Sustainable Soils The Place of Organic Matter in Sustaining Soils and their Productivity

About this book

Shows the importance of organic matter in maintaining crop production and covers the addition of organic matter to soil in detail. It discusses what materials can be added, techniques for proper handling of organic matter, and the benefits that can be expected from properly handling and adding organic matter to soil.

Contents

Foreword Preface Acknowledgments Chapter 1. Intensive Agriculture and Food Production Problems with Intensive Agriculture Correcting Problems Associated with Intensive Agriculture Alternative Agriculture Sustainable Agriculture Sustainable Soil Science Increasing Organic Matter, Sustainable Agriculture, and the Need for Inputs Chapter 2. Basic Concepts of Organic Matter Decomposition of Organic Matter SOM and Humus Environmental Conditions Affecting Decomposition Extent of Decomposition Losses of SOM and Crop Yields Increasing Soil Organic Matter Negative Aspects of Organic Matter Additions Chapter 3. Organic Matter As a Source of Nutrients Organic Matter and Nutrient Supply Nutrients Released from Organic Matter Nutrient Release Indirect Effects of Organic Matter on Nutrient Availability Accounting for Nutrients in Organic Matter Chapter 4. Physical Qualities Soil Structure Porosity Bulk Density Compaction Infiltration and Percolation Aggregate Stability Moisture-Holding Capacity Erosion Chapter 5. Biological Effects of Organic Matter Soil Organisms and Their Functions Processes Vital to Soil Health Controlling Pests by Harnessing Soil Organisms and Organic Matter Chapter 6. Adding Organic Matter Growing Organic Matter in Place Plant Residues Chapter 7. Adding Organic Matter Not Grown in Place Manure Compost Loamless Composts Sewage Effluents and Biosolids Peats High-Analysis Animal and Other Wastes Chapter 8. Placement of Organic Matter Incorporating OM Plastic Mulch Natural Organic Mulches Types of Natural Organic Mulch Deleterious Effects of Organic Mulches Providing Protection from Pests by Using Organic Mulches Chapter 9. Conservation Tillage Increasing Soil Organic Matter Other Benefits of Reduced Tillage Reduction in Costs No-Tillage Reduced Tillage Pest Problems with Conservation Tillage Corrective Measures Chapter 10. Changes Brought About by Conservation Tillage Cultural Methods Fertility Changes Pests Plant Diseases Nematodes Weeds Miscellaneous Pests Chapter 11. Putting It All Together: Combining Organic Matter Additions with Conservation Tillage Basic Approaches Adding Organic Matter Supplying Needed Nutrients Controlling Pests Adding Water Equipment for Conservation Tillage Summary Appendix 1. Common and Botanical Names of Plants Appendix 2. Abbreviations and Symbols Used in This Book Appendix 3. Useful Conversion Factors and Data Bibliography Index Reference Notes Included

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