In biology, the very big global and thevery small molecular issues currently appear to be in the limelight ofpublic interest and research funding policies. They are in danger of drifting apart from each other. They apply very coarse and very fine scaling, respectively, but coherence is lost when the various intermediate levels of different scales are neglected. Regarding SALINITY we are clearly dealing with a global problem, which due to progressing salinization of arable land is of vital interest for society. Explanations and basic understanding as well as solutions and remedies may finally lie at the molecular level. It is a general approach in science to look for understanding of any system under study at the next finer (or "lower") level of scaling. This in itself shows that we need a whole ladder of levels with increasingly finer steps from the global impact to the molecular bases of SALINITY relations. It is in this vein that the 22 chapters of this book aim at providing an integrated view of SALINITY.

The salinity problem in irrigation:an introductory review; evaluation and classification of water quality for irrigation;effescts of salinity and soil water regime on crop yelds; irrigation and soil salinity; fertilization and salinity;impact of irrigation on the quality of groundwater and river flows; economic evaluation of irrigation with saline water withim the framework of farm,Economic impacts of regional economic effects of changes in irrigation water salinity within a river basin framework; the case of the colorado river.

Salinity and water stress limit crop productivity worldwide and generate substantial economic losses each year, yet innovative research on crop and natural resource management can reveal cost-effective ways in which farmers can increase both their productivity and their income. Presenting recent research findings on salt stress, water stress and stress-adapted plants, this book offers insights into new strategies for increasing the efficiency of crops under stressful environments. The strategies are based on conventional breeding and advanced molecular techniques used by plant physiologists, and are discussed using specific case studies to illustrate their potential. The book emphasizes the effects of environmental factors on specific stages of plant development, and discusses the role of plant growth regulators, nutrients, osmoprotectants and antioxidants in counteracting their adverse affects. Synthesising updated information on mechansisms of stress tolerance at cell, tissue and whole-plant level, this book provides a useful reference text for post graduate students and researchers involved in the fields of stress physiology and plant physiology in general, with additional readership amongst researchers in horticulture, agronomy, crop science, conservation, environmental management and ecological restoration.

This volume focuses on reclamation, management, and utilization of salt-affected soils, their sustainable use, and evaluation of plants inhabiting naturally occurring saline habitats. It is of interest to scientists and students as well as agricultural institutions and farmers to increase the awareness of salinity problems. The volume is supported by UNESCO Doha, Qatar, and has an international authorship.

A major, worldwide threat to agricultural productivity is undoubtedly due to environments with stressful factors, including drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures. Based on contributions presented at the International Conference on Biosaline Agriculture and High Salinity Tolerance, held in Gammarth, Tunisia, November 2006, this book reviews the current state of knowledge in biosaline agriculture and high salinity tolerance in plants.

This paper presents a synthesis of 15 success stories in the production, processing, and marketing of high-value food products (HVF) in developing countries in Asia, Latin America, and Africa. High-value food products, such as fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, meats, fish, dairy products, and vegetable oils, are defined as having high intrinsic value or a high rate of value added through processing. Trade in these products has expanded while trade and prices for other agricultural products, such as most staple crops, have stagnated or declined. The growing trade in HVF has prompted policymakers in developing countries to examine more closely how they can expand and diversify their exports of these products. This study explores the technical, organizational, and commercial challenges facing those in HVF export development. It identifies common market and institutional factors that have contributed to the growth and international competitiveness in HVF trade. Particular note is made of the roles of the private and public sectors and of the effect of the policy environment. It examines the effect of institutional coordination on the stages of production, processing, and trade. An annex summarizes 12 case studies of the development and performance of food commodity markets. It includes export of fresh vegetables from Kenya in the 1960s, shrimp from Thailand in the 1970s, and processed tomatoes from Chile in the 1980s.

Explore the growing problem of soil salinity and sodicity and its impact on the environment, profitability, the human population, and soil resilience In Salinity and Sodicity: A Global Challenge to Food Security, Environmental Quality, and Soil Resilience, a team of distinguished educators delivers an expert discussion of salinity and sodicity management. This book is designed to improve the problem-solving capabilities of students, soil health professionals, certified crop advisors, and other practicing professionals in this area. In addition to an introduction to the causes of a rapidly growing problem, Salinity and Sodicity explores different measurement techniques, provides answers to common questions, provides potential solutions in a way that’s appropriate for introductory classes on soil salinity and sodicity management. It’s an ideal reference manual for professionals, as well as an effective tool for classrooms and crop advisor workshops. Readers will also find: A thorough introduction to the use of supplemental irrigation and the impact of salts on the environment Comprehensive explorations of the economic considerations for farming problematic soils Practical discussions of the effects of salinity and sodicity on erosion and greenhouse gas emissions Practical case studies, problem sets, and an instructor answer key Perfect for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students and certified and practicing soil professionals and advisors, Salinity and Sodicity will also benefit industry and academic researchers with an interest in soil salinity and sodicity in dryland regions.