or supply of animal feed or livestock nutrition services, government and other agencies regulating the animal feed sector, as well as farmers interested in furthering their knowledge on recent developments in the animal feed/livestock nutrition sector.

Temperate fruits include stone/drupe fruits (such as peach), pome fruits (such as apple) and berries (such as strawberries). Like other crops, cultivation of these fruits faces a number of challenges. These include the need to optimize yields, sensory and nutritional quality; the dynamic threats from biotic and abiotic stresses in a changing climate; and the need for more efficient use of resources to minimise environmental impact. The two volumes of Achieving sustainable cultivation of temperate zone tree fruits and berries summarise the wealth of research addressing these challenges.

The second volume in this collection reviews advances in breeding and cultivation of particular fruits. Part 1 discusses development affecting key stone fruits (peach, cherry, plum and apricot) and pome fruits (pear and apple). Part 2 reviews optimising the breeding and cultivation of berry fruits (strawberry, raspberry, blackberry and blueberry).

With its distinguished editor and international range of expert authors, this collection will be a standard reference for horticultural scientists, government and other research centres and companies involved in cultivation of the range of temperate fruits.

It has been suggested that agriculture may account for up to 24% of the greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) contributing to climate change. At the same time climate change is threatening to disrupt agricultural production. This collection reviews key research addressing this challenge.

Climate change is the biggest challenge agriculture faces. Part 1 of this collection reviews current research on the impacts of climate change on agriculture, such as the effects of increased temperatures, as well as the ways these impacts can be modelled. Part 2 assesses what we know about the contribution of agriculture to climate change, including the impacts of both crop and livestock production as well as land use. Part 3 surveys mitigation strategies to achieve a more ‘climate-smart’ agriculture such as the role of integrated crop-livestock and agroforestry systems.

“The book has excellent chapters that are actually too good to ‘just’ be book chapters. The quality of some chapters far bypasses some of the existing peer-reviewed literature reviews that are accessible online. I therefore encourage researchers to cite the book chapters and to use them as a reference work for research ideas and as guidance to improve research practices.” (Dr Irene Camerlink, Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland)

With growing concern from consumers and regulatory agencies about the welfare of farmed animals such as pigs, the livestock sector must assess how animal welfare can be improved whilst ensuring livestock production remains economically and environmentally sustainable.

Understanding the behaviour and improving the welfare of pigs is a comprehensive review of key research in this important area. This collection reviews genetic and developmental factors affecting pig behaviour and current welfare issues at different production stages, as well as specific issues such as tail biting and castration. The book concludes with an assessment of ways to measure welfare, including techniques to monitor pig behaviour.

With its distinguished editor and international team of expert authors, Understanding the behaviour and improving the welfare of pigs will be a standard text for university researchers in pig/swine and veterinary science as well as ethology. It will also be a key reference for government and other agencies involved in regulating and monitoring farm animal welfare, as well as farmers and companies involved in pig production.

"In conclusion, this extremely comprehensive, accurate and useful volume of reviews in the Burleigh Dodds series is recommended as an important reference for professionals and students alike."
ISHS - Chronica Horticulturae

This collection reviews advances in understanding and managing key diseases and insect pests of tree fruit.

Part 1 summarises current research on what causes key fungal diseases (apple scab, powdery mildew, apple canker and brown rot) as well as viral diseases (apple mosaic virus and plum pox). Building on this foundation, Part 2 discusses integrated fruit disease management techniques such as improved surveillance, breeding disease-resistant varieties, improved fungicide application as well as the use of biocontrol agents.

The second half of the book focuses on the ecology of major insect pests (aphids, tortricid moths, mites and spotted wing drosophila). The final part of the book reviews ways of improving integrated pest management (IPM) techniques for tree fruit, from monitoring and forecasting to agronomic practices to methods of biological control and optimisation of insecticide use.

With its distinguished editors and expert team of chapter authors, this will be a standard reference on understanding and managing key diseases and insect pests of tree fruit.

World egg consumption is increasing, particularly in developing countries. This creates new challenges, particularly for more intensive systems which have played a major role in increasing production and productivity. Intensive systems face a continuing threat from zoonoses. At the same time, consumer expectations about both safety, sensory and nutritional quality have never been higher. There is also increasing concern about the environmental impact of and animal welfare issues in egg production.

