Principles of Ecology in Plant Production

The production of food, fibre and fuel have throughout history been the most important challenge to humanity. The dramatic increase in the world population and the rising living standards in the twentieth century have increased the demands on these resources to unprecedented levels. Consequently, there is now worldwide concern over the sustainability and environmental effects of the management practises of modern cropland, grassland, forestry and other plant production systems. This is a textbook which will enable undergraduate students with a broad range of backgrounds and interests to gain a basic scientific understanding of the processes which define the ecology and environment of plant production. The introduction considers the global issues and the remainder is divided into two sections. The first considers the relationship between plant production and the environment and examines ecological principles, the importance of genetic manipulation and diversity, historical development of agricultural ecosystems and increasing yield, biophysical limits of productivity, the soil-plant relationship and water requirements. The second section considers the physical environment that influences plant production and examines the effects of solar radiation, temperature, weather, and atmospheric gases. This book is essential reading for students of agronomy, forestry, plant science, ecology and environmental biology and for others with an interest in the sustainability of plant production and its associated environmental considerations.