Controlled Release Fertilizers for Sustainable Agriculture provides a comprehensive examination of precision fertilizer applications using the 4-R approach—the right amount of fertilizer at the right time to the right plant at the correct stage of plant growth. This volume consolidates detailed information on each aspect of controlled release fertilizers, including up-to-date literature citations, the current market for controlled release fertilizers and patents. Presenting the tremendous advances in experimental and theoretical studies on sustainable agriculture and related areas, this book provides in-depth insight into state-of-the-art controlled release mechanisms of fertilizers, techniques, and their use in sustainable agriculture. Conventional release mechanisms have historically meant waste of fertilizers and the adverse effects of that waste on the environment. Controlled release delivery makes significant strides in enhancing fertilizer benefit to the target plant, while protecting the surrounding environment and increasing sustainability. - Presents cutting-edge interdisciplinary insights specifically focused on the controlled release of fertilizers - Explores the benefits and challenges of 4-R fertilizer use - Includes expertise from leading researchers in the fields of agriculture, polymer science, and nanotechnology working in industry, academics, government, and private research institutions across the globe - Presents the tremendous advances in experimental and theoretical studies on sustainable agriculture and related areas

This volume is a ready reference on sustainable agriculture and reinforce the understanding for its utilization to develop environmentally sustainable and profitable food production systems. It describes ecological sustainability of farming systems, present innovations for improving efficiency in the use of resources for sustainable agriculture and propose technological options and new areas of research in this very important area of agriculture.

The agricultural food system needs to provide access to enough healthy and affordable food for the growing population and mitigate its impact on the planet for future generations. Emerging technologies can help farmers increase yields.The book presents theoretical and applied aspects of nanotechnology, biotechnology, plant breeding and smart farming to increase plant productivity, crop yield, soil fertility and crop soil monitoring.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of organic fertilizers and their importance in sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, and the environment. It presents new approaches, ideas, and trends on how to increase the effectiveness of chemical fertilizers as well as the resistance of plants against biotic and abiotic stress conditions. Chapters address such topics as the benefits of organic fertilizers over their chemical counterparts, vermicomposting, organic farming, insects in organic fertilizer production, and much more.

This book describes the advantages and disadvantages and characterization techniques of clay-composites for environmental applications. It examines the structure and chemistry of different types of clay-composites and their synthesis, characteristics and applications in detail with a special focus on upscaling and limitations. Various topics covered in this book include overview of clay composites and their environmental applications, clay-biochar composites, clay-surfactants composites, organo-clay composites, clay hybrids and enriched clay composites. This book will be useful for beginners, researchers, material scientists and engineers who are interested in applied research of clay-based composites.

There is a growing demand for strategies to address the impact of polymers and plastics in ecosystems. The principles of green chemistry offer a good source of such strategies. Ecofriendly Functional Polymers: An Approach from Application-Targeted Green Chemistry provides a holistic overview of polymer chemistry, development, and applications in the context of these sustainability-driven principles. It encourages researchers to consider the principles of green chemistry, environmental impacts, and end-user needs as integral aspects for consideration at the earliest stages of any design process, and draws together key aspects of polymer chemistry, organic synthesis, experimental design, and applications in a single volume. Beginning with an authoritative guide to fundamental polymer chemistry and its impact in the current environmental context, the book then discusses a range of key theoretical and experimental aspects of designing eco-friendly functional polymers. Applications of ecofriendly functional polymers across an entire range of fields are discussed, and a selection of case studies highlights the implementation of theoretical and experimental information to address a broad selection of issues. Highlights the physicochemical principles of green chemistry and the development of biodegradable and recyclable polymers in this context Compiles key information connecting structural features with properties, experimental strategies, and appropriate applications into a single volume Discusses requirements and applications across a broad range of fields, supported by practical examples

