Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function

Author: Ernst-Detlef Schulze

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 527

ISBN-13: 3642580017

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The biota of the earth is being altered at an unprecedented rate. We are witnessing wholesale exchanges of organisms among geographic areas that were once totally biologically isolated. We are seeing massive changes in landscape use that are creating even more abundant succes sional patches, reductions in population sizes, and in the worst cases, losses of species. There are many reasons for concern about these trends. One is that we unfortunately do not know in detail the conse quences of these massive alterations in terms of how the biosphere as a whole operates or even, for that matter, the functioning of localized ecosystems. We do know that the biosphere interacts strongly with the atmospheric composition, contributing to potential climate change. We also know that changes in vegetative cover greatly influence the hydrology and biochemistry ofa site or region. Our knowledge is weak in important details, however. How are the many services that ecosystems provide to humanity altered by modifications of ecosystem composition? Stated in another way, what is the role of individual species in ecosystem function? We are observing the selective as well as wholesale alteration in the composition of ecosystems. Do these alterations matter in respect to how ecosystems operate and provide services? This book represents the initial probing of this central ques tion. It will be followed by other volumes in this series examining in depth the functional role of biodiversity in various ecosystems of the world.

Best Management Practices for Saline and Sodic Turfgrass Soils
Best Management Practices for Saline and Sodic Turfgrass Soils

Author: Robert N. Carrow

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2011-09-12

Total Pages: 498

ISBN-13: 1439814740

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The complex issues involved in the management of saline and sodic turfgrass soils are enough to perplex even the most experienced site manager — there is no "silver bullet" amendment, treatment, or grass for salinity management. Best Management Practices for Saline and Sodic Turfgrass Soils: Assessment and Reclamation presents comprehensive scientific principles and detailed, practical management and assessment recommendations for turfgrass and landscape sites. The authors use the Best Management Practices (BMPs) concept, considered the gold-standard management approach for any individual environmental issue, since it is a whole ecosystem (holistic), science-based salinity management approach that allows all possible management options to be considered and implemented on a site-specific basis. They identify BMP strategies, including irrigation system design; irrigation scheduling and salinity leaching; chemical, physical, and biological amendments; cultivation; topdressing; soil modification; sand-capping; surface and subsurface drainage options; nutritional practices; additional cultural practices; and ongoing monitoring. The book presents emerging challenges, technology, and concepts that address integration of salinity management into comprehensive site environmental or sustainable management systems, use of halophytic turfgrasses for non-traditional purposes, integration of geospatial and geostatistical concepts and technology, and integration of new sensor technology into daily management paradigms. Outlining a holistic BMP approach, the book incorporates scientific principles and practical management recommendations and details specific salinity challenges and the logic behind each BMP strategy for salinity management, with an emphasis on actual field problems. The book is formatted for flexible use, with stand-alone chapters that include outlines for quick review of a topic for those requiring only a basic understanding as well as in-depth discussions of the science and practical aspects for those seeking a more rigorous treatment. It supplies a single source for all the information required to identify and manage diverse types of salinity stresses.

Turfgrass
Turfgrass

Author: John C. Stier

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2020-01-22

Total Pages: 1348

ISBN-13: 0891186131

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Sustainability is a key framework for analyzing biological systems—and turfgrass is no exception. It is part of a complex that encompasses turfgrass interactions with different environments and the suitability of different turfgrasses for specific environments. In addition to its biological role, turfgrass—in the form of lawns, green spaces, and playing surfaces—brings beneficial sociological effects to an increasingly urbanized society. This book presents a comprehensive overview of current knowledge and issues in the field of turfgrass research and management, including the genetics and breeding, the diseases and pests, and the ecology of turfgrasses, and will appeal to a broad spectrum of readers.

Fundamentals of Turfgrass Management
Fundamentals of Turfgrass Management

Author: Nick Christians

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2011-07-12

Total Pages: 424

ISBN-13: 0470587318

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Introduces the principles of turfgrass management, covering everything from basic turfgrass science to fertilization, mowing, turfgrass diseases, irrigation topdressing, pest management, as well as career paths, and much more.

Turfgrass: Science and Culture
Turfgrass: Science and Culture

Author: James B Beard

Publisher: Prentice Hall

Published: 1972

Total Pages: 682

ISBN-13:

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A classic and best-selling text for sod and turfgrass courses covering lawnkeeping and athletic groundskeeping.

Managing Bermudagrass Turf
Managing Bermudagrass Turf

Author: L. B. McCarty

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2002-01-15

Total Pages: 258

ISBN-13: 1575041634

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If you're determined to create and maintain a beautiful bermuda-grass turf, then let this comprehensive reference be your guide. Here, you'll receive expert information on the fundamentals of green construction and growing-in processes, along with step-by-step cultural practices, and critical techniques for controlling weeds, insects, diseases, and nematodes. You get a comprehensive listing of the various bermudagrass species, complete with scientific and common names, propagation, and worldwide distribution. You'll also find out why and where certain weeds are likely to grow and what cultural or chemical remedies best keep them in check. Nearly 600 photographs illustrate the various stages of plant development and emphasize the key identification characteristics of each plant.

Turfgrass Management
Turfgrass Management

Author: Alfred Turgeon

Publisher:

Published: 2019-09-10

Total Pages:

ISBN-13: 9781733288101

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Turfgrass Management Edition 1.0 has been designed as a basic text for beginning students of turfgrass science and management. In covering the important features of turfgrass systems, interactions between and among system components, and principles of turfgrass management, it attempts to unlock some of the mysteries of turf and establish the role of cultural interventions for achieving specific objectives. Illustrations and images are used generously throughout the text to help students grasp concepts, processes, and relationships of importance in turfgrass systems. Each chapter concludes with a series of questions to test the reader's comprehension of the material. Turfgrass Management has been known as the most respected foundational text for students and professionals within the turfgrass industry. Published by Turfpath, LLC, it is now the most comprehensive and affordable book on the market.

Non-Chemical Weed Control
Non-Chemical Weed Control

Author: Khawar Jabran

Publisher: Academic Press

Published: 2018-01-03

Total Pages: 174

ISBN-13: 0128098821

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Non-Chemical Weed Control is the first book to present an overview of plant crop protection against non-food plants using non-chemical means. Plants growing wild—particularly unwanted plants found in cultivated ground to the exclusion of the desired crop—have been treated with herbicides and chemical treatments in the past. As concern over environmental, food and consumer safety increases, research has turned to alternatives, including the use of cover crops, thermal treatments and biotechnology to reduce and eliminate unwanted plants. This book provides insight into existing and emerging alternative crop protection methods and includes lessons learned from past methodologies. As crop production resources decline while consumer concerns over safety increase, the effective control of weeds is imperative to insure the maximum possible levels of soil, sunlight and nutrients reach the crop plants. - Allows reader to identify the most appropriate solution based on their individual use or case - Provides researchers, students and growers with current concepts regarding the use of modern, environment-friendly weed control techniques - Presents methods of weed management—an important part of integrated weed management in the future - Exploits the knowledge gained from past sustainable weed management efforts