Drawing on an international range of expertise, this book reviews key research addressing these issues. Part 1 looks at developments in understanding of egg composition and chemistry. The book then reviews pathogens in eggs, including methods of transmission and techniques to prevent or remove contamination. The final part of the book reviews advances in understanding, measuring and enhancing the sensory and nutritional quality of eggs.

Achieving sustainable production of eggs Volume 1: Safety and quality will be a standard reference for poultry and food scientists in universities, government and other research centres and companies involved in egg production. It is accompanied by Volume 2 which reviews animal welfare and sustainability issues.

The livestock sector is facing increasing pressure to develop more ‘climate-smart’ methods that can be used to prevent the onset of major diseases, whilst also monitoring the efficiency and environmental impact of livestock production.

Advances in precision livestock farming provides a comprehensive review of recent advances in the development of precision livestock technologies to monitor the health and welfare of animals as well as key areas of production such as housing and feed efficiency. The collection includes chapters on monitoring key health issues such as mastitis, lameness and fertility together with areas such as milking and grazing management.

Edited by a leading researcher in the field, Advances in precision livestock farming will be a standard reference for livestock scientists in universities and research centres, precision farming manufacturers, and government and private sector agencies involved in the regulation of new technologies to improve the health and welfare of livestock.

"It is likely that Plant genetic resources will become the essential methods manual to facilitate their international exchange and local dissemination. It may well become the standard reference for researchers at universities, institutes, government departments and plant nurseries for many years. It provides an indispensable contribution as a handbook for plant collectors."
(Plant Science Bulletin - Botanical Society of America)

Maintaining and benefitting from plant genetic diversity are key challenges facing agriculture. Challenges include a narrowing genetic base for many key crops, the loss of landraces and wild varieties with agricultural intensification and urbanisation, and the need to develop the role of existing gene banks from repository of genetic diversity to enablers of the flow of germplasm and genetic information for breeding more robust varieties.

Plant genetic resources: A review of current research and future needs surveys the wealth of research addressing these challenges and the opportunity for a more integrated, global approach to protecting and leveraging plant genetic diversity for a more sustainable agriculture. The book assesses ways of valuing and monitoring plant genetic diversity and discusses advances in in-situ and ex-situ strategies for conserving plant genetic diversity. The book concludes by reviewing ways of enhancing the use of plant genetic diversity, including participatory plant breeding programmes and more effective seed systems.

With its eminent editor and range of international expertise, Plant genetic resources: A review of current research and future needs will be a standard reference for university and other researchers studying crop genetic resources and breeding, staff managing genebanks and germplasm collections, government and other agencies regulating the collection, storage and exchange of germplasm, as well as companies involved in crop breeding.

"It represents a truly magnum opus, contains copious references, and represents a distillation of the experience of scores of farmers, researchers and extension practitioners… To find such a wealth of practically-rooted experience on adoption and spread of Conservation Agriculture (CA) in this single Volume 3 of the series on CA is a triumph of hard work and wise collation which deserves widespread perusal by farmers and their organisations, researchers and policy-makers. At a time of such global challenge environmentally and in terms of ecosystem security, this book is timely indeed. May it achieve its aim to persuade and inform more adopters of CA." (Professor John Wibberley, Ag4Dev)

"…this new volume is timely. More than 120 authors from more than 30 countries contribute global evidence and knowledge drawn together into a short survey and sixteen regional chapters, each including useful context and a section on where to look for further information…Our review of the first two volumes concluded: ‘This book can change the future.’ Chapters in this volume give us a glimpse of that future."(David Dent, International Journal of Environmental Studies)

"The whole series is a magnificent achievement and will be the principal reference for years to come." (David Dent)

With growing scientific concern around the limitations of tillage-based agriculture, coupled with the sector’s need to contribute to being more sustainable, the development and adoption of alternative farming techniques has never been more important. Conservation Agriculture (CA) is emerging as a key alternative. The foundations of CA are built upon the use of no-till techniques and the use of rotations and cover crops to optimise different aspects of soil and crop health and resilience.

