15th April 2025
There's nothing synthetic about biocontrol solutions!
A new book published by Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing – Advances in biocontrol of crop insect pests – provides a detailed overview of some of the key developments in this area.
“This book brings together leading experts to provide a comprehensive and timely overview of the latest advancements in biocontrol for insect pest management” says Professor Ilaria Pertot, University of Trento, Italy.
“Covering cutting-edge techniques – from semiochemicals to genetic engineering – it is an essential reference for researchers, industry professionals and policymakers striving for sustainable, environmentally friendly pest control solutions,” she concludes.
As the sector stands, there are four major groups of biocontrol technologies that products can be categorised into: microbials, macrobials, natural substances and semiochemicals.
Microbial-based biopesticides have emerged as a cornerstone of modern pest control strategies and utilise microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, nematodes and viruses to target and eliminate pests.
Bioprotectants, which include microbial-based bioprotectants and natural substances, are also gaining traction as sustainable alternatives to chemical pesticides used for plant disease control.
Both of these products reduce reliance on harmful synthetic pesticides, support resistance management and can seamlessly be implemented into integrated pest and disease management programmes.
However, the advantages of bioprotectants extends beyond sustainability. Their use presents fewer risks to public health, complies with regulatory restrictions on chemical controls and meets the increasing consumer demand for labelled products.
“Despite cost-of-living concerns, health-conscious consumers are searching for pesticide-free products,” says Francis Dodds, Editorial Director at Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing.
“This shows just how important it is for farmers to invest not only in their understanding of the pests and diseases which threaten their crops, but also the wider biocontrol market, the development of biocontrol products and the consequent impact of their use,” he adds.
The biocontrol sector remains at the forefront of agricultural innovation, offering sustainable solutions for pest and disease management. However, the sector faces its fair share of challenges in the form of additional production costs, field stability and host resistance.
By addressing the challenges and leveraging the benefits of these biocontrol agents, the agricultural industry can move towards a more sustainable and resilient future.
26th March 2025
Can organic farming solve our sustainability dilemma?
“Dairy cattle farming has played a key role in the development of organic principles, regulations and practices,” says Dr Mette Vaarst, Senior Researcher at Aarhus University, Denmark and co-editor of this new book.
This is the focus of Advances in organic dairy cattle farming – a new book edited by three of the world’s foremost authorities on organic animal farming: Dr Mette Vaarst (Aarhus University, Denmark), Dr Stephen Roderick (Duchy College, UK) and Dr Lindsay Whistance (Organic Research Centre, UK).
The book considers how organic dairy farming has the potential to address major environmental challenges, whilst also meeting the four key organic principles of health, ecology, fairness and care.
“The environmental footprint of conventional dairy farming is significant and we can’t hide away from that fact,” says Francis Dodds, Editorial Director at Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing.
“But perhaps what needs to be highlighted and spoken about more is organic farming and its remarkable potential to not only reduce the environmental impact of dairy production, but also how it can promote biodiversity and enhance other ecosystem services,” he adds.
Conventional dairy farming often relies on intensive livestock management, imported feed and synthetic fertilisers and pesticides for pasture management which collectively contribute to higher emissions. In contrast, organic dairy farms utilise natural processes and inputs, including a higher reliance on pasture, organically-sourced feed supplements and regenerative methods for optimising pasture quality.
By working with nature, organic farms can promote biodiversity and create more resilient and sustainable agroecosystems able to deliver key ecosystem services, including pollination, pest control and water regulation.
“However, whilst organic dairy farming does offer numerous environmental benefits, it also presents challenges that need to be addressed,” says Francis Dodds.
“These challenges include potentially lower yields associated with more extensive production systems as well as health and welfare issues given a lower reliance on antibiotics and anthelmintics,” he adds.
However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation and growth within an already exciting sector which offers a promising path to greater sustainability for the wider agricultural sector.
18th March 2025
Creeping up the agenda – insects as food
And this is just one of the focal points of a new book published by Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing.
