Crop Selection and International Differences in Aggregate Agricultural Productivity

Crop Selection and International Differences in Aggregate Agricultural Productivity PDF

Author: Jorge Alvarez

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2019-08-16

Total Pages: 35

ISBN-13: 1513511599

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

A large share of cross-country differences in productivity is explained by differences in agricultural productivity. Using a combination of sub-national agricultural statistics and geospatial datasets on crop-specific potential yields, we study the main drivers of this variation from a macroeconomic perspective. We find that differences in geographically-induced crop-specific comparative advantages can explain a substantial share of the variation in yields across the world. Data reveal substantial gaps between potential and observed yields in most countries. When decomposing these within country gaps, we find that crop selection gaps are on average larger than those induced by input usage alone. The results highlight the importance of understanding the interaction of geography and crop selection drivers in assessing aggregate agricultural productivity differences.

Genomic Selection for Crop Improvement

Genomic Selection for Crop Improvement PDF

Author: Rajeev K. Varshney

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2017-12-05

Total Pages: 258

ISBN-13: 3319631705

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

Genomic Selection for Crop Improvement serves as handbook for users by providing basic as well as advanced understandings of genomic selection. This useful review explains germplasm use, phenotyping evaluation, marker genotyping methods, and statistical models involved in genomic selection. It also includes examples of ongoing activities of genomic selection for crop improvement and efforts initiated to deploy the genomic selection in some important crops. In order to understand the potential of GS breeding, it is high time to bring complete information in the form of a book that can serve as a ready reference for geneticist and plant breeders.

Crop Selection

Crop Selection PDF

Author: Pradeep Kurukulasuriya

Publisher: World Bank Publications

Published: 2007

Total Pages: 29

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

Abstract: This paper examines whether the choice of crops is affected by climate in Africa. Using a multinomial logit model, the paper regresses crop choice on climate, soils, and other factors. The model is estimated using a sample of more than 7,000 farmers across 11 countries in Africa. The study finds that crop choice is very climate sensitive. For example, farmers select sorghum and maize-millet in the cooler regions of Africa; maize-beans, maize-groundnut, and maize in moderately warm regions' and cowpea, cowpea-sorghum, and millet-groundnut in hot regions. Further, farmers choose sorghum, and millet-groundnut when conditions are dry; cowpea, cowpea-sorghum, maize-millet, and maize when medium wet; and maize-beans and maize-groundnut when wet. As temperatures warm, farmers will shift toward more heat tolerant crops. Depending on whether precipitation increases or decreases, farmers will also shift toward drought tolerant or water loving crops, respectively. There are several policy relevant conclusions to draw from this study. First, farmers will adapt to climate change by switching crops. Second, global warming impact studies cannot assume crop choice is exogenous. Third, this study only examines choices across current crops. Future farmers may well have more choices. There is an important role for agronomic research in developing new varieties more suited for higher temperatures. Future farmers may have even better adaptation alternatives with an expanded set of crop choices specifically targeted at higher temperatures.

Managing Cover Crops Profitably (3rd Ed. )

Managing Cover Crops Profitably (3rd Ed. ) PDF

Author: Andy Clark

Publisher: DIANE Publishing

Published: 2008-07

Total Pages: 248

ISBN-13: 1437903797

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

Cover crops slow erosion, improve soil, smother weeds, enhance nutrient and moisture availability, help control many pests and bring a host of other benefits to your farm. At the same time, they can reduce costs, increase profits and even create new sources of income. You¿ll reap dividends on your cover crop investments for years, since their benefits accumulate over the long term. This book will help you find which ones are right for you. Captures farmer and other research results from the past ten years. The authors verified the info. from the 2nd ed., added new results and updated farmer profiles and research data, and added 2 chap. Includes maps and charts, detailed narratives about individual cover crop species, and chap. about aspects of cover cropping.

Historical Geography of Crop Plants

Historical Geography of Crop Plants PDF

Author: Jonathan D. Sauer

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2017-11-22

Total Pages: 324

ISBN-13: 1351440624

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

Historical Geography of Crop Plants is devoted to a variety of staple and food crops, as well as fodder, fiber, timber, rubber, and other crops. The origins and histories of many of these crops have been clarified only recently by new research. The book has been arranged alphabetically by family and higher taxa for easy reference. Within families, species and cultivars are listed chronologically and geographically. The taxonomy and geography of probable wild progenitors have been outlined, and archeological evidence (when available) and historical evidence on region and domestication are traced. The subsequent evolution and spread of many domesticated species are examined, and the reasons behind the diversity in crop histories are explored. Historical Geography of Crop Plants will be a useful reference for botanists, economic botanists, ethnobiologists, agronomists, geographers, and others interested in the subject.