Advances in Conservation Agriculture Volume 3: Adoption and Spread provides an authoritative review from an array of international experts on the adoption of CA principles in different regions around the world. The final volume in this collection reviews the effectiveness of CA in differing contexts (e.g. in drier conditions where water conservation is important or in areas with poor soil) and refers to the wealth of research and experiential evidence currently available.

“Compared to other books that primarily focus on plant phenotyping applications, this book provides an in-depth analysis of plant traits and the critical needs for high throughput phenotyping. In addition, the book is the result of collaborative contributions of broad participation from well-recognized international institutions in plant phenotyping. In summary, this book is a great reference for beginner and expert readers to learn and expand their knowledge about plant phenotyping technologies. It is particularly helpful to readers with no breeding background to explore in-depth information about the origins, concepts, and insights of plant phenotyping in a systematic way.” (Book Review Published in Computers and Electronics in Agriculture – Dr Jianfeng Zhou, University of Missouri, Columbia)

Plant phenotyping is rapidly developing technology that involves the quantitative analysis of structural and functional plant traits. It is widely recognised that phenotyping needs to match similar advances in genetics if it is to not create a bottleneck in plant breeding.

Advances in plant phenotyping for more sustainable crop production reviews the wealth of research on advances in plant phenotyping to meet this challenge, including new technologies such as optical and thermographic sensors, as well as alternative carrier systems such as field robots and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The book details the use of plant phenotyping to analyse traits such as crop root functionality, yield performance and disease resistance.

Edited by a world-renowned researcher in plant science, Advances in plant phenotyping for more sustainable crop production will be a standard reference for university and other researchers in plant science, as well as those in computing and engineering science with a research focus on computer vision, data mining and image-based plant phenotyping. The book will also be a key resource for plant breeders, government and private agencies involved in advocating for a more sustainable agriculture, agricultural engineers, as well as suppliers of agricultural technology.

This volume summarises current developments in integrated pest management (IPM), focussing on insect pests.

Chapters discuss advances in understanding species and landscape ecology on which IPM is founded. The book then reviews advances in cultural, physical and, in particular, biological methods of control. Topics include developments in classical, conservation and augmentative biological control as well as the use of entomopathogenic fungi, viruses, nematodes and semiochemicals. The final parts of the book summarise current research on monitoring pesticide use as well as emerging classes of biopesticides.

Agriculture is one of the biggest contributors to climate change. More sustainable crop production based on agroecological principles is seen as a key solution to this challenge. Understanding and improving soil health is the foundation for this approach.

Improving soil health provides a considered assessment of key management strategies to enhance the physical, chemical and biological health of soils in achieving sustainable improvements in crop yields. The book reviews the role of cultivation practices as well as organic and other soil amendments, such as biofertilizers.

By assessing the dimensions of soil health, and reviewing the wealth of evidence on how well individual techniques contribute to improving soil, the book shows how farmers can achieve sustainable improvements in both productivity and profitability.

Improving soil health will be a standard reference for researchers in soil and crop science, government and other agencies responsible for the health of agricultural soils, companies providing soil monitoring and management services and farmers wishing to further their knowledge on the latest developments in effective soil management.

This collection reviews current research on understanding nutrient cycles, the ways crops process nutrients, the environmental effects of fertilizer use and how this understanding can be used to improve nutrient use efficiency for a more resource-efficient and climate-smart agriculture. Parts 1-3 summarise research on the primary macronutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Chapters review what we know about nutrient cycles, crop nutrient processing, potential environmental effects and ways of optimising nutrient use efficiency (NUE).

The fourth section of the book discusses secondary macronutrients and micronutrients including: calcium, iron, zinc, boron, manganese and molybdenum as well as soil organic matter. The final part of the book reviews research on optimising fertiliser use. Chapters cover topics such as assessing nutrient availability and advances in integrated plant nutrient management. Other chapters discuss enhanced efficiency fertilisers, the use of bio-effectors/bio-stimulants, fertigation techniques, foliar fertilizers and the use of treated wastes in crop nutrition.

Pig meat is the most widely-consumed meat in the world. Previous growth in production has relied, in part, on more intensive systems. In meeting rising demand, these systems face challenges such as the ongoing threat of zoonotic diseases, the need to improve feed efficiency in the face of rising costs, the need to reduce the environmental impact of pig production and increasing concerns about animal welfare.

