In the past 10 years, there has been a resurgence in interest in soil management and conservation of the soil resource. With the knowledge we have accumulated in the past 100 years, there is the possibility of developing new and innovative ways of effectively managing the soil. The emphasis on sustainable agriculture requires that we understand how to utilize the soil as a viable living resource. To meet the world demand for food within the next 50 years requires a healthy and strong soil resource which can sustain production. With the dedication of the National Soil Tilth Laboratory in 1989, it was decided that one contribution the laboratory could make to agri cultural science would be to foster an exchange of information on soil management. The focus of that interchange centers on long-term soil management. If we are to fulfill the goals of sustainable agriculture, environmental quality, and feeding the world, there will have to be an increased understanding of how to effectively manage the soil. Long-term soil management requires integrated and interdisciplinary research to bring all of the information together in terms which would be applicable to all soils. To accomplish this goal a workshop is held each year, with the exchange of information focusing on a single topic within the framework of developing effective strategies for long-term soil management. With the forum to focus on an individual theme each year, the theme for the initial workshop was "Limitations to Plant Root Growth.

In the course of evolution, a great variety of root systems have learned to overcome the many physical, biochemical and biological problems brought about by soil. This development has made them a fascinating object of scientific study. This volume gives an overview of how roots have adapted to the soil environment and which roles they play in the soil ecosystem. The text describes the form and function of roots, their temporal and spatial distribution, and their turnover rate in various ecosystems. Subsequently, a physiological background is provided for basic functions, such as carbon acquisition, water and solute movement, and for their responses to three major abiotic stresses, i.e. hard soil structure, drought and flooding. The volume concludes with the interactions of roots with other organisms of the complex soil ecosystem, including symbiosis, competition, and the function of roots as a food source.

The Role of Plant Roots in Crop Production presents the state of knowledge on environmental factors in root growth and development and their effect on the improvement of the yield of annual crops. This book addresses the role of roots in crop production and includes references to numerous annual crops. In addition, it brings together the issues and the state-of-the-art technologies that affect root growth, with comprehensive reviews to facilitate efficient, sustainable, economical, and environmentally responsible crop production. Written for plant scientists, crop scientists, horticulturalists, and soil scientists, plant physiologists, breeders, environmental scientists, agronomists, and undergraduate and graduate students in different disciplines of agricultural science, The Role of Plant Roots in Crop Production: Addresses root architecture and development dynamics to help users improve crop productivity Emphasizes crop production, plant nutrition, and soil chemistry relative to root growth and functions Covers root morphology, root functions, nutrient and water uptake by roots, root-soil interactions, root-environment interactions, root-microbe interactions, physiology of root crops, and management practices to improve root growth Supports content with experimental results, and additional data is presented with pictures Increasing food production worldwide has become a major issue in the 21st century. Stagnation in grain yield of important food crops in recent years in developed, as well as developing, countries has contributed to a sharp increase in food prices. Furthermore, higher grain yield will be needed in the future to feed a burgeoning world population with a rising standard of living that requires more grain per capita. Technologies that enhance productivity, ensure environmental safety, and conserve natural resources are required to meet this challenge.

Formerly entitled, the "Fertiliser Recommendations for Agricultural and Horticultural Crops", the 8th edition has now been renamed the "Fertiliser Manual" (ISBN 9780112432869). Farming is an important feature of our way of life. It shapes the landscape we enjoy, provides much of our food and is a vital part of maintaining and improving a healthy, thriving and diverse natural environment. The agricultural sector faces a number of challenges. Demand for crops will increase as the global population rises. However, agricultural practices including the use of fertilisers have the potential to damage the natural environment by polluting water courses, releasing greenhouse gases and ammonia to the air and by damaging the soil. This manual aims to help farmers and land managers better assess the fertiliser required for the range of crops they plan to grow, by suggesting what level of nutrients are required to provide the best financial return for the farm business. The manual aims to help ensure that proper account is taken of both mineral fertilisers and other sources of nutrients such as manures and slurries.

A comprehensive review of all modern methods for plant root research, both in the field and in the laboratory. It covers the effects of environmental interactions with root growth and function, focussing in particular on the assessment of root distribution and dynamics. It also describes and discusses the processing of root observations, analysis and modelling of root growth and architecture, root-image analysis, computer-assisted tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Furthermore, a survey of the application of isotope techniques in root physiology is given.

Ethylene in Plant Biology, Second Edition provides a definitive survey of what is currently known about this structurally simplest of all plant growth regulators. This volume contains all new material plus a bibliographic guide to the complete literature of this field. Progress in molecular biology and biotechnology as well as biochemistry, plant physiology, development, regulation, and environmental aspects is covered in nine chapters co-authored by three eminent authorities in plant ethylene research. This volume is the modern text reference for all researchers and students of ethylene in plant and agricultural science. - Completely updated - Concise, readable style for students and professional - Contains an extensive bibliographic guide to the original literature - Well illustrated with diagrams and photographs - Thorough coverage of: ethylene and ethephon roles and effects stress ethylene, biosynthesis of ethylene, molecular biology of ethylene, action of ethylene, agricultural uses of ethylene

The third edition of a standard resource, this book offers a state-of-the-art, multi-disciplinary presentation of plant roots. It examines structure and development, assemblage of root systems, metabolism and growth, stressful environments, and interactions at the rhizosphere. Reflecting the explosion of advances and emerging technologies in the field, the book presents developments in the study of root origin, composition, formation, and behavior for the production of novel pharmaceutical and medicinal compounds, agrochemicals, dyes, flavors, and pesticides. It details breakthroughs in genetics, molecular biology, growth substance physiology, biotechnology, and biomechanics.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the multiple strategies that plants have developed to cope with drought, one of the most severe environmental stresses. Experts in the field present 17 chapters, each of which focuses on a basic concept as well as the latest findings. The following major aspects are covered in the book: · Morphological and anatomical adaptations · Physiological responses · Biochemical and molecular responses · Ecophysiological responses · Responses to drought under field conditions The contributions will serve as an invaluable source of information for researchers and advanced students in the fields of plant sciences, agriculture, ecophysiology, biochemistry and molecular biology.