Feeding the croops which feed the world; A historical perspective; Areview of enviromental events; The fertilizer producers and their products; The cost of fertilizers; The international market; The role of technological progress; Will there be enough raw materials; will there enough fertilizers; How can the effect of fertilizers be improved ; Economics of fertilizers use; Fertilizers production and the enviroment; Environmental aspecs of fertilizer use; Fertilizer and food suplies; The promotion of fertilizer useGovernment farmes and industry - partners in food security; Appendix I : Contact organizations.
Nitrogen is an essential element for plant growth and development and a key agricultural input-but in excess it can lead to a host of problems for human and ecological health. Across the globe, distribution of fertilizer nitrogen is very uneven, with some areas subject to nitrogen pollution and others suffering from reduced soil fertility, diminished crop production, and other consequences of inadequate supply. Agriculture and the Nitrogen Cycle provides a global assessment of the role of nitrogen fertilizer in the nitrogen cycle. The focus of the book is regional, emphasizing the need to maintain food and fiber production while minimizing environmental impacts where fertilizer is abundant, and the need to enhance fertilizer utilization in systems where nitrogen is limited. The book is derived from a workshop held by the Scientific Committee on Problems of the Environment (SCOPE) in Kampala, Uganda, that brought together the world's leading scientists to examine and discuss the nitrogen cycle and related problems. It contains an overview chapter that summarizes the group's findings, four chapters on cross-cutting issues, and thirteen background chapters. The book offers a unique synthesis and provides an up-to-date, broad perspective on the issues of nitrogen fertilizer in food production and the interaction of nitrogen and the environment.
This is the first comprehensive guide to the workings of an industry of crucial importance to the world’s agricultural economy. Published in association with the International Fertilizer Industry Association, The fertilizer industry looks at the structure of the industry for all the key categories of fertilizer products including nitrogen, phosphate and potash fertilizers. It covers their production and end use, their implications for the environment and considers the patterns and future of the international trade.
A comprehensive look at food production and consumption worldwide This global overview of agriculture discusses all of the primary aspects of food production and relates that information to human nutritional needs. It covers everything from food crop production to food preparation. Beginning with a detailed description of representative farms in different climates, World Food: Production and Use: Describes how and where food is produced and who produces it Compares and contrasts different farming systems and describes how local culture and environment influence food production and use Contains detailed information on human nutrition Features specific information on: grain crops; vegetables; root crops; fruits, berries and nuts; and farm animals and fish Discusses factors that impact food production, including weather, soil, fertility, and water Includes a chapter on increasing food supplies Addresses some of the issues surrounding Genetically-Modified Organisms (GMOs) Complete with a CD-ROM with color graphs, tables, and pictures, this is an ideal textbook for courses on world food systems in agriculture, agronomy, crop science, and food science programs. It is also an excellent resource for professionals working in agricultural or international development, relief agencies, or volunteer organizations such as the Peace Corps. Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.
While advances in food production made over the past century have made it possible to feed world population, food production and processing have also had detrimental effects on the environment, product quality, and human health, and have even resulted in some suffering. These food-related problems have not been sufficiently well discussed. It is essential that we understand the consequences of our food production processes, as well as the demands of rising standards of living on the food consumed around the world. This book includes papers presented at the second international conference convened to discuss these challenges. Topics include Impact of food production and food processing on the environment; Contamination of food; Food processing issues; Food production and climate change; Transportation problems; Traceability; Food characterisation; Pharmaceuticals in food; Pesticides and nutrients; Food and fecundity; Temperature control, freezing and thawing; Policies and regulations; Consumer risk and safety issues.
Food and Natural Resources provides an understanding of the interdependency of food and natural resources that affect society. It is hoped that through these discussions a more complete understanding of these timely issues will emerge. This base of knowledge will help individuals and government leaders develop and implement the types of programs that will result in the effective use and management of land, water, energy, and biological resources for improved food production and a higher standard of living for everyone. The book begins by examining the intrinsic dynamics of natural ecosystems—especially the land, water, atmosphere, energy, and biological components. This is followed by chapters on the availability and interrelationships between population size, arable land, water, energy, and other biological resources; the loss of wild species of plants and animals; the availability of agricultural land for crops and livestock; and the impact of land degradation on food and other resources. Subsequent chapters discuss water use in agriculture; the mechanization of agriculture and food production; the principles and practices that can make agriculture environmentally and economically sound and sustainable; and the impact of population growth on the environment and food supply.
