Production of food fiber and fuel is vital for humanity, and as the world
population continues to rise, demands on these resources is ever increasing. In
a context of growing worldwide concern about sustainability and environmental
impacts of cropland, grassland and forestry practices, this textbook provides an
introduction to the processes that define the ecology and environment of plant
production. Core principles are examined such as soil-plant relationships,
genetic manipulation and diversity, yield and water requirements, as well as
physical factors such as solar radiation, temperature and weather. This edition
is fully updated with new chapters on climate change and biofuels.