This volume looks first at the main zoonoses affecting pigs and how they can be controlled. It then reviews the latest research on aspects of meat quality such as flavour, colour, texture and nutritional quality. Finally, it assesses ways of monitoring and reducing the environmental impact of pig production.

With its distinguished editor and international team of expert authors, this will be a standard reference for researchers in swine science, producers, government and other organisations involved in supporting pig production. It is accompanied by two companion volumes which focus on animal breeding, nutrition, health and welfare.

It has been estimated that around 15% of global agricultural production costs on-farm are energy-related. With heightened concerns around the sustainability of crop and livestock production, the agricultural sector must develop and invest in alternative methods of farming that recoup the same results but have a reduced environmental impact.

Energy-smart farming: Efficiency, renewable energy and sustainability reviews recent research undertaken on the ways of reducing the costs and environmental impact of on-farm energy use. The collection explores advances in improving energy efficiency on farms, renewable energy technologies such as agrivoltaics, biomass combustion, gasification and pyrolysis, as well as how more sustainable energy use can be delivered in practice in livestock production systems.

Edited by a leading expert in the field, Energy-smart farming: Efficiency, renewable energy and sustainability will be a standard reference for university and other researchers in renewable energy deployment and policies, environmental scientists, government and other agencies tackling the challenge of climate change, as well as farmers and representatives from food manufacturers and suppliers dedicated to reducing their carbon footprint.

Tree nuts such as almonds, walnuts and pistachio have long been grown for consumption and as a food ingredient. It is estimated that 4 million metric tons of tree nuts are produced each year. These crops face particular challenges such as safety in the face of allergens and mycotoxin contamination. There is a need to increase production but in a more sustainable way in the face of climate change.

This collection reviews the wealth of research addressing these challenges. Part 1 discusses the growing number of studies on the health benefits of tree nuts. Part 2 addresses safety issues. The remaining two parts assess advances in genetics and breeding of tree nuts, as well as advances in cultivation and the management of pests and diseases of tree nuts.

With its distinguished editors and international team of expert authors, this collection will be a standard reference for horticultural scientists and those working in forestry and agroforestry science, as well as government and other research centres.

There is increasing competition for water resources in the face of declining aquifer reserves and increasing risk in many areas of drought related to climate change. At the same time poor water management is damaging agriculture with problems such as salinization, waterlogging, erosion and run-off. This volume summarises the wealth of research on understanding and better management of water resources for agriculture.

Part 1 reviews fundamental issues such as plant water use and soil water retention. Part 2 discusses ways of mapping and monitoring groundwater and surface water resources whilst Part 3 covers other sources such as rain and floodwater, waste and brackish water. Part 4 surveys developments in irrigation techniques such as drip irrigation and fertigation. The final sections in the book discuss ways of using water resources more efficiently such as site-specific and deficit irrigation techniques.

With its distinguished editor and international team of expert authors, this wlll be a standard reference for agronomists, scientists involved in water and irrigation science as well as government and non-governmental organisations responsible for agriculture and water resource management.

To meet growing demand, the FAO has estimated that world poultry production needs to grow by 2-3% per year to 2030. Much of the increase in output already achieved has been as a result of improvements in commercial breeds combined with rearing in more intensive production systems. However, more intensive systems have increased the risk of transmission of animal diseases and zoonoses. Consumer expectations of sensory and nutritional quality have also never been higher. At the same time consumers are more concerned about the environmental impact of poultry production as well as animal welfare.

Drawing on an international range of expertise, this book reviews research on poultry health and welfare. Part 1 begins by reviewing the range of diseases and other health issues affecting poultry. It then goes on to discuss ways of preventing and managing disease such as breeding, and means of attenuating the immune system. The second part of the book discusses welfare issues such as management of breeding flocks, housing, transport and humane slaughter techniques.

Achieving sustainable production of poultry meat Volume 3: Health and welfare will be a standard reference for poultry and food scientists in universities, government and other research centres and companies involved in poultry production. It is accompanied by two further volumes which review safety, quality and sustainability as well as poultry breeding and nutrition.

