Sustainable Production of Root and Tuber Crops (Earthscan Food and Agriculture)

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research and developments in the field of root and tuber crops from a sustainable production and protection perspective.With a focus on sustainable production methods, the book offers valuable insights and perspectives on how to improve the efficiency and sustainability of root and tuber crop production. This is particularly important given the increasing demand for food security and sustainable agriculture practices globally. The chapters focus on a wide range of production strategies, including soil, nutrient dynamics, nutrient management, fertilizer consumption, and cropping systems, as well as the use of modern farming techniques and technologies. With seed production and supply chains playing critical roles in cash crops like potatoes, a staple food in many countries, the volume also covers healthy seed planting material, low-cost technological intervention for quality seed production, integrated weed management for local and global perspectives, and enhancing the efficiency of small-holder farmers in the Global South. Finally, this book considers the challenges posed by pests and disease management. It describes management methods, as well as the distribution, symptoms and damage, biology, survival, and spread of each pest, and also discusses various environmentally friendly pest management strategies, such as physical, cultural, chemical, biological, host resistance, and integrated methods.This book will be of interest to students and scholars of sustainable agriculture, crop management, and plant sciences. Read more