Crop Production: Techniques And Technology

Crop Production: Techniques And Technology PDF

Author: Wasim Khan

Publisher: Academic Guru Publishing House

Published: 2024-01-31

Total Pages: 229

ISBN-13: 8197018219

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

In the changing field of agriculture, "Crop Production: Techniques and Technology" emerges as a necessary guide, providing an in-depth examination of the varied techniques and sophisticated technology that define modern crop farming. This comprehensive book guides readers through the basic ideas, time-tested methodologies, and cutting-edge technology that form the agricultural production environment. The cornerstone of crop cultivation is a thorough assessment of soil management, nutrient optimization, and traditional agricultural techniques that have maintained agriculture for millennia. This investigation sets the setting for a larger discussion on the disruptive influence of precision agriculture, where technology like as GPS, sensors, and data analytics intersect to optimize resource utilization and maximize yields. A fundamental component of the book explores novel methodologies for irrigation, providing insights into the most recent progressions in intelligent irrigation systems and precise water administration. This simultaneously combats the critical global issue of water scarcity and advances sustainable agricultural water management practices. The focal point is Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which promotes comprehensive approaches to pest control by integrating biological, cultural, and mechanical methods. This article examines the incorporation of technology in insect population monitoring and management, with an emphasis on a balanced approach that reduces environmental impact.

Encyclopedia of Plant and Crop Science (Print)

Encyclopedia of Plant and Crop Science (Print) PDF

Author: RobertM. Goodman

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2004-02-27

Total Pages: 1365

ISBN-13: 0824709438

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

Encyclopedia of Plant and Crop Science is the first-ever single-source reference work to inclusively cover classic and modern studies in plant biology in conjunction with research, applications, and innovations in crop science and agriculture. From the fundamentals of plant growth and reproduction to developments in agronomy and agricultural science, the encyclopedia's authoritative content nurtures communication between these academically distinct yet intrinsically related fields-offering a spread of clear, descriptive, and concise entries to optimally serve scientists, agriculturalists, policy makers, students, and the general public. ALSO AVAILABLE ONLINE This Taylor & Francis encyclopedia is also available through online subscription, offering a variety of extra benefits for both researchers, students, and librarians, including: Citation tracking and alerts Active reference linking Saved searches and marked lists HTML and PDF format options For more information, visit Taylor and Francis Online or contact us to inquire about subscription options and print/online combination packages. US: (Tel) 1.888.318.2367 / (E-mail) [email protected] International: (Tel) +44 (0) 20 7017 6062 / (E-mail) [email protected]

Biotechnology for Fruit Crop Improvement

Biotechnology for Fruit Crop Improvement PDF

Author: Emerson Benjamin

Publisher: Scientific e-Resources

Published: 2018-09-06

Total Pages: 352

ISBN-13: 1839471816

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

The present book is a comprehensive, easy-to-use illustrated reference that provides essential facts on the world's top fruit crops. It attempts to describe the significant features of many of them including listing important cultivars and plant material together with principal growing concerns. Biotechnology is generally a technique that is used to modify the products of living organisms with the help of cell and tissue culture, molecular biology, to generate unique organisms with new traits. An overview of advances in biotechnology for fruit crop improvement is presented. Biotechnologies include: in vitro regeneration, embryo rescue, somaclonal variation, haploid, protoplast fusion, non-morphological markers, in vitro conservation of germplasm and recombinant DNA technology or genetic engineering. Novel strategies emanating from these new technologies offer tremendous potential to overcome some of the limitations of sexual hybridization. The application of biotechnology to fruit crops are discussed with an emphasis on limitations of conventional improvement methods and possible biotechnological resolutions. The present study gives us a wonderful panorama about the knowledge of biotechnology being used for the benefit of mankind, not only in India but also the world over, in one way or the other. The feature of this study lies in the balanced coverage of all the advancement of biotechnology. Keeping this in mind the present book has been shaped on various aspects of canopy management of biotechnology and fruit crops. This book covers all important fruits of temperate, tropical and sub-tropical.

Sustainable Intensification of Crop Production

Sustainable Intensification of Crop Production PDF

Author: P. Parvatha Reddy

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2016-11-17

Total Pages: 405

ISBN-13: 9811027021

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

This book outlines a new paradigm, Sustainable Intensification of Crop Production (SICP), which aims to produce more from the same area of land by increasing efficiency, reducing waste, conserving resources, reducing negative impacts on the environment and enhancing the provision of ecosystem services. The use of ecologically based management strategies can increase the sustainability of agricultural production while reducing off-site consequences. The book also highlights the underlying principles and outlines some of the key management practices and technologies – such as minimum soil disturbance; permanent organic soil covers; species diversification; selection of suitable cultivars, planting time, age and spacing; balanced plant nutrition; agro-ecological pest management; efficient water management; careful management of farm machinery; and integrated crop-livestock production – required to implement SICP. The green revolution (by using high-yielding crop varieties, mono-cropping, fertilization, irrigation, and pesticides) has led to enormous gains in food production and improved world food security. In many countries, however, intensive crop production has had negative impacts on production, ecosystems and the larger environment, putting future productivity at risk. In order to meet the projected demands of a growing population expected to exceed 9 billion by 2050, farmers in the developing world must double food production, a challenge complicated by the effects of climate change and growing competition for land, water and energy. This book will be of immense value to all members of the scientific community involved in teaching, research and extension activities concerning sustainable intensification. The material can be used for teaching post-graduate courses, or as a useful reference guide for policy makers.