Insects as alternative sources of protein for food and feed provides a comprehensive overview of the recent research undertaken in this rapidly-expanding area and considers how we can optimise its use as a sustainable feed and food source which contributes to a more resilient food system.
“More than ever, efforts are needed to develop a global bioeconomy and harnessing and industrialising insect biology will create opportunities for recycling organic streams to generate materials of value while minimising environmental impacts,” says Professor Jeffery K. Tomberlin, Texas A&M University, USA.
“Such systems are already being developed in Global North and Global South Nations and this new book sets part of the foundation for the recognition and application of such practices,” he adds.
Of the 1.1 million different species of insects which have been identified by scientists, around 1,700 of them are edible. Included in this list is black solider flies, yellow mealworms, house flies and crickets.
The above-mentioned species are already utilised as ingredients in poultry, pig and fish feed due to their remarkable nutritional profile and contribution to overall animal health.
“Many [insects] are rich in protein and good fats and high in calcium, iron and zinc,” says Professor Sujaya Rao, University of Minnesota, USA.
“The composition of unsaturated omega-3s and six fatty acids in mealworms is comparable with that in fish, and higher than in cattle and pigs,” she adds.
As well as being a highly nutritious alternative to mainstream protein sources, such as chicken, beef and fish, insect farming is also suggested to be more sustainable when compared to conventional livestock production as insects raised as food emit less greenhouse gases and ammonia and also required less land.
Despite the role of insect production in addressing some of the key global challenges, including food security, environmental sustainability and waste management, consumer acceptance of insect-based food remains a significant obstacle that the sector must hurdle if it is to truly revolutionise the global food and feed industries.
29th January 2025
Reimagining our agri-food supply chains
A new book comprehensively delves into this complex picture and features contributions from leading international experts affiliated with the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the Rainforest Alliance, Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF) and the Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN).
Improving standards and certification in agri-food supply chains: Ensuring safety, sustainability and social responsibility has been edited by Professor Louise Manning – one of the world’s leading authorities on food safety, quality and integrity and agri-food supply chains.
The book explores through multiple case studies the roles of different stakeholders in standard setting, how changes in governance and the use of technology can improve accountability, as well as discussing the different ways of enhancing good agricultural practices (GAPs) to meet new ways of producing safe, nutritious food. GAPs are a collection of practices designed to ensure safe and nutritious food production while considering economic, social, and environmental sustainability. They can be context specific as in some parts of the world the key challenge is deforestation, in others water use, worker welfare, or biodiversity loss.
Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS), such as those that campaign for fair trade, organic farming and ethical sourcing, also contribute to improving the social, environmental and economic aspects of agricultural production and are an integral part of the agri-food supply chain.
The Rainforest Alliance is a notable example of how a certification body can promote sustainability, whilst also addressing key environmental and social issues. For example, in 2018 the Rainforest Alliance merged with UTZ and developed the Sustainable Agriculture Standard which aims to make certification more user-friendly and less complex for farmers. This standard helps farmers improve productivity, efficiency, and profitability while promoting sustainable practices.
“Agri-food supply chains increasingly need to take account of how they contribute to and support the delivery of societal aims and ambitions including the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, notably reducing hunger,” says Professor Louise Manning, editor of this new book.
The role of standards and certification is undeniable in ensuring that food supply chains are visible, transparent and food is produced with integrity. As the global population continues to grow and environmental challenges become more pressing, the importance of standards and the need for stakeholders to demonstrate their contribution and support of the sustainability and safety of the agri-food supply chain, whilst ensuring food security and minimising the negative impact of food production will only increase.
13th January 2025
Managing and protecting biodiversity crucial for a sustainable future
Managing biodiversity in agricultural landscapes: Conservation, restoration and rewilding brings together a host of international experts in conservation biology and ecological restoration from Africa, Europe, North America and Oceania to highlight the current biodiversity threat, as well as how agriculture can contribute to improving biodiversity in farmland and other agricultural settings.
Agri-environment schemes (AES) have emerged as vital tools in promoting biodiversity conservation within agricultural landscapes and encompass a range of policies and programs designed to incentivise farmers to adopt environmentally friendly practices.
