Enables readers to strengthen existing agricultural strategies to sustainably solve contemporary problems like food supply chain gaps and food scarcity
Agroecological Approaches for Sustainable Soil Management explains strategies to check the deterioration of soil quality, irrigation water quality, reuse of wastewaters in agriculture after treatment, organic fertigation, and corporate fertigation, to transform current agriculture into sustainable agriculture, and demonstrates cost effective technologies for sustainable development of site-specific ecosystems. Techniques to eradicate malnutrition, such as enhanced biofortification, are also covered.
Sample topics covered in Agroecological Approaches for Sustainable Soil Management include: - Foremost developments in the restoration and utilization of degraded lands through organic farming, precision agriculture, climate-resilient fodder/forage cultivation, and livestock management - Promotion of agro-forestry-based apiculture, silviculture, and sericulture, and corporate fertigation, and reclaiming urban brownfields and industrial areas - Development of diverse products, including biofuel, fiber, fodder, timber, and herbal products leading to the generation of social capitals - Ecology of intercropping systems, tree-cover dynamics of grazing lands, and cover crops for soil management
Agroecological Approaches for Sustainable Soil Management is a comprehensive and authoritative resource on the subject, making it a must-have resource for scientists working in agrobiodiversity, agroecology, bioscience, restoration ecology, soil science, and sustainable science, along with postgraduate students in ecology, environmental sciences, and environmental economics.
Table of Contents
List of Contributors xv
Preface xxi
About the Editors xxv
1 Soil Degradation: A Major Challenge in the Twenty- First Century 1
Fábio Carvalho Nunes, Cláudia Cseko Nolasco de Carvalho, Lander de Jesus Alves, and Majeti Narasimha Vara Prasad
1.1 Introduction 1
1.2 Soil Degradation: Start and Consequences 4
1.3 Soil Protection, Conservation, and Recuperation Strategies 12
1.4 Challenges for the Twenty- First Century 14
1.5 Final Considerations 16
References 17
2 Degradation of Agriculture Systems by Invasive Alien Plants and Agroecological Approaches for Sustainable Restoration 23
Prabhat Kumar Rai
2.1 Introduction 23
2.1.1 Effects of IAPs on Soil Attributes and Microbial Diversity of Agroecosystems 25
2.2 Agroecological Solutions 29
2.2.1 Physical Weed Control Methods 29
2.2.2 Cultural Control Method 29
2.2.3 Stale Seed Bed 30
2.2.4 Cover Cropping 30
2.2.5 Intercropping 30
2.2.6 Crop Rotation 31
2.2.7 Crop Selection 31
2.2.8 Cover Cropping 31
2.3 Biological Control Methods 33
2.4 Classical or Inoculative Biological Control 33
2.4.1 Inundative or Augmentative Biological Control 34
2.5 Allelopathy in Agroecosystems 34
2.6 Restoration and Carbon Sequestration Approaches in Agro/Ecosystem/ Forestry Systems 35
2.7 Conclusions 37
2.7.1 Declaration of Competing Interest 38
Acknowledgment 38
References 38
3 Soil Management for Carbon Sequestration 49
Taoufik El Rasafi, Ahmed El Moukhtari, Ayoub Haouas, Anas Tallou, Wassila Bouta, Yassine Aallam, Soumia Amir, Hanane Hamdali, Mohamed Farissi, Abdelmajid Haddioui, and Abdallah Oukarroum
3.1 Introduction 49
3.2 Agronomic Management Practices 50
3.2.1 Tillage 50
3.2.2 Nutrient Management 51
3.2.3 Organic Amendments 51
3.2.3.1 Biochar 51
3.2.3.2 Organic Residues 52
3.2.4 Crop Rotation 53
3.2.5 Carbon Sequestration Potential of Agroforestry Systems 53
3.2.6 Effect of Water Quality and Irrigation Practices on Soil Sequestration 54
3.2.7 Contribution of Microorganisms to Soil Carbon Sequestration 55
3.3 Conclusion 57
References 57
4 Soil Degradation, Resilience, Restoration, and Sustainable Use 65
Diana Cota- Ungson, Yolanda González- García, and Antonio Juárez- Maldonado
4.1 Introduction 65
4.2 Impacts of Human Activity on Soil Degradation 66
