Related items
Showing items related by metadata.
-
Book (stand-alone)Technical studyOrganic materials and soil productivity
FAO Soils Bulletin 35
1977Also available in:
No results found.In the temperate zones of the world a favourable balance exists between input and decomposition of organic materials in the soil. This balance is influenced by climatic conditions and the inorganic constituents of the soil, in which the amount and type of clay minerals play an important role. the plant growth caused by the use of mineral fertilizer increases not only the economically important parts of the plants, but also the growth roots and crop residues. Furthermore, in many farms animal exc reta is used to maintain the level of soil organic matter in arable land.There are some interactions between certain clay minerals and fractions of soil organic matter which act as favourable factors for soil productivity and for plant production. -
Book (stand-alone)Technical bookSoil management: compost production and use in tropical and subtropical environments
FAO Soils Bulletin No. 56
1987Also available in:
No results found.The objective of this Soils Bulletin is to promote the use of locally available organic materials to increase soil organic matter content for improvement of soil fertility, and as a sources of plant nutrients in conjunction with mineral fertilizers. This manual is written for all those concerned with the maintenance and improvement of soil fertility, especially under tropical and subtropical conditions. It contains material for use in farmer training. The severe drought and famine in parts of Africa in 1985 have shown the necessity for adequate soil organic matter to prevent hillside erosion and to retain moisture in the soil for crop growth. The cost of mineral fertilizers and their relative scarcity in some areas has increased the need to recycle waste organic materials as sources of crop nutrients. This Bulletin explains the basic composting process, suitable organic wastes, practical composting methods, use of the product in a variety of situations and a consideration of econo mic and social benefits. It also deals with approaches to practical extension work with farmers on the subject. -
Book (stand-alone)Technical studySoil survey investigations for irrigation
FAO Soils Bulletin 42
1979Also available in:
No results found.The pressing need for increased agricultural production in the years ahead can only be met by more efficient use of our land and water resources including more widespread and better irrigation in those regions where rainfall is inadequate. Production gains will be shortlived unless the attendant hazards of salinization, water logging and lowered fertility are kept in check by effective planning and management based on a thorough understanding of the soil conditions. Soil survey and land classifi cation are generally accepted essential preliminaries to investment in irrigation development. This publication aims to describe the special requirements of soil survey for irrigation development, and assumes that the reader is familiar with basic soil science and soil survey techniques.
Users also downloaded
Showing related downloaded files
-
Book (series)FlagshipThe State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2021
Transforming food systems for food security, improved nutrition and affordable healthy diets for all
2021In recent years, several major drivers have put the world off track to ending world hunger and malnutrition in all its forms by 2030. The challenges have grown with the COVID-19 pandemic and related containment measures. This report presents the first global assessment of food insecurity and malnutrition for 2020 and offers some indication of what hunger might look like by 2030 in a scenario further complicated by the enduring effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. It also includes new estimates of the cost and affordability of healthy diets, which provide an important link between the food security and nutrition indicators and the analysis of their trends. Altogether, the report highlights the need for a deeper reflection on how to better address the global food security and nutrition situation.To understand how hunger and malnutrition have reached these critical levels, this report draws on the analyses of the past four editions, which have produced a vast, evidence-based body of knowledge of the major drivers behind the recent changes in food security and nutrition. These drivers, which are increasing in frequency and intensity, include conflicts, climate variability and extremes, and economic slowdowns and downturns – all exacerbated by the underlying causes of poverty and very high and persistent levels of inequality. In addition, millions of people around the world suffer from food insecurity and different forms of malnutrition because they cannot afford the cost of healthy diets. From a synthesized understanding of this knowledge, updates and additional analyses are generated to create a holistic view of the combined effects of these drivers, both on each other and on food systems, and how they negatively affect food security and nutrition around the world.In turn, the evidence informs an in-depth