Mycorrhizal Symbiosis and Agroecosystem Restoration


Book Description

Mycorrhiza in agroecosystem restoration is a groundbreaking book that sheds light on the critical role of mycorrhiza in restoring agroecosystems. This book comprehensively overviews the latest research findings, methodologies, and techniques for mycorrhizal management in agricultural systems. It serves as an essential guide for researchers, professionals, and students interested in understanding the importance of mycorrhizae in agroecosystem restoration. The book covers a broad range of topics related to mycorrhizae, including the ecological and economic significance of mycorrhiza in agricultural systems, the diversity of mycorrhizal associations, the role of mycorrhizae in plant nutrition, and the application of mycorrhizae in agroecosystem restoration. The book critically analyzes the current state of mycorrhizal research, highlighting the gaps and challenges in our understanding of mycorrhizae and their role in agroecosystem restoration. The authors of this book are leading experts in the field of mycorrhizal research, with extensive experience in studying mycorrhizae in agricultural systems. They bring their expertise and knowledge to this book, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the importance of mycorrhizae in agroecosystem restoration. Mycorrhiza in agroecosystem restoration is a timely contribution to the field of mycorrhizal research. With the growing recognition of the importance of mycorrhizae in sustainable agriculture, this book is a valuable resource for researchers, professionals, and students interested in understanding the potential of mycorrhizae in agroecosystem restoration. This book provides readers with a deep understanding of the mechanisms of mycorrhizal symbiosis and their impact on plant growth and development. The book covers a wide range of topics, including the impact of mycorrhizae on soil structure and fertility, the use of mycorrhizal inoculants in crop production, and the role of mycorrhizae in the restoration of degraded agroecosystems. “Mycorrhiza in Agroecosystem Restoration” is a must-read for anyone interested in the potential of mycorrhizae in sustainable agriculture. With its comprehensive coverage of the latest research findings and methodologies, this book is an essential guide for researchers, professionals, and students alike. The authors’ expertise and knowledge make this book valuable for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of mycorrhizae and their role in agroecosystem restoration.




Nanotechnology and Plant Disease Management


Book Description

Nanotechnology and Plant Disease Management explores the intersection of nanotechnology and agriculture. This book serves as a comprehensive exploration of the current state and future potential of nanoparticles in revolutionizing plant disease management within the realm of agriculture. This book elucidates the synthesis, characterization and judicious application of nanoparticles, providing a clear and accessible explanation of what nanomaterials are, how they are characterized, and their pivotal role in reshaping the plant disease management systems. It scrutinizes innovative strategies that influence the unique properties of nanoparticles to identify and monitor the presence of pathogens at early stages. The book also examines the limitations inherent in the use of nanomaterials for disease management in plants by critically evaluating both sides of the spectrum. This aims to provide a candid overview of the hurdles that must be overcome to unlock the full benefits of nanotechnology in this field. By pinpointing and understanding these obstacles, the current work aims to pave the way for effective strategies and solutions, ensuring the responsible and optimized application of nanomaterials for enhanced plant disease management. This in-depth examination serves as a cornerstone, providing readers with a profound understanding of the intricate processes involved in synthesis, characterization and utilizing nanomaterials for disease control. Nanotechnology and Plant Disease Management is a testament to the transformative potential of nanotechnology in agriculture. The authors invite readers to embark on this enlightening journey, exploring the intricate world of nanomaterials and their application in safeguarding the health and vitality of plants.




Mycorrhizal Fungi: Use in Sustainable Agriculture and Land Restoration


Book Description

This volume explores the various functions and potential applications of mycorrhizas, including topics such as the dynamics of root colonization, soil carbon sequestration and the function of mycorrhizas in extreme environments. Some contributions focus on the use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in various crop production processes, including soil management practices, their use as biofertilizers and in relation to medicinal plants. Other chapters elucidate the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the alleviation of plant water stress and of heavy metal toxicity, in the remediation of saline soils, in mining-site rehabilitation and in the reforestation of degraded tropical forests. In addition to their impact in ecosystems, the economic benefits of applying arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are discussed. A final chapter describes recent advances in the cultivation of edible mycorrhizal mushrooms.




Mycorrhiza - Nutrient Uptake, Biocontrol, Ecorestoration


Book Description

This is the fourth updated and revised edition of a well-received book that emphasises on fungal diversity, plant productivity and sustainability. It contains new chapters written by leading experts in the field. This book is an up-to-date overview of current progress in mycorrhiza and association with plant productivity and environmental sustainability. The result is a must hands-on guide, ideally suited for agri-biotechnology, soil biology, fungal biology including mycorrrhiza and stress management, academia and researchers. The topic of this book is particularly relevant to researchers involved in mycorrhiza, especially to food security, plant microbe interaction and environmental protection. Mycorrhizas are symbioses between fungi and the roots of higher plants. As more than 90% of all known species of plants have the potential to form mycorrhizal associations, the productivity and species composition and the diversity of natural ecosystems are frequently dependent upon the presence and activity of mycorrhizas. The biotechnological application of mycorrhizas is expected to promote the production of food while maintaining ecologically and economically sustainable production systems.