4.2.1 Agriculture 66
4.2.2 Overgrazing 67
4.2.3 Mining 67
4.2.4 Negative Effects Derived from Human Activity 68
4.2.4.1 Organic Carbon Change 68
4.2.4.2 Nutrient Imbalance and Loss of Soil Biodiversity 68
4.2.4.3 Salinization, Pollution, and Soil Acidification 68
4.2.4.4 Sealing of the Soil and Occupation of the Territory 69
4.2.4.5 Soil Compaction and Waterlogging 69
4.3 Methods to Restore the Soil 69
4.3.1 Conservation Agriculture 69
4.3.2 Soil Amendments 70
4.3.3 Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) 71
4.3.4 Grazing Management 71
4.3.5 Phytoremediation 72
4.4 Sustainable Use of the Soil 72
4.4.1 Production Systems Based on Polycultures 73
4.4.2 Agroforestry Systems 74
4.4.3 Crop Rotation 74
4.4.4 Cover Crops 75
4.4.5 Conservation Tillage 75
4.5 Conclusions 76
References 77
5 Organic Farming - a Sustainable Option to Reduce Soil Degradation 83
Ana Paula Pinto, Jorge M.S. Faria, A. V. Dordio, and A. J. Palace Carvalho
5.1 Introduction 83
5.2 Land Degradation-What Are we Doing to our Soil? 85
5.3 Organic Farming-An Environmentally Sustainable Trend Expanding Worldwide 89
5.4 Organic Farming and Soil Fertility 93
5.4.1 Organic Matter 94
5.4.2 Nutrient Cycling 96
5.4.3 Microbial Biomass 103
5.4.4 Biostimulants 108
5.5 Conclusions 115
References 117
6 Ecological Restoration of Degraded Soils Through Protective Afforestation 145
Marcin Pietrzykowski, Bartłomiej Woś, and Marek Pająk
6.1 Introduction 145
6.2 The Importance of Reclamation for the Protection of Post- Mining Sites 146
6.3 Soil Reconstruction in Varied Post- Mine Site Conditions 148
6.4 Criteria for Assessing the Adaptation of Tree Species to the Conditions of Reclaimed Areas 150
6.5 The Impact of Tree Species on Soil Properties 155
6.6 Conclusion 158
Acknowledgments 159
References 159
7 Biochar Applications for Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Management 165
Majeti Narasimha Vara Prasad
7.1 Introduction 165
7.2 Resume of Biochar for Sustainable Soil Management 166
7.3 Biochar Advantages for Sustainable Soil Management 169
7.4 Feedstock for Production of Biochar 170
7.5 Soil Carbon Storage/Sequestration 171
7.6 Biochar Influence on Detoxification of Potentially Toxic Elements in Soil 174
7.7 Biochar Mitigates Salinity in Different Crop Fields 177
7.8 Miscellaneous Benefits of Biochar for Soil Sustainability 179
References 185
8 Restoring Ecosystems: Guidance from Agroecology for Sustainability in Thailand 201
Woranan Nakbanpote, Pranee Srihaban, Wutthisat Chokkuea, Winya Dungkaew, Uraiwan Taya, Piyanutt Khanema, Ruttanakorn Munjit, Ponlakit Jitto, Piyapatr Busababodhin, Surasak Khankhum, Khanitta Somtrakoon, and Majeti Narasimha Vara Prasad
8.1 Introduction 201
8.2 Importance of Agricultural Strategy and Ecological Restoration in Thailand 202
8.3 Management of Thailand’s Restoration of Agricultural Areas 204
8.3.1 Large- Scale Agriculture and Modern Agricultural Technology 205
8.3.2 Small- Scale Agriculture and Sustainable Agricultural Systems 207
8.3.2.1 Integrated Farming 209
8.3.2.2 Organic Farming 209
8.3.2.3 Natural Farming 209
8.3.2.4 Agroforestry 209
8.3.2.5 New Theory Agriculture 210
8.4 Special Cases of Restoration and Sustainable Agriculture in Thailand 213
8.4.1 Rice Cultivation in Inland Saline Soil of Northeast Thailand 213
8.4.2 Restoring Arid Areas to Become a Floating Market in the Forest with the King’s Philosophy 218
8.4.3 Integrated Agricultural Learning Center for Sustainability 220
8.4.4 Large Community Organic Rice Fields 220
8.5 Conclusions 224
Acknowledgements 224
References 225
9 Emergy Approach to the Sustainable Use of Ecosystems toward Better Land Management 231
Joana Marinheiro, Ana Fonseca, João Serra, and Cláudia Marques- dos- Santos
9.1 Introduction 231
9.2 Emergy Methodology 232
9.3 Review Methodology 233
9.4 Mixed Farming 235
9.5 Emergy Applied to Mixed Farming 235
9.6 Emergy Indices and Scope Widening 236