In North America, AES have been instrumental in addressing the negative externalities of agriculture, such as pollution and habitat destruction, whereas in Australia and Europe the focus of these schemes has been on reforestation and the restoration of native vegetation and peatlands.
Although extremely promising, AES face their own challenges, including the need for better coordination amongst stakeholders and the integration of scientific knowledge into policy and practice.
Another area that shows great promise is animal rewilding – a conservation practice which involves the introduction of native species into their historical habitats with the aim of restoring natural processes and ecological functions.
Case studies from Australia and New Zealand showcase the reintroduction of endangered species, such as the stitchbird (hihi Notiomystis cincta) and the South Island takahē (Porphyrio hochstetteri) and their role in the recovery of key ecological functions, such as seed dispersal, pollination and nutrient recycling.
“Agricultural landscapes have the potential to bring people and nature together in ways that support human wellbeing and sustain valuable biodiversity,” says Professor Saul Cunningham, Australian National University, Australia.
“This edited volume brings together an outstanding selection of experts to help us to understand how it is possible to get better outcomes for nature and people, considering principles practice and policy,” he concludes.
Protecting biodiversity is not just an environmental responsibility, but a practical approach to ensuring the long-term sustainability and productivity of agricultural systems.
18th November 2024
Unlocking the secret to better poultry nutrition
“To truly achieve sustainable production of poultry meat and eggs, poultry scientists must re-imagine nutrition,” says Professor Mingan Choct, The University of Sydney, Australia.
“What makes this new book so unique is that it is not confined to the traditional view of nutrition, rather it explores some of the fundamentals of biology, feedstuff management and big data which are all integral to “getting more from less”,” he concludes.
Poultry nutrition faces many challenges, including the need to meet the changing requirements of growing birds whilst also avoiding over-nutrition and nutrient losses which can be both environmentally and economically damaging.
With the sector also facing increasing pressure to reduce its reliance on antibiotics, a greater understanding of the poultry gut, its function and its role in optimising overall bird health is required.
The field of poultry nutrition has witnessed significant advancements in recent years, of which many have been driven by a growing understanding of the complex interactions between diet, gut health and overall bird wellbeing.
One of the most promising areas of research in poultry nutrition is the use of probiotics and prebiotics to improve gut function and immunity. Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate quantities, confer health benefits to the host. Prebiotics, on the other hand, are indigestible dietary components that selectively stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Another exciting development in poultry nutrition is the use of high protein corn fermentation products derived from corn ethanol production. These products offer a sustainable and cost-effective source of protein for poultry feed and have been shown to improve feed efficiency, enhance growth performance and reduce the environmental impact of poultry production.
Despite the controversy that surrounds synthetic biology, it continues to revolutionise poultry production through enabling the development of novel feed supplements and enhancing the process of protein synthesis.
“What we’re seeing in this field of research is truly remarkable and exciting,” says Francis Dodds.
“Researchers are now working to genetically-engineer microorganisms to produce essential amino acids, vitamins and other key nutrients required to optimise bird growth and overall health,” he adds.
These advancements have the potential to reduce the sector’s reliance on traditional feed sources –which carry large environmental impacts – and improve the sustainability of poultry production.
8th October 2024
Soil battling the elements – who wins?
As the world grapples with the impacts of climate change and the challenge of feeding a rapidly growing population, understanding and mitigating the effects of soil erosion has never been more crucial.
Dr Manuel Seeger – a Senior Lecturer in the School of Regional and Environmental Sciences at the University of Trier in Germany – and a host of international experts tackle this challenge head on in their new book, Understanding and preventing soil erosion.
The book provides a comprehensive overview of recent research on understanding the mechanisms of soil erosion, as well as the best practices for measuring and modelling soil erosion risk in agricultural soils.
In recent years the true value of soil has been unearthed, with optimising soil health now a primary addition to the agendas of most (if not all) stakeholders across the agri-food supply chain, from farmers and growers, to policymakers and government officials.
