Books in the Advances in Agricultural Systems Modeling series

Research progress in soil-root growth interactions has been slow due to the relative inaccessibility of roots in their natural environment and because root research cuts across the boundaries of soil science, ecology, crop science, and plant physiology, among others. Enhancing Understanding and Quantification of Soil-Root Growth Interactions takes on this challenge to solve society's growing problems in the conservation of quality water and soil resources. Researchers must come together and leverage our understanding of the rhizosphere to maximize efficient, sustainable use of limited water and soil nutrient resources. This is a serious calling--from addressing the critical needs in nations who cannot afford costly fertilizers, to the global challenge of enhancing soil carbon storage to reduce climate change effects of elevated carbon dioxide. This book brings together scientists from different disciplines, worldwide, together to encourage synthesis of transdisciplinary knowledge and further research and developments in the area of root-soil interactions.

Completely devoted to applicati on of models to opti mize the use of limited water and nutrients in various climates, this collecti on will inspire confi dence in the capacity of modeling to tackle the biggest threats to secure agriculture. To obtain the most producti on from available water while maintaining natural resources, we need whole system-based quanti tati ve knowledge and tools to help select appropriate crops and manage water and associated inputs on a site-specifi c basis under changing climate. Site-specifi c experimental results are available for limited locati ons, limited periods of ti me, and limited management opti ons. Well-tested process models of cropping systems can extend fi eld research results to long-term weather conditi ons, as well as other climates and soils, allowing us to explore new management opti ons. The case studies in this volume are promising examples of these kinds of soluti ons.

Understanding how crops will respond to climate change is essential to agriculture's ability to adapt and have the greatest probability of continuing to meet societal needs. Crop model intercomparison and improvement are required to advance understanding of the impact of future climate change on crop growth and yield. Initial efforts undertaken in the Agriculture Model Intercomparison and Improvement Project (AgMIP) led to several observations where crop models were not adequately simulating growth and development. Enhanced efforts are required to quantify the carbon dioxide temperature water interactions in plant growth and yield. This volume in the Advances in Agricultural Systems Modeling series presents progress in that area, with experimental observations across crops, simulation modeling outcomes, and future challenges in improving crop simulation models.--

"Quantifying and Modeling Soil Structure Dynamics emphasizes a systems approach to how soil structure changes in response to inputs and to the environment. Soil structure is a dynamic, complex system affected by tillage, wheel traffic, roots, soil life, shrink swell, and freeze thaw. In turn, soil structure affects root growth and function, soil fauna, solute transport, water infiltration, gas exchange, thermal and electrical conductivities, traffic bearing capacity, and more. Ignoring soil structure or viewing it as ''static'' can lead to poor predictions and management. Readers will especially appreciate the description of soil structure influence on endpoints, such as environmental contamination and efficient water use, and how models should be adjusted to include dynamic soil structure components for accurate outputs"-- page 4 of cover.

In the 8th book of Dr. Ahuja's innovative "Advances in Agricultural Systems Modeling" series, authors give a look into the future of climatesmart agricultural systems, emphasizing the integration of soil, weather, vegetation and management information to predict relevant agro-ecosystem processes. Expansion of data availability, improvement of sensors, and computational power have opened opportunities in modeling and exploration of management impact. Authors give a background on model development and explain soil, plant, and climate processes and their interactions that encompass the wide range of applications of simulation models to address challenges in managing our resources and complex agricultural systems.

Enhancing Agricultural Research and Precision Management for Subsistence FarmingInsightful applications of crop system models to developing countries to explore climate change mitigation and management decision toolsEnhancing Agricultural Research and Precision Management for Subsistence Farming by Integrating System Models with Experiments delivers an authoritative collection of applications of crop system models to Asian and African environments and evaluates current agricultural systems in developing nations. The book provides models to assist in the precision management of soil, water, fertilizers and manures, soil organic matter, alternative crops, and cultivars in both rainfed and irrigated systems.Contributions cover recent and ongoing research in knowledge gap areas such as modeling the long-term effect of management soil health, the effect of extreme temperatures and drought on evapotranspiration and crop growth, root growth and the uptake of water and nutrients. The book also includes* An introduction to system models integrated with experiments as tools to develop improved management practices for subsistence farming* Explorations of models of soil erosion impacts and trade-offs for sustainable land management practices in Kenya* Discussions of the crop simulation model as a tool to quantify the effects of crop management practices in northern Ethiopia* In-depth examinations of models of water dynamics for assessing and managing ecosystem services in IndiaPerfect for field research scientists and graduate students studying cropping and range systems, and essential reading for agricultural consultants, progressive farmers, plant breeders, and policymakers.Advances in Agricultural Systems ModelingTransdisciplinary Research, Synthesis, and ApplicationsLajpat R. Ahuja, Series EditorAgricultural system modeling has made substantial progress, but there are still many critical gaps in our knowledge. The American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America are taking a leadership role with the initiation of this new series. Future breakthroughs in science and technology lie at the boundaries of disciplines. The new series will* Advance critical transdisciplinary research, and its synthesis and quantification* Encourage collaboration among top researchers in building and improving models* Promote the application of system models to solve practical problems* Achieve better instruction in these models and their applications