Poplars and willows form an important component of forestry and agricultural systems, providing a wide range of wood and non-wood products. This book synthesizes research on poplars and willows, providing a practical worldwide overview and guide to their basic characteristics, cultivation and use, issues, problems and trends. Prominence is given to environmental benefits and the importance of poplar and willow cultivation in meeting the needs of people and communities, sustainable livelihoods, land use and development.

In recent years there has been increased interest in growing willow and poplar trees, as fast-growing species that have several purposes, including use as biofuels for energy production. However, silviculture of these trees has been constrained by diseases such as Melampsora rusts. This book provides a comprehensive review of over two decades of extensive study of the rust diseases affecting willow and poplar. It provides insights into the population biology of Melampsora rusts in Europe, China, India and Chile, the genetics of their resistance, and their interaction with their hosts. The book offers information essential to the development of effective and sustainable disease control measures including the use of willow genotype mixtures and biological control agents.

Organic animal production has increased rapidly in recent years to keep up with the increasing consumer demand for organic meats. There are many guidelines and restrictions on what should go into the feedstuffs of organically farmed animals, from which difficulties arise when trying to ensure a well-balanced, nutritious diet without the use of any supplements. The book has been completely updated and revised to address how to formulate organic diets in situations where there is a declining supply of organic feed, as well as the feasibility of utilizing novel feedstuffs and their acceptability by consumers of organic meat products. Including the experiences of producers in relation to appropriate breeds and production systems for forage-based organic production, this book is an important read for researchers and students of organic food animal production, veterinary sciences and food; as well as food industry personnel and organic farmers.

Soil erosion is a global environmental challenge with profound consequences for land, water, and ecosystems. This book, Soil Erosion - Risk Modelling and Management, takes you on a comprehensive exploration of the intricate science and practical strategies for understanding, predicting, and addressing soil erosion. Inside the pages of this volume, you’ll find a wealth of unique insights, innovative methodologies, and illuminating case studies from diverse regions around the world. Whether you’re a student, researcher, or practitioner, this book is an essential resource for gaining a deep understanding of soil erosion and discovering effective solutions to this critical environmental issue. The book delves into the intricate science of soil erosion, providing readers with a solid foundation in the principles and processes involved. It helps readers grasp the underlying causes and mechanisms of erosion, making it an invaluable resource for students and researchers in environmental science and related fields. The book is a vital resource that addresses one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. It combines scientific insights with practical solutions, making it an essential tool for anyone seeking to understand, address, and combat soil erosion’s far-reaching impacts on our planet’s health and well-being.

The book deals with several aspects of soil erosion, focusing on its connection with the agricultural world. Chapters’ topics are various, ranging from irrigation practices to soil nutrient, land use changes or tillage methodologies. The book is subdivided into fourteen chapters, sorted in four sections, grouping different facets of the topic: introductive case studies, erosion management in vineyards, soil erosion issue in dry environments, and erosion control practices. Certainly, due to the extent of the subject, the book is not a comprehensive collection of soil erosion studies, but it aims to supply a sound set of scientific works, concerning the topic. It analyzes different facets of the issue, with various methodologies, and offers a wide series of case studies, solutions, practices, or suggestions to properly face soil erosion and, moreover, may provide new ideas and starting points for future researches.

Today, forest health and the management of threats towards it are attracting more and more attention on a global scale. This book covers the most recent advances in the management of forest diseases, including the epidemiology and infection biology of forest pathogens, and forest protection based on integrated pest and disease management approaches. A comprehensive range of diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi and other organisms are discussed in detail, making this book essential reading for forest managers and extension specialists. Written by recognized authorities in the subject of forest health, this book also provides a wealth of information useful for researchers and lecturers of forest pathology and ecology.