The animal feed sector faces increasingly complex challenges. It needs to improve feed digestibility/efficiency whilst also promoting growth and enhancing both product quality and safety. At the same time it has an increasingly important role in helping to promote animal health, welfare and the sustainability of farming.

Developing animal feed products reviews advances in optimising the key stages in developing successful new animal feed products, from assessing feed ingredients, product development and processing to maintaining quality and safety. The collection features authoritative discussions by leading experts on the relationship between nutrition and animal health, as well as how best to implement risk management systems for the prevention and control of contaminants present in animal feed.

Edited by Dr Navaratnam Partheeban, Royal Agricultural University, UK, Developing animal feed products will be a standard reference for companies involved in the manufacture of animal feed, as well as researchers in livestock nutrition, government and other agencies regulating the animal feed sector.

"This two-volume set in Burleigh Dodds Agricultural Science may represent one of the most important projects in their series focused on sustainable agriculture and recent advances in research on key crop and animal species. Many scholars and students today often rely on the web to locate open-source references in research and courses, yet the value of comprehensive books that review specific topics cannot be ignored. The compilation on soil health edited by Prof. Reicosky is an example of quality scholarship, clear and accessible writing, and comprehensive referencing on an emerging topic in agriculture and food production… descriptions of methods and data from a wide range of sources and interpretations by experts in the field contribute to the timeless value of books such as these in the series on agricultural sciences. They should be part of contemporary library collections and available to everyone." Prof. Charles Francis in Agronomy Journal

"The books offer a valuable insight into the fundamentals of managing soil health… The broad range of fundamental information provided makes both volumes worth reading, not only for students and scientists, politicians and farmers but also for laypersons interested in soil health and sustainable agriculture."Applied Soil Ecology

There has been growing concern that both intensive agriculture in the developed world and rapid expansion of crop cultivation in developing countries is damaging the health of soils which are the foundation of farming. At the same time we are discovering much more about how complex soils are as living biological systems. This volume reviews the latest research on soil science.

After an overview of the role of soil as a provider of ecosystem services and in conservation agriculture, the book reviews soil structure and chemistry as well organic matter, soil microorganisms and fauna. The second part of the book discusses soil dynamics, from water and nutrient cycles to carbon capture and erosion mechanisms.

With its distinguished editor and international team of expert authors, this will be a standard reference for soil scientists and agronomists as well as the farming community and government agencies responsible for monitoring soil health. It is accompanied by a companion volume looking at soil monitoring and management.

This collection reviews current research on balancing commercial use with the range of ecosystem services delivered by boreal and temperate forests.

Chapters survey advances in understanding forest ecophysiology, including mechanisms of root and canopy development and the way forest tress react to abiotic stress. The book also discusses current understanding of the ecosystem services that forests deliver and how they can be balanced with activities such as logging. Building on this foundation, it then reviews advances in sustainable forest management techniques, including improvements in breeding, monitoring forest health, innovations in planting, stand management and regeneration as well as harvesting/felling. The book also reviews ways of managing, insect and fungal pests as well as natural hazards. The final section of the book assesses sustainable ways of developing and diversifying forest products, including novel uses of timber, biomass, non-timber products and recreational services.

"Edited by the Director General of the International Dairy Federation, Dr Nico van Belzen, there can be little doubt regarding the scientific quality and likely impact of these volumes… I hope that the books/chapters will find a large audience and, by doing so, help to achieve the sustainability of milk production that the title promises"Journal of Dairy Research

Milk is one of the world’s most important agricultural food products. In meeting rising demand, more intensive dairying systems face a range of challenges such as maintaining high standards of safety whilst optimising nutritional and sensory quality. At the same time farms need to become more sustainable as well as meet higher standards of animal health and welfare. Smallholder systems in developing countries face problems such as low productivity and vulnerability to disease which also impact on safety, quality, sustainability and animal welfare.

Drawing on an international range of expertise, this book reviews research addressing these challenges. It begins by discussing the composition of milk including proteins and bioactive components, the wide range of ingredients produced from milk, as well as aspects sensory quality. It also reviews current understanding of genetic factors affecting protein and other aspects of milk composition, other desirable traits such as fertility and advances in breeding to achieve improvements in quality and productivity in dairy farming.

