Soil Tillage in Agroecosystems
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Book Description
Soil tillage is, and will remain, the guiding component of soil management and consequently has far-reaching implications for agroecosystems. Understanding structures and functions of soil ecosystems under different tillage/no tillage practices is an essential requirement for any future farming concepts. Soil Tillage in Agroecosystems emphasizes these aspects in all 12 chapters, highlighting both the short- and long-term effects of soil cultivation practices on the soil ecosystem above and below the soil surface.
Using the knowledge of soil ecology under natural, undisturbed conditions, the text focuses on how cultivation affects soil and the soil environment. In particular it highlights how methods of soil tillage can influence soil structure, soil chemical processes, soil borne pathogens, and pest species. Covering the aspects of soil tillage on different taxa, the book concludes with a synthesis of the role of soil tillage in securing a sustainable agricultural environment.
Soil Tillage in Agroecosystems offers a broad and comprehensive view of the interrelations of multifaceted tillage practices and the biological, chemical, and physical components of soil ecosystems. Tillage effects are highlighted within the context of the whole farming system, so as to provide the scientific basis for choosing different tillage options in order to achieve the best possible sustainable base for long-lasting agricultural production.
Table of Contents
Introduction, A. El Titi
Techniques of Soil Tillage, K. Köller
The Role of Soil Tillage for Soil Structure, B.Huwe
The Soil Microbial Community and Soil Tillage, D. S. Andrade, A. Colozzi-Filho and K. E. Giller
Soil Tillage for Sustainable Nutrient Management. C. Pekrun, H. P. Kaul and W. Claupein
Implications of Soil Tillage for Crop and Weed Seeds, C. Pekrun, A. El Titi, and W. Claupein
Implications of Soil Tillage for Weed Communities, A. El Titi
Influence of Cultivation Practices on Arable Crop Diseases, V.W.L. Jordan and J. A. Hutcheon
Influence of Soil Tillage on Slugs and Their Natural Enemies, D. M. Glen & W. O. C. Symondson
Interactions Between Tillage and Earthworms in Agroecosystems, W. D. Shuster and C. A. Edwards
Effects of Tillage on Invertebrates in Soil Ecosystems, A. El Titi
Soil Tillage and Epigeal Predatory Arthropods, D. A. Kendall
The Synthesis, A. El Titi
Index
Reviews
"[R]eaders are provided with excellent descriptions of cultivation methods for soil preservation, significant research data, and substantial information on the effects of tillage on specific soils. … University libraries and special libraries focusing on agriculture, agroecosystems, soils, or agencies working with rural communities would benefit from adding this volume to their collection. The chapter outlines, combined with substantial current references and an excellent index, make the book organized and easy to use … ."
- Journal of Agricultural and Food Information, Vol. 5, No. 1, 2003
"[I]t is very broad in its coverage of topics with extensive literature reviews for most chapters. It would make a good reference book."
- Vadose Zone Journal, 2005