However, preventing soil erosion – which in turn improves soil health – requires a multifaceted approach that includes both traditional and innovative practices.
For example, farmers and growers can add soil stabilizers to their soils to improve its physical properties and reduce the risk of erosion. Perhaps the most commonly recognised examples of soil stabilizers are organic and inorganic amendments such as gypsum, polymers and biochar which can enhance soil structure, maintain soil permeability to water and reduce soil susceptibility to crust formation.
No-till farming is another example of an effective strategy implemented by farmers to prevent soil erosion. No-till farming involves growing crops without disturbing the soil through tillage, which helps maintain soil structure, reduce risk of erosion and improve water infiltration.
“Use of techniques such as no-till allow maintenance of continuous crop residue and/or canopy cover of soil, which are arguably the most important and practical measures to reduce both water and wind erosion,” says Michael Kucera, formerly of the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service.
“This is especially important to make farms and soils more resilient to more extreme drought and heavy rainfall events caused by climate change,” he adds.
As the effects of climate change continue to ripple throughout the agricultural sector, a greater understanding of soil erosion and how it can be prevented is absolutely vital to the longevity of agriculture and sustainable food production.
3rd October 2024
From cavemen to controlled environments – The journey of our food systems
However, with more and more being asked of our modern food systems, we urgently need to understand what sustainable food production needs to look like if our food systems are not to collapse underneath us.
Transforming food systems: The quest for sustainability – the newest book published by Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing – promises to do just that.
"This book provides an authoritative account of the evolution of the global food system and the various prescriptions for reform currently in play,” says Professor Neil Ward – author of ‘Net Zero, Food and Farming: Climate Change and the UK Agri-Food System.
“Using the conceptual prism of regimes of accumulation, it helps make sense of different alternative food systems and sheds light on the prospects for incremental and radical reform. With over 120 pages of references, it will provide an invaluable source for students and scholars interested in the sustainability food,” he concludes.
Though the roots run deeper, the immediate context is provided by the Second Food Regime which was established after the end of World War II with the main goal of producing as much as food as possible in the shortest amount of time.
Driven by the ‘Green Revolution’, this regime focussed on increasing agricultural productivity in part by a dramatic increase in the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides.
Whilst this regime succeeded in boosting food production, it also led to enormous environmental damage and has contributed to potentially catastrophic climate change – something that our modern food systems now must mitigate and, indeed, reverse if we are to have a sustainable future.
A whole range of solutions have been proposed to solve this global challenge, from high-tech innovations such as vertical farming to adoption of more nature-friendly farming practices such as regenerative agriculture.
“By mixing practical experience with wide-ranging research, Dr Dave Watson opens up the discussion about how we can reform modern food systems so that they’re more sustainable but still able to produce the food required for an ever-growing population,” says Francis Dodds, Editorial Director at Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing.
“This book is unique in the fact that it truly addresses one of the greatest global challenges of modern life,” he concludes.
13th August 2024
Innovation required as pork retains top spot as world's most consumed meat
“Pork production is a highly technical endeavour,” says Dr John F. Patience, Emeritus Professor of Animal Science and Iowa State University, USA.
“It is also one that has changed – and will continue to change – to meet the growing demand for pork meat while addressing consumer and regulatory expectations,” he adds.
And one area that’s undergoing a transformative phase driven by innovative research and technological advancements is the field of pig nutrition.
As highlighted in a new book – Advances in pig nutrition – these developments are set to enhance nutritional efficiency, improve animal health, and reduce the environmental footprint of pig production.
Accurate assessment of the nutritional value of pig feed is crucial for maximising nutritional efficiency, but it’s also an equally important tool which can be used to minimise the environmental impact of pork production.
Traditional methods have focussed on estimating utilisable energy and quantifying amino acids and phosphorus. However, recent advancements have introduced more sophisticated analytical techniques such as liquid chromatography and mass spectroscopy, which improving the accuracy of nutritional evaluations.
“We first published a book on pig nutrition back in 2017 and felt it was the right time to revisit this important area of research,” says Rob Burleigh, Managing Director at Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing.