Nano-Fertilizer Synthesis and Types?discusses the production of a variety of nano-fertilizers, including biological, chemical, and mechanical types. Nano-fertilizers aid in nutrition control by increasing nutrient consumption efficiency as nutrients are bonded to nano-dimensional adsorbents, which in turn release nutrients considerably more slowly than traditional fertilizers. As the nano-fertilizer sector advances, one approach is to concentrate on macro elements (N, P, K), as switching to nano-fertilizers may result in significant environmental benefits by replacing the majority of these nutrients. Furthermore, the biosynthesis of nanomaterials employing bacteria, algae, yeast, fungus, actinomycetes, and plants has opened up a new field of study for the creation of inorganic nanoparticles as environmentally benign fertilizers. Because of the several-fold increase in the surface-to-volume ratio of nano-forms of nutrients, and their appropriateness for foliar application, where environmental losses are further decreased, nano-fertilizers may achieve higher efficiency. However, before nano-fertilizers are manufactured and commercialized, further research should be conducted to assess their impact for both humans and the environment. While there are some nano-fertilizer products available, the nano-fertilizer production industry still requires additional public and private sector support and development. Nano-Fertilizers Synthesis and Types presents the latest information, highlights the benefits and impacts of each, and provides a single-volume resource to help effectively and efficiently identify options based on use-case. Exploring the topic from the various mechanistic types to the relevant regulatory, safety, and economic aspects, this volume will be appropriate for those working with and researching new nano-fertilizers. Guides in the identification of appropriate nano-fertilizer options based on use-case Addresses both target plant and environmental considerations Includes economic and regulatory insights

This book presents the advancement of coating materials technology especially in agriculture, particularly for fertilizers. Fertilizers are a critical component in meeting rising demands and ensuring global food security. A new generation of fertilizers made by coating granules with biopolymers address these issues. Coating in agriculture is an important area in research for a more sustainable future. Many examples and instances from existing research and related research gaps are discussed. It includes applications of composites as fertilizer’s coating, advantages and disadvantages of fertilizer coating from composites, applications of bacteria in composite, applications of bacteria in fertilizer industry as well as the common techniques of coating fertilizers with drying process. ​

This volume aims to raise awareness and stimulate research on how agricultural management could help to mitigate climate change impacts, and focuses on technical progressions and innovations in climate change mitigation and adaptation. It addresses new innovations in agricultural technology and management with the goal of balancing agricultural production and its associated climate effects in a sustainable manner. The major topics covered include crop and soil management, techniques and technologies for emission reduction, irrigation, land degradation, pest and disease management, farmers' perspectives, and climate-smart agriculture policy. The book is geared towards students, researchers, and professionals in the fields of environmental science, agriculture science, and climate change.

The challenges posed by climate change have had a significant impact on global food security, with crop yields negatively affected by abiotic and biotic stresses. The book Nanopriming Approach to Sustainable Agriculture offers a promising solution to this problem, providing a sustainable technology that ensures the growth and development of healthy plants in adverse conditions. By using nanoparticles to enhance seed germination and growth, nanopriming establishes pre-resistance against diseases and stresses, thereby reducing the need for pesticides and fertilizers. This reduction in the use of harmful chemicals not only benefits the environment but also helps increase the income of farmers worldwide. This edited book offers a comprehensive overview of the latest research and development in nanotechnology for agriculture, covering topics such as crop production, protection, soil fertility improvement, and crop improvement. With each chapter focusing on a specific topic, the book is a valuable resource for students, researchers, and professors seeking to stay up to date with the latest advances in nanotechnology. The book is especially relevant for those interested in precision farming, and it highlights the potential of nanopriming as an effective tool for sustainable agriculture. Topics covered include seed priming with zinc oxide and silver nanoparticles, myco-synthesized nanoparticles as seed priming agents, and nanopriming for alleviating heavy metal toxicity in plants. Co-edited by leading researchers in the field, this book is designed to be a valuable asset for university courses and provides updated knowledge and applications in agriculture sciences. Overall, this book offers a comprehensive overview of the latest research in nanotechnology for agriculture and its potential to revolutionize sustainable agriculture practices worldwide.