Agriculture and Fertilizers: Fertilizers in Perspective

Description:
The present book provides factual information about the environmental aspects of modern agriculture, with an emphasis on the issues relating to fertilizer use. The information is drawn from the scientific literature and the text has been reviewed by scientist at universities and independent research institutes. It is firm conviction that fertilizer, when properly used, is an environmentally benign product which is indispensable in agriculture s task of feeding the worlds population. The material presented in this book substantiates this conviction. It is hope that this book will contribute to a better understanding of the complexities of agriculture, and will be of value in future discussion of regulation and changes of practice.
Contents:
Introduction
Chapter 1. The basis for food production : The plant nutrients
Chapter 2. The Global Challenge : To feed the people
2.1 Population growth and food requirements
2.2 Food supply
2.3 Limiting factors and challenges in agriculture
2.4 Food trade
Chapter 3. Agriculture in western europe
3.1 The development of western european agriculture since the second world war
3.2 Current farming methods in western europe

Chapter 4. Environmental issues relating to fertilizer use
4.1 Introduction : A listing of the environmental issues relating to fertilizer use
4.2 Soil quality
4.3 Nitrogen
4.4 Phosphorus
4.5 The remaining nutrients : Potassium, sulphur, magnesium, calcium and the micronutrients
4.6 Other elements
4.7 Erosion and fertilizer use
4.8 Eutrophication of fresh and marine waters
4.9 Fertilizers and weeds, plant diseases and insect problems
4.10 Plant nutrients and produce quality
4.11 Energy use in agriculture
4.12 Resources
4.13 Environmental and health impacts of fertilizer production
4.14 Other and indirect environmental issues relating to fertilizer
use
Chapter 5. Current fertilizer use : Are there alternatives?
5.1 Integrated agriculture
5.2 Alternative agriculture
5.3 Main problems in alternative agriculture
5.4 Productivity and economics in alternative farming
5.5 Nutritional quality, wholesomeness and taste of produce
from current and alternative agriculture