“The research currently being published in this area is really exciting and offers great promise to the future of global pork production,” he adds.
Feed additives, including amino acids, prebiotics and exogenous enzymes continue to positively influence pork production, with recent research highlighting their impact on pig gut health, nutrient digestibility and overall performance.
For example, recent advances in understanding amino acid metabolism and requirements has led to the development of low-protein formulations that maintain performance whilst also reducing nitrogen excretion.
“Dr Wiseman, a highly regarded and globally prominent authority on animal production and non-ruminant nutrition, has assembled an impressive collection of papers written by an equally impressive selection of authors,” says Dr Patience.
“The result is a book that maintains the high quality we have come to expect of Dr Wiseman in his previous publications and will be a valuable addition to the library of any professional involved in pork production,” he finalises.
5th August 2024
Enhancing water management in agriculture for sustainable growth
A new book – Improving water management in agriculture: Irrigation and food production – highlights key areas where innovation is required to ensure that water use is optimised and better managed by farmers and other key stakeholders across the agri-food supply chain.
“We cannot continue to produce and consume food in the same way that we have done in the past,” says Professor Jerry W. Knox from Cranfield University, UK and editor of this new book.
“Reconciling the water needs for food, the environment, energy and society remains a significant but surmountable challenge, as well as an opportunity for change,” he adds.
Much alike many other sub-sectors of agriculture, modern water management has been revolutionised by the advent of technology, with farmers and growers now opting to invest in precision irrigation technologies to improve the productivity, profitability and sustainability of their farms.
Technologies such as variable rate irrigation systems and remote sensing platforms can be used by farmers to apply water more efficiently, which in turn reduces waste and environmental impact.
However, whilst innovations in irrigation systems are important, innovations in drainage design and management are equally as important, particularly in regions prone to waterlogging and soil salinity.
“Around 14% of the arable and permanently cropped area worldwide are irrigated,” says Dr Henk Ritzema, former Associate Professor at Wageningen University, The Netherlands and contributor to this new book.
“However, despite the importance of drainage as a component of agricultural water management, only about 22% of these irrigated lands are drained,” he adds.
So, why is drainage seemingly overlooked?
For Professor Ritzema, it’s the positioning of drainage at the end of the pipeline:
“Drainage systems clean up the ‘mess’ other activities leave behind, like salts brought in by irrigation water and residues of fertilisers and pesticides.”
Drainage is largely forgotten about – people don’t like to talk about it. However, if water use in agriculture is to be truly optimised, modern drainage systems must undergo a series of improvements which target increased control, reduced environmental impact, reuse of drainage water and safe disposal of the drainage effluent.
“The book does exceptionally well in linking the myriad of issues which are relevant to agricultural water management,” says Professor Elías Fereres, University of Cordoba and IAS-CSIC, Spain.
“In doing this, the editor and the book’s contributing authors have presented an excellent state of the art analysis of irrigation and food production on an international level,” he adds.
23rd July 2024
How resilient are global agri-food supply chains?
A new book – Frontiers in agri-food supply chains: Frameworks and case studies – takes a considered approach to detailing the recent developments across the sector which support the changing demands placed upon agri-food supply chains.
This volume – edited by a trio of agri-food supply chain experts – delivers a very useful overview of how agri-food supply chains can help tackle current challenges related to climate change, sustainability requirements and the need for sufficient healthy food,” says Professor Jack van der Vorst, Wageningen University & Research in The Netherlands.
Technological advancements play a crucial role in enhancing AFSC efficiency. The integration of digital technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, big data, and sensor technologies has shown promise in optimizing supply chain operations, ensuring data transparency, and improving traceability.
But not all AFSCs are the same and different regions bring forth different challenges and benefit from different innovations.
For example, the diversity of consumption patterns and the significant contributions of different activities across the supply chain highlight the complexity of Asia’s AFSCs. Challenges such as food safety, climate change, and geopolitical conflicts necessitate state-led interventions and the adoption of agri-food tech ecosystems to enhance supply chain resilience.