Microbial Services in Restoration Ecology


Book Description

Microbial Services in Restoration Ecology describes the role of microbial resources and their beneficial services in soil fertility and restoration of degraded ecosystems. The role of microbial interactions with crop plants which benefit agricultural productivity is also discussed. The book also includes significant advances in microbial based bio-pesticide production and strategies for high-density bio-inoculant cultivation to improve stress survivability of crop plants. This work provides next-generation molecular technologies for exploring complex microbial secondary metabolites and metabolic regulation in viability of plant–microbe interactions. - Describes the role of microbial resources and their beneficial services in soil fertility and restoration of degraded ecosystems - Discusses the role of microbial interactions with crop plants and how it benefits of agricultural productivity - Includes significant advances in microbial based bio-pesticide production and strategies for high-density bio-inoculant cultivation to improve stress survivability of crop plants provides next-generation molecular technologies for exploring complex microbial secondary metabolites and metabolic regulation in viability of plant–microbe interactions




Environmental Restoration


Book Description

Environmental Restoration is the product of a ground-breaking conference on ecological restoration, held in January 1988 at the University of California, Berkeley. It offers an overview from the nation's leading experts of the most current techniques of restoration, including examples of the complex and subtle biological interactions we must understand to ensure success. Chapters cover restoration of agricultural lands, barrens, coastal ecosystems, prairies, and range lands. Additional sections address temperate forests and watersheds, mined lands, soil bioengineering, urban issues including waste treatment and solid, toxic, and radioactive waste management. The book also covers restoration of aquatic systems, includes chapters on strategic planning and land acquisition, and provides examples of successful projects.




Maize Agroecosystem


Book Description

Maize is among the most widely spread and widely used crops of the world, used for cereals for over 4 billion humans, as food for farm animals, and as a source material for biofuel production. Yet there are relatively few books on the cropping system of this important crop. This book, Maize Agroecosystem, is a concise treatise dealing with agronomy, soil fertility, and productivity of maize. The information is global in nature and considers recent developments in all maize cropping belts. The "global maize agroecosystem" is a conglomerate of several "maize cropping belts" that flourish on different continents. The impact of nutrient management on the productivity of maize agroecosystems is the main focus of this book. The book includes the history of maize growing, the kinds of soil needed, nutrient dynamics, the use of soil organic matter, the physiology and genetics of maize, and integrated nutrient management. It presents comprehensive knowledge regarding the physicochemical dynamics of the three major nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Also covered is how fertilizers impinge on soils of maize farms and their impact on soil and groundwater quality. The impact of crop genotype on soil nutrient dynamics and productivity is also highlighted. The information provided here will be highly useful to students at colleges and universities in the fields of agricultural sciences and environmental science and ecology, and the book also functions as valuable resource for researchers and professors in crop science. Several figures and tables are included that describe and summarize the impact of various agronomic/fertilizer management procedures on crop productivity.




Sustainable Intensification for Agroecosystem Services and Management


Book Description

This edited book provides a comprehensive account of the sustainable intensification process through various forms of case studies and scientific approaches studied across the globe. It also focuses on the agroecosystem services and their subsequent management for ecological integrity. The book helps to understand the interconnection of food, nutrition, economic growth, and environmental security on the planet. It provides comprehensive information with photographic illustration and various other forms of scientific databases on sustainable intensification of agroecosystems. The book also supports decision-making, strategies, and policy formulation for effective implementation of sustainable intensification towards higher productivity along with maintenance and management of agroecosystem services. Proper sustainable intensification of agroecosystem services and their management by maintaining ecological harmony is the future prospect for sustainable development. High input agriculture gives rise to a high-energy footprint, agricultural pollution, resource depletion, loss of agro-biodiversity, and decline of human health. Through this connection, the sustainable intensification approach addresses the advanced food security, sustainability, and overall prosperity of humankind. The book is helpful for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, policymakers, the farming community, as well as the scientific community across the globe to understand the concept of sustainable intensification and its application in relevant fields for proper management of agroecosystems services.




Nitrogen in Agriculture


Book Description

Nitrogen is the most important nutrient in agricultural practice because the availability of nitrogen from the soil is generally not enough to support crop yields. To maintain soil fertility, the application of organic matters and crop rotation have been practiced. Farmers can use convenient chemical nitrogen fertilizers to obtain high crop yields. However, the inappropriate use of nitrogen fertilizers causes environmental problems such as nitrate leaching, contamination in groundwater, and the emission of N2O gas. This book is divided into the following four sections: “Ecology and Environmental Aspects of Nitrogen in Agriculture”, “Nitrogen Fertilizers and Nitrogen Management in Agriculture”, “N Utilization and Metabolism in Crops”, “Plant-Microbe Interactions”.




Mycorrhizal Technology in Agriculture


Book Description

Arbuscular Mycorrhiza (AM) is the most common mycorrhizal type involved in agricultural systems, and the most widespread plant root symbiosis. The fungi involved (Glomales) are known to promote plant growth and health by acting as biofertilizers, bioprotectors and bioregulators. The main aim of this book is to provide readers with theoretical and applied knowledge essential for the use of AM fungi in improving plant health and fitness, production of high quality food and in conservation of natural resources. The different chapters target understanding the role of AM fungi in sustainable crop production, discussing ways to improve biological equilibria between microorganisms in the mycorrhizosphere, analysing genetic, physiological, cellular and molecular bases of AM functioning and establishing technologies for inoculum production, according to the regulatory guidelines for application.