Soil Biology and Agriculture in the Tropics

Soil Biology and Agriculture in the Tropics PDF

Author: Patrice Dion

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2010-02-04

Total Pages: 322

ISBN-13: 364205076X

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

The relationships between soils, microbes and humans are of crucial relevance in the tropics, where plant stress and microbial activity are exacerbated. This volume of Soil Biology presents the living component of tropical soils, showing how it is shaped by environmental conditions and emphasizing its dramatic impact on human survival and well-being. Following an introduction to the specificities of tropical soils and of their microbial communities, the biological aspects of soil management are examined, dealing with land use change, conservation and slash-and-burn agriculture, the restoration of hot deserts, agroforestry and paddy rice cultivation. As they are of particular relevance for tropical agriculture, symbioses of plants and microbes are thoroughly covered, as are the biodegradation of pesticides and health risks associated with wastewater irrigation. Lastly, traditional soil knowledge is discussed as a key to our sustainable presence in this world.

A Handbook of Tropical Soil Biology

A Handbook of Tropical Soil Biology PDF

Author: Fatima M. S. Moreira

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2012-05-04

Total Pages: 257

ISBN-13: 1136573100

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

This practical handbook describes sampling and laboratory assessment methods for the biodiversity of a number of key functional groups of soil organisms, including insects, earthworms, nematodes, fungi and bacteria. The methods have been assembled and the protocols drafted by a number of scientists associated with the UNEP-GEF funded Conservation and Sustainable Management of Below-Ground Biodiversity Project, executed by the Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility (TSBF) Institute of the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). The methods provide a standardized basis for characterizing soil biodiversity and current land uses in terrestrial natural, semi-natural and agroecosystems in tropical forests and at forest margins. The aim is to assess soil biodiversity against current and historic land use practices both at plot and landscape scales and, further, to identify opportunities for improved sustainable land management through the introduction, management or remediation of soil biota, thus reducing the need for external inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides. The book also contains extensive advice on the handling of specimens and the allocation of organisms to strain or functional group type. Published with TSBF-CIAT, CTA, UNEP and GEF

Properties and Management of Soils in the Tropics

Properties and Management of Soils in the Tropics PDF

Author: Pedro A. Sanchez

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2019-01-10

Total Pages: 685

ISBN-13: 1107176050

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

Long-awaited second edition of classic textbook, brought completely up to date, for courses on tropical soils, and reference for scientists and professionals.

Tropical Soils

Tropical Soils PDF

Author: Anthony S. R. Juo

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2003-09-18

Total Pages: 292

ISBN-13: 0195353870

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

Agricultural ecology, or agroecology, deals in general with the structure and function of agroecosystems at different levels of resolution. In this text/reference, the authors describe in terms of agroecology the tropical environments of sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin and Central America, focusing on production and management systems unique to each region.

Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility

Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility PDF

Author: Jonathan Michael Anderson

Publisher:

Published: 1989

Total Pages: 196

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

In this handbook methods are given to determine soil characteristics, organic matter compounds, phosphorus in soil, nitrogen fixation, soil solution sampling, plant nutrient uptake and the nitrogen availability

Soil Fertility Decline in the Tropics

Soil Fertility Decline in the Tropics PDF

Author: Alfred E. Hartemink

Publisher: CABI

Published: 2003

Total Pages: 380

ISBN-13: 9780851998497

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

Wide coverage of soils and perennial cropping systems in the tropicsSynthesis of decades of researchChallenges assumptions on the benefits of plantations for soil fertilityIt is generally assumed that soil fertility decline is widespread in the tropics and that this is largely associated with annual cropping and subsistence farming. In contrast, perennial plant cover (as in plantation agriculture) provides better protection for the soil.This book reviews these concepts, focusing on soil chemical changes under different land-use systems in the tropics. These include perennial crops, annual crops and forest plantations. Two case studies, on sisal plantations in Tanzania and sugar cane in Papua New Guinea, are presented for detailed analysis. The author demonstrates that soil fertility decline is also a problem on plantations.

Soil Organic Matter Dynamics and Sustainability of Tropical Agriculture

Soil Organic Matter Dynamics and Sustainability of Tropical Agriculture PDF

Author: K. Mulongoy

Publisher:

Published: 1993-03-29

Total Pages: 416

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

Organic matter and the sustainability of agricultural systems: Definition and measurement. Characterization and quantification of soil organic matter. Organic inputs and soil organic matter. Nutrient cycling and processes regulating the transformation of soil organic matter. In situ estimation of soil nitrogen mineralization. Nitrogen turnover in ared latosol: Effect of added carbon on the incorporation of 15N into soil organic matter. Soil organic matter and soil fertility.