Whereas, improving AFSCs in Africa involves addressing challenges related to infrastructure, climate change, and market access. Implementing fair investment policies to attract green infrastructure investments and integrating global value chains are essential for enhancing food security and economic growth in the region.
One element that doesn’t fluctuate between regional AFSCs is the fundamental need for effective planning and control. Demand planning, forecasting, production planning, inventory management, and distribution are critical components that ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
The status of agri-food supply chains is marked by significant challenges and opportunities. Addressing these challenges through technological advancements, sustainable practices, and strategic planning is essential for ensuring food security and resilience in the face of global disruptions. Collaborative efforts and continuous innovation – as demonstrated in this new book – will be key drivers in shaping the future of AFSCs.
“We probably live in one of the most interesting times to study agri-food supply chains,” says Professor Sander de Leeuw, Chair in Operations Research and Logistics at Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands and co-editor of this new book.
“This book aims to provide a foundation for understanding these complex systems and inspire further exploration into making agri-food supply chains more efficient, resilient and sustainable,” he adds.
13th May 2024
Are robots the key to feeding 9 billion people?
As a result of this, crops were left unharvested to rot and die in the fields and the shelves in our favourite supermarkets looked more sparse than ever.
So, the question remains – how can we increase food production by 70% to feed a population set to reach 9 billion by 2050 if we can’t rely completely on manual labour?
A new book published by Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing suggests that robots could be the way forward.
Advances in agri-food robotics considers the utilisation of agricultural robots to deal with increasing labour shortages in agriculture whilst bringing greater precision and efficiency into farming operations through optimised monitoring and management.
The book explores the sensing, perception and actuation capabilities of agricultural robots, including recent advances in machine learning and world modelling, as well as more operational aspects such as optimised autonomous navigation and path planning.
"Edited by two internationally distinguished domain experts, this new book offers a comprehensive overview of robotics technology and outlines the recent advancements of applying robotic equipment in agri-food systems,” says Professor Qin Zhang, Director of the Center for Precision and Automated Agricultural Systems at Washington State University, USA.
“The contributing authors have included a selection of outstanding examples of the successful application of these technologies as a means of illustrating how the adoption of robotic technologies can contribute to improvements in product quality and yields,” he concludes.
What makes this book even more attractive is its inclusion of a range of case studies which detail the successful application of agricultural robots in a range of agricultural settings, including their use in field crop cultivation, orchard operations, greenhouse cultivation and livestock production.
“Through this dedicated section of case studies, the book providers farmers and producers with real-life instances of successful application,” says Francis Dodds, Editorial Director at Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing.
“Combining this practical experience with the wealth of scientific research included in previous chapters gives farmers the means necessary to invest and trust in agricultural robotics to improve the productivity and profitability of their farm,” he adds.
With orders for agricultural robots in 2025 estimated to increase by more than 100% when compared to unit sales in 2018, perhaps this trust is already there.
29th April 2024
What do bananas and dinosaurs have in common?
Whereas the dinosaurs were undone by a (still debated) geological phenomenon, a strain of the soilborne fungus – Fusarium oxysporum f. sp cubense tropical race 4 – holds the alarming potential to not only decimate banana plantations worldwide, but make one of the world’s favourite yellow fruits disappear from our reach forever.
Tropical Race 4 attacks the roots of the banana plant and causes banana fusarium wilt which in turn clogs the plant’s vascular system. Once the pathogen has been established on a plantation or in a field, it can result in complete yield loss.
In light of this challenge, two world-renowned researchers – Professor André Drenth and Professor Gert H. J. Kema – have called on more than 50 banana experts to contribute to their latest book: Achieving sustainable cultivation of bananas – Volume 3: Diseases and pests.
“Tropical Race 4 is perhaps the largest threat to worldwide banana production since the outbreak of Tropical Race 1 (Panama Disease) during the 1950s,” says Francis Dodds, Editorial Director at Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing.
“The most cultivated banana variety at the time – the Gros Michel – is now almost unheard of and if no cure for Tropical Race 4 is developed, the Cavendish variety could very soon follow suit,” he adds.