9.7 Main Findings and Gaps in Literature 241
9.8 Future Advises 242
References 242
10 Agroecological Transformation for Sustainable Food Systems 247
Ayoub Haouas, Anas Tallou, Soumia Amir, Abdelmajid Haddioui, Abdallah Oukarroum, and Taoufik El Rasafi
10.1 Introduction 247
10.2 Agroecology 248
10.2.1 Agroecology and Food Systems 249
10.2.2 Principles of Agroecology 249
10.2.3 In Farm Practices 250
10.2.3.1 Intercropping 251
10.2.3.2 Biological Control of Pests 251
10.2.3.3 Recycling into Biofertilizers 251
10.2.3.4 Resilience 252
10.3 Agroecological Approaches 252
10.3.1 Conservation Agriculture 252
10.3.2 Organic Agriculture 253
10.3.3 Integrated Farming 254
10.3.4 Agroforestry 254
10.3.5 Permaculture 254
10.4 Limits 255
10.5 Prospects 255
10.6 Conclusion 256
References 256
11 Alternative Production Systems (“Roof- Top,” Vertical, Hydroponic, and Aeroponic Farming) 261
Ágnes Szepesi
11.1 Introduction 261
11.2 Rooftop Farming/Agriculture (RA) and Vertical Farming 262
11.3 Hydroponic Farming 268
11.4 Aeroponic Farming 270
11.5 Future Perspectives 270
Acknowledgments 272
References 272
12 Regaining the Essential Ecosystem Services in Degraded Lands 277
V. Girijaveni, K. Sammi Reddy, J.V.N.S. Prasad, V.K. Singh, and Chitranjan Kumar
12.1 Introduction 277
12.2 Soil and Water Conservation Techniques 279
12.3 Soil Management 280
12.3.1 Engineering Measures for Controlling Soil Erosion 280
12.3.1.1 Bunding 280
12.3.1.2 Contour Farming 281
12.3.1.3 Contour Trenching 281
12.3.1.4 Terracing 282
12.4 Loose Boulder/Stone/Masonry Check Dams/Brushwood Check Dams 283
12.5 Crop Management 284
12.5.1 Conservation Tillage 286
12.5.2 Objectives of Minimum Tillage 287
12.5.2.1 Listing 287
12.5.2.2 Crop Rotation 288
12.5.2.3 Grassed Waterways 288
12.5.2.4 Site Selection Criteria 289
12.6 Soil Erosion Models for Quantification 289
12.7 Integrated Nutrient Management to Address the Soil Degradation 290
12.8 Improving Soil Ecosystem Services Through Soil Microorganisms 292
References 294
13 Phytochemicals as an Eco- Friendly Source for Sustainable Management of Soil- Borne Plant Pathogens in Soil Ecosystem 303
Shikha Tiwari, Nawal K. Dubey, and Chitranjan Kumar
13.1 Introduction 303
13.2 Soil- Borne Pathogens: Major Threat to Agroecosystem 305
13.3 Green Chemicals as Better Alternatives to Synthetic Pesticides to Combat Soil- Borne Pests 306
13.4 Nanoencapsulation as a Booster to Green Pesticides 309
13.5 Conclusion 313
References 313
14 Restoration of Saline Soils for Sustainable Crop Production 319
Bülent OKUR, Nesrin ÖRÇEN, and Nur OKUR
14.1 Introduction 319
14.2 Characteristics of Saline Soils 320
14.3 Impact of Soil Salinization on Plant Growth 322
14.4 Restoration of Saline Soils 327
14.4.1 Leaching of Excess Salt along Soil Profile 327
14.4.2 Surface Flushing of Salts 328
14.4.3 Physical Remediation 328
14.4.4 Electro- Kinetic Remediation 329
14.4.5 Salt- Tolerant Plants, Halophytes, and Organic Matter Applications 329
14.4.6 Inoculation of Microorganisms 331
14.5 Conclusion 332
References 334
15 Conservation Agriculture as Sustainable and Smart Soil Management: When Food Systems Meet Sustainability 339
Rachid Mrabet, Akashdeep Singh, and Tarun Sharma
15.1 Introduction: Challenging A “Global Syndemic” 339
15.2 Conservation Agriculture: Exploring Concept, Objectives, and Ambitions 340
15.3 Harnessing Soil Functioning under Conservation Agriculture 341
15.4 Food Security Under Conservation Agriculture: From Farm to Fork 345
15.5 CA Systems as Drivers for Social Development and Economic Growth 346
15.6 Challenges and Socio- Economic Barriers for CA Adoption 347
15.7 Conclusion: Bridging and Bonding CA Science and Policy 348
References 349
16 The Ecology of Intercropping Systems, Tree- Cover Dynamics of Grazing Lands, and Cover Crops for Soil Management 357
Chitranjan Kumar, Anil K. Singh , Deepak R. Joshi, and David E. Clay
16.1 Introduction 357
16.2 Intercropping Systems 358
16.3 Sustainable Forest Management 360
