Book Description

Principles of Field Crop Production is a guide to commercial crop production as it is practised in Australia. In addition to chapters on cultural practices, irrigation, climate and crop distribution, crop improvement and soils, the book also examines non-agronomic aspects, such as society,politics, and farm management, which are often overlooked in a textbook of this nature. A novel treatment of crop production is also provided, which integrates weed, insect and disease control. All chapters are written by experts in their fields. The second edition incorporates important developments which have taken place in Australian agriculture in the 1980s. Some new crops have established significant industries. Crop species have been re-evaluated to reflect their current importance. Technological advances in the areas of irrigation,crop establishment and crop protection are incorporated, as are changes in industry organisation. Concerns for the environment, particularly soil degradation, are reflected in the treatment of tillage practices and weed control strategies. Further information is provided in the many diagrams, maps and tables and the updated reference list at the end of each chapter.