With the banana industry under threat of extinction and the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers at risk of being severely compromised, the book explores existing methods for pest/disease diagnosis and identification, current management strategies used to control and/or prevent outbreaks, as well as the development of disease-resistant cultivars.
“The current range of disease and pest threats means that [this book], which covers a wide array of pathogens and pests, is urgently needed,” says Dr Ariena van Bruggen, Emeritus Professor of Plant Pathology and Emerging Pathogens at the University of Florida in Gainesville, USA.
This latest volume is the third instalment in the series, with previous volumes focussed on cultivation techniques and germplasm and genetic improvement.
16th April 2024
Can our planet afford the cost of nitrogen?
“The use of nitrogen fertiliser contributes to food security, but it causes pollution of rivers, lakes, and coastal waters around the world,” says David J. Pannell, Professor in Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of Western Australia.
A new book published by Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing explores how nitrogen use efficiency can be improved to reduce the sector’s environmental impact and use resources more effectively, whilst not compromising agricultural production.
Improving nitrogen use efficiency in crop production considers developments in inorganic fertilisers to improve nitrogen use efficiency, as well as how more organic sources of nitrogen, such as livestock manure, can be optimised to achieve the same goal.
“Nitrogen is required for food production but most of it is released to the environment where it causes a cascade of negative impacts,” says Emeritus Professor James N. Galloway, University of Virginia, USA.
“This timely book provides an excellent overview of nitrogen use in agriculture and most especially suggestions on how to maximize the benefits of nitrogen while minimizing its detrimental impacts,” concludes Emeritus Professor Galloway.
As well as enacting a cost to the environment, nitrogen loss from agricultural systems also comes at a price for farmers and the wider agricultural industry, with nitrogen-related damage suggested to cost the European Union €75 - €485 billion per year.
With statistics like these, there can be no surprise that a greater research effort has been allocated to improving nitrogen use efficiency, understanding nitrogen cycling in soil, as well as advances in monitoring nitrogen status.
“Agriculture needs to adapt if we’re to reach the climate goals outlined in the Paris Agreement,” says Rob Burleigh, Managing Director at Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing.
“Reducing synthetic pesticide, herbicide and fertiliser use is one solution to achieving this and one that requires a global effort from all stakeholders across the agri-food supply chain,” he adds.
In light of this, there can perhaps be no greater time to publish a book that explores a potential solution to a problem that incurs both an economic and environmental cost.
26th February 2024
Can we reverse the depletion of biodiversity and natural capital?
An over-reliance on intensive farming practices, such as the use of fertilisers, agro-chemicals and pesticides, is perhaps the largest responsible party.
“The direct impacts on biodiversity of these intensified farming practices are becoming clear,” says Dr Jill Atkins, Professor of Accounting at Cardiff University, UK.
“There is less and less natural habitat available to wild species of animals, birds and insects, as well as for wild flowers and plants, as land is gobbled up at an alarming rate for agricultural growth,” she adds.
A new book published by Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing explores recent advances in the accounting and reporting frameworks developed to measure these impacts.
Protecting natural capital and biodiversity in the agri-food sector considers how the global agri-food sector can better value and protect ecosystem services and in turn, reverse the depletion of natural capital and biodiversity.
“This book is a welcome addition to the Burleigh Dodds’ collection of volumes on sustainable agriculture,” says Professor Emeritus Charles Perrings, Arizona State University, USA.
“The general effects of both the extensive and intensive growth of agriculture on biodiversity are reasonably well known, but this volume offers a deeper dive into the biodiversity impacts of specific technologies in particular places, along with the accounting protocols by which those impacts may be measured,” he states.
And it isn’t just the researchers and conservationists who are concerned with this depletion and loss of biodiversity.
In the last few years, there has been a recognisable shift in focus by the international business and financial communities to implement a ‘two-pronged approach’ that seeks to tackle climate change, whilst also recognising and addressing biodiversity loss.