16.4 Cover Crops for Sustainable Soil Management 362
16.5 Conclusion 365
References 367
17 Strategies for Restoration and Utilization of Degraded Lands for Sustainable Oil Palm Plantation and Industry 373
Ronny Purwadi, Sanggono Adisasmito, Daniel Pramudita, and Antonius Indarto
17.1 Introduction 373
17.2 Palm Oil Plantations: Characteristics and Issues 376
17.3 Degraded Land: Definition and Rehabilitation Efforts 380
17.4 Operation Strategies 387
17.4.1 Identification of Initial Constraints 387
17.4.2 Selecting Suitable Degraded Land 391
17.4.3 Species Selection (for Rotation Farming and Interrow Covering) 393
17.4.4 Nursery Practices 394
17.4.5 Cultivation and Maintenance 396
17.4.6 Harvesting and Marketing 399
17.5 Challenges and Opportunities 400
17.6 Conclusion 403
References 404
18 Reclaiming Urban Brownfields and Industrial Areas-Potentials for Agroecology 409
Petra Schneider, Tino Fauk, and Florin- Constantin Mihai
18.1 Introduction 409
18.2 Characterizing Urban Brownfields and Industrial Areas 410
18.2.1 Overview on Urban Brownfields and Industrial Areas and Respective Hazards 410
18.2.2 Development Potentials of Urban Brownfields and Industrial Areas 414
18.2.3 New Approaches to a Land Saving Management 415
18.3 After Use Options for Urban Brownfields and Industrial Areas 417
18.3.1 General Options and Restrictions 417
18.3.2 Restoration and Green Infrastructure 419
18.3.3 Revitalization Options 421
18.3.4 Market Demand, Barriers, and Requirements 421
18.3.5 Land Management 423
18.4 Role of Soil Management 424
18.5 Potentials for Agroecology 425
18.5.1 Dimensions of Potential Agroecological Applications 425
18.5.2 Small- Scale Applications 425
18.5.3 Large- Scale Applications 427
18.5.4 Forestry and Natural Succession 429
18.5.5 Agroecological Applications on Polluted Sites-Phytoremediation 431
18.6 Conclusions 431
18.7 Outlook 432
References 433
19 Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria Sustaining Saline and Metal Contaminated Soils 437
Chitranjan Kumar, Ajay Tomar, Sangeeta Pandey, and Majeti Narasimha Vara Prasad
19.1 Introduction 437
19.2 PGPR: Modes of Action to Improve Plant Growth 438
19.3 Molecular Characterization of PGPRs 438
19.4 PGPR: A Competent, Facultative, and Intracellular Microorganism 439
19.5 Signal Exchange between PGPRs and Root Hairs 440
19.6 Ammonia Production 442
19.7 Production of IAA and HCN 442
19.8 Solubilization of Nutrients (P, K, Ca, Zn, and Mg) 443
19.9 Siderophore Production 443
19.10 The Phenomenon of Antagonism and Hyperparasitism 444
19.11 Alleviation of Metal Stress 445
19.12 Assessment of Plant Growth- Promoting Activities 446
19.13 Assessment of Bacterial Reactions to Heavy Metals 448
19.14 Conclusion 449
References 450
20 Internet of Things (IoT) in Soil Management for Achieving Smart Agriculture 457
Amir Parnian, Mehdi Mahbod, Chanchal K. Mitra, Hossein Beyrami, and Majeti Narasimha Vara Prasad
20.1 Introduction 457
20.1.1 What Is a Network? 459
20.1.2 How Does the IoT Work? 459
20.1.3 How Does the Network Work? 461
20.1.4 What Is Wi- Fi and How Does Wireless Communication Work? 462
20.2 Sensors and Data in IoT- Based Systems 464
20.2.1 The Sensors 464
20.2.2 Temperature Sensors 464
20.2.3 Humidity Sensors 465
20.2.4 Sensors for Soil Moisture 466
20.2.5 Sensors for pH and Dissolved Solids 466
20.3 The Data 467
20.4 IoT in Agriculture 467
20.5 IoT in Soil Science 469
20.6 IoT Parts: Soil Sensors and Parameter Monitoring with IoT- Linked Sensors 469
20.6.1 Soil Temperature 470
20.6.2 Soil Moisture 471
20.6.3 Solar Radiation 473
20.6.4 Weather 473
20.6.5 Fertilizer 473
20.7 A Better Understanding of Soil Conditions (Fertility, Degradation, Irrigation, Detection of Soil- Borne Diseases, etc.) 473
20.8 The Future Role of IoT in Smart Agriculture 475
20.9 Technology in Advanced Farming 476
20.10 Risks of IoT in Land Management and Food Security 479
20.11 Conclusion 480
References 480
Index 487