Achieving sustainable production of milk Volume 1: Milk composition, genetics and breeding will be a standard reference for animal and dairy scientists in universities, government and other research centres and companies involved in milk production. It is accompanied by two further volumes which review safety, quality and sustainability issues as well as dairy herd management and welfare.

"The sustainable intensification of smallholder farming systems is a standard reference on how best to target support for smallholders to achieve real improvements in their livelihoods."(IITA – Cassava Matters)

Due to a lack of understanding of the constraints they face, many projects developed to support smallholders fail with low adoption rates and limited improvements in livelihoods and food security. Greater emphasis must be placed upon successfully supporting smallholder farmers and their farming systems.

The sustainable intensification of smallholder farming systems provides a comprehensive review of recent research on effective support measures to improve the livelihoods of smallholders in sub-Saharan Africa. This collection features detailed discussions on ways to improve access to key resources, such as seeds, tools and expertise for soil health improvement and integrated pest management (IPM) programmes. A part dedicated to finance and information assesses the need to improve support systems, including farmer organisations and commercial extension services, for the benefit of particular groups of smallholders, e.g. female farmers.

Based on a wealth of practical experience from leading experts in the field, The sustainable intensification of smallholder farming systems will be a standard reference on how best to target support for smallholders to achieve real improvements in their livelihoods. It will be essential reading for university and other researchers studying smallholder farming systems in departments of agricultural science, international development, politics and development economics. It will also be a key reference for government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) involved in development programmes focussing on smallholders, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

Oil palm is widely cultivated in tropical countries for use in food processing, personal care products and other applications such as biodiesel. Cultivation faces a range of challenges such as its environmental impact (e.g. in deforestation and biodiversity loss) as well threats from pests and diseases. There is an urgent need to make oil palm cultivation more efficient and environmentally sustainable. This collection reviews the key research addressing this challenge.

Volume 2 reviews advances in understanding and managing fungal and other diseases affecting oil palm such as basal stem rot, vascular wilt and bud rot as well as insect pests. It also discusses the latest research on palm oil and health as well as the key issue of sustainability, including monitoring the environmental impact of cultivation, sustainability certification, conservation and supporting smallholders.

With its distinguished editor and international team of expert authors, this collection will be a standard reference for researchers, oil palm growers, palm oil processors as well as government and non-governmental agencies responsible for more sustainable oil palm cultivation. Volume 2 is accompanied by Volume 1 which covers breeding and cultivation techniques.

"Improving organic crop production provides a valuable resource for the current ‘state of the art’ on understanding mechanisms in these systems that are both similar and different from those in conventional systems….The book is especially recommended for libraries and other places that will provide access to large numbers of interested people, and as it gives a valuable overview on current organic farming to graduate students and others in academia." review by Professor Charles Francis in Agronomy Journal

Global sales of organic products have grown significantly, yet organic farming remains a small percentage of overall agricultural production with lower yields than conventional methods. Organic crop cultivation thus faces a range of challenges if it is to grow significantly. This volume reviews the wealth of research addressing these challenges.

Part 1 reviews developments in improving cultivation across the value chain, from breeding more robust, low input varieties to ways of maintaining soil health and improving crop nutrition. Part 2 discusses the key topic of pests and diseases with reviews of integrated pest and weed management as well as organic plant protection products. Part 3 covers ways of monitoring the environmental impact of organic farming whilst the final part of the book discusses ways of supporting organic cultivation in the developing world.

With its distinguished editor and an international team of expert authors, this will be a standard reference for all those interested in understanding, improving and promoting organic farming.

“The editors of this excellent book, Dr Julia Buitink and Dr Olivier Leprince, are two world-renowned seed scientists. They have brought together a fantastic team of experts for the ten book chapters with topics covering the broad and diverse field of seed science, providing the latest technological advances and bridging the fundamental and applied research relevant for supporting a more sustainable crop production. In summary, this is a highly attractive and comprehensive book into advances in seed science and technology for more sustainable crop production, written by world experts. It is a valuable source of information for advanced-level university students, academic and industrial researchers, and other professionals across a wide range of plant science disciplines and beyond in seed sector agencies. The attractive format of the chapters with many excellent colour figures and extensive lists of relevant literature are beneficial for university-level teaching and industrial workshops. This illuminating book addresses the key challenges facing seed science and deserves high recommendation.” (Book Review by Professor Gerhard Leubner, Royal Holloway University of London, UK – Published in Seed Science Research)

With the continued effects of climate change threatening the security of the global food system, there is a greater emphasis on ensuring successful crop establishment as a means of optimising agricultural production.