“Depleting biodiversity and natural capital can create significant near-term operational costs, threaten the supply of critical resources and put global gross domestic product (GDP) at risk,” says Dr Martina Macpherson, Head of ESG Products at SIX.
“If natural capital is not protected, businesses, banks and investors may also face higher costs of capital, and losses and/or additional costs related to investment, lending and underwriting activities,” she adds.
Addressing better protection of natural capital and biodiversity requires a collaborative approach between a multitude of stakeholders across the agri-food supply chain.
Without collaboration, our situation and impact on the natural environment around us will continue to worsen.
“This is arguably one of the most important books we’ve published,” says Rob Burleigh, Managing Director at Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing.
“In addition to addressing the impacts of agriculture on natural capital and biodiversity, the book also considers the solutions that can be implemented to address key challenges, such as pollinator and insect biodiversity decline,” he adds.
22nd January 2024
Going full circle to tackle agriculture's biggest challenges
Although not a new concept, circular agriculture has recently emerged as a model of food production which instead looks at regenerating natural systems through a re-use and recycle approach as a means of reducing the accumulation of residual waste.
Circular agriculture is primarily built on four principles and involves reducing the use of external inputs, closing nutrient loops, regenerating soils and minimising the impact of food systems on the environment.
Developing circular agricultural production systems is a new book from Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing and showcases how to develop circular agricultural production systems, from using crop residues as livestock feed, to producing biogas from livestock manure and manufacturing bio-plastics from agricultural waste.
This book is described as a “must have item to anyone concerned with the challenges of developing circular agricultural production systems,” by Pete Smith, Professor of Soils & Global Change at the University of Aberdeen, UK.
He goes on to say, “Current agriculture wastes both agricultural inputs and outputs, leading to lower system productivity, higher costs and environmental pollution.”
“A drive toward circular agricultural production systems is necessary to ensure nutrition security and to meet our goals of tackling climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental pollution,” he adds.
The book is edited by Professor (UZ) Barbara Amon – “a world-leading scientist in the field” currently working as an Associate Professor at the University of Zielona Góra, Poland.
Recent advances in understanding and developing closed-loop systems to optimise crop nutrient cycles and resource use, as well as ways agricultural wastes can be recycled back into agricultural production are discussed in this new book.
“Circular agriculture is so innovative in its approach to improving sustainability that it could transform global food production in its entirety,” says Francis Dodds, Editorial Director at Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing.
“Circular agriculture is such a powerful concept and for us, the best way to demonstrate its power was to include case studies of real-life circular agricultural production systems in differing agricultural environments,” he concludes.
Examples of the case studies that feature in this new book include a case study on the development of closed-loop dairy value chains from a team of researchers from CSIRO, Australia, and a case study on the recirculation of aquaculture systems from a team of researchers from the University of Pisa, Italy.
16th January 2024
Developing drought-resistance in cereals essential to ensuring the food security of millions
Alternative approaches to mitigating the effects of drought are required to ensure that future monumental losses of key crops as a result of drought are reduced, if not eradicated.
“Rice, wheat and maize are three of the world’s most important crops,” says Francis Dodds, Editorial Director at Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing.
“These three grains alone are both a source of nutrition and income for more than four billion people worldwide,” he concludes.
Developing drought-resistant cereals provides a comprehensive overview of the effect of drought on cereal crop yields and yield stability and also assesses the role of physiological traits on the response of cereal crops to drought stress.
The book considers recent developments in techniques for improving drought resistance in cereals, focussing on the use of phenotyping, genomic selection and genome editing.
“This new book edited by Professor Roberto Tuberosa will be an important resource for scientists worldwide, especially with climate change increasing the frequency of drought conditions,” says Professor Mark Sorrells, Cornell University, USA.
“Professor Tuberosa and the contributing authors are among the leading authorities in the cutting-edge science of crop improvement for drought tolerance, and I look forward to using this important resource in my research program,” he adds.
The book also explores our recent understanding of the mechanisms of drought tolerance in cereal crops, focussing on elements such as the role of drought-induced proteins in regulating drought tolerance.