Advances in seed science and technology for more sustainable crop production considers how an improved understanding of seed quality, germination and seedling emergence can address this challenge. The book reviews the development of new techniques to ensure seed quality control, including seed phenotyping, as well as the role of genetic and environmental factors in determining seed longevity.

In its comprehensive exploration of seed science and technology, the book highlights how an informed understanding of seed biology can contribute to mitigating the effects of climate change on seed quality and consequently crop production.

‘…individual chapters provide very thorough, up-to-date reviews of health and welfare of pigs during different stages of production…The health section does a good job of summarizing the current major disease challenges facing pig production…If you want up-to-date reviews on some of the most pressing welfare issues in different stages of production, there are some good chapters included.’
Animal Welfare

Pig meat is the most widely-consumed meat in the world. Previous growth in production has relied, in part, on more intensive systems. In meeting rising demand, these systems face challenges such as the ongoing threat of zoonotic diseases, the need to improve feed efficiency in the face of rising costs, the need to reduce the environmental impact of pig production and increasing concerns about animal welfare.

This volume looks at animal health and welfare. Part 1 reviews the main diseases affecting pigs as well as ways of managing diseases and boosting pig immune function. Part 2 reviews what we know about pig behaviour and appropriate welfare standards. It also assesses the welfare of different groups of pigs, from gilts and sows to weaned piglets and finishing pigs, as well as transport, lairage and slaughter.

With its distinguished editor and international team of expert authors, this will be a standard reference for researchers in swine science, producers, government and other organisations involved in supporting pig production. It is accompanied by two companion volumes which focus on safety, quality and sustainability as well as animal breeding and nutrition.

Understanding and measuring the different dimensions of soil health is key to achieving regenerative agriculture. There has been a wealth of research on developing better analytical techniques to measure the biological, physical and chemical properties of soils.

Advances in measuring soil health reviews these developments and their implications for better management of farm soils. The volume begins by reviewing advances in measuring soil biological activity such as earthworms and fungi as indicators of soil health. The collection also surveys developments in measuring soil physical properties through advances in visual, imaging and geophysical techniques, as well as the methods used to measure chemical properties such as soil organic carbon. It concludes by looking at how measurement can be translated into farming practice through soil health indicators and decision support systems.

With its distinguished editor and expert authors, Advances in measuring soil health will be a standard reference for university and other researchers in soil and crop science, government and other agencies responsible for the health of agricultural soils, companies providing soil monitoring services, and farmers wishing to know more about the latest developments in soil monitoring.

"Overall, Drs Acuff and Dickson have produced a truly international and model reference here; it reflects robust research-based knowledge and best practices across the entire supply chain of the beef industry. Authors reflect international expertise, and the topics are well-organized and germane to beef’s role in public health. Each author has compiled a very comprehensive discussion of their respective topics; but each chapter is ultimately comprehensible on food safety issues for even the less-knowledgeable reader. The text reflects the thoughts and knowledge of some of the best food safety minds in the business… all-in-all, a great read!"
Meat Science

Beef production faces a range of challenges. There is an ongoing need to ensure safety in the face of threats from zoonoses and other contaminants, particularly in more intensive beef production systems and with more complex supply chains (allowing potentially broader transmission). At the same time, consumers have ever higher expectations of sensory and nutritional quality.

Drawing on an international range of expertise, this book reviews research addressing safety challenges in beef production. The first part of the book addresses pathogenic risks on the farm, developments in detection techniques and safety management. The second part of the book reviews safety issues in the rest of the supply chain, from slaughterhouse operations to management of the cold chain and consumer handling of fresh beef.

Ensuring safety and quality in the production of beef Volume 1: Safety will be a standard reference for animal and food scientists in universities, government and other research centres and companies involved in beef production. It is accompanied by Volume 2 which reviews quality issues in beef production.

There is a need to develop next-generation bioenergy systems that exhibit net carbon capture. This collection reviews advances in producing next-generation biofuels from plant materials. These address climate change by fixing carbon in co-products.

Part 1 discusses key technologies to achieve this goal such as biomass gasification, fast pyrolysis and torrefaction. Chapters review advances in technology, applications and commercial development. Part 2 assesses advances in production of biofuels from crops such as jatropha, oilseeds (such as canola and rapeseed), Miscanthus, switchgrass and willow, as well as the sustainable use of seaweed for biofuel.

With its international range of expert authors, Achieving carbon-negative bioenergy systems from plant materials will be a standard reference for researchers in agricultural and environmental science focussing on plant-based biofuel technologies, as well as government and other agencies supporting this sector.

"The book provides an excellent overview of banana cultivation across the world and how the adaptation and adoption of inter-disciplinary management strategies ensure sustainable production…a comprehensive foundation of knowledge on which future research strategies can be built." (Book Review Published in Chronica Horticulturae – Dr Karin Hennweg, ARC-ITSC, South Africa)

This volume reviews key recent research on improving banana cultivation. Part 1 reviews current challenges in banana production. Part 2 surveys ways of improving cultivation practice across the value chain, from propagation to harvesting, packaging and ripening. The final part of the book assesses ways of measuring and improving the environmental impact of banana cultivation.

Highlights of the book include: the latest research on banana domestication and genetic diversity; new research on the limitations of current good agricultural practices and how areas such as soil health can be improved; and summaries of best practice in neglected but critical areas such as harvesting and ripening operations.

Drawing on an international range of expertise, the collection will be a standard reference for the banana research community as well as banana producers.

"…provides a good overview of the status of genetic improvement of banana, highlighting both the challenges and potential of ensuring successful cultivation…making this volume a comprehensive foundation of knowledge on which future banana improvement strategies can be built." (Book Review Published in Chronica Horticulturae – Dr Karin Hannweg, ARC-ISTC, South Africa)

Despite bananas being the world’s most exported and valuable fruit, banana production faces a number of challenges, primarily the extremely narrow genetic base currently available for commercial cultivation which increases the rate of vulnerability to diseases and other stresses. The sector faces increasing pressure to improve existing varieties, as well as to develop new varieties which retain key yield and quality characteristics and improved resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses.

Achieving sustainable cultivation of bananas Volume 2: Germplasm and genetic improvement offers an authoritative discussion on the progress of identifying and broadening the genetic base for Musa species. This collection reviews the current conventional and molecular breeding techniques for breeding new varieties of banana, as well as providing coverage on improving traits in Cavendish.

With its distinguished editors and international range of expert authors, Achieving sustainable cultivation of bananas Volume 2: Germplasm and genetic improvement will be a standard reference for university and other researchers in tropical fruit science, government and other agencies supporting banana cultivation, as well as commercial banana growers and retailers. This title is accompanied by a companion volume: Achieving sustainable cultivation of bananas Volume 1: Cultivation techniques.

"These books present a comprehensive coverage of issues facing wheat production globally. The authors represent the top scientists involved in the diverse areas that are important for sustainable wheat production and will this book provides an excellent resource for those interested in wheat improvement and production."
Dr Hans-Joachim Braun, Director Global Wheat Program and CRP Wheat, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Mexico

Wheat is the most widely cultivated cereal in the world and a staple food for around 3 billion people. It has been estimated that demand for wheat could increase by up to 60% by 2050. There is an urgent need to increase yields in the face of such challenges as climate change, threats from pests and diseases and the need to make cultivation more resource-efficient and sustainable.

Drawing on an international range of expertise, this collection focuses on ways of improving the cultivation of wheat at each step in the value chain, from breeding to post-harvest storage. Volume 2 reviews research in improving cultivation techniques. Chapters in Part 1 review topics such as variety selection, seed and root growth, water and nutrient management. Part 2 goes on to discuss broader issues such as sustainable intensification and organic cultivation. The final part of the collection covers ways of improving wheat cultivation in the developing world.

Achieving sustainable cultivation of wheat Volume 2: Cultivation techniques will be a standard reference for cereal scientists in universities, government and other research centres and companies involved in wheat cultivation. It is accompanied by Volume 1 which reviews breeding, quality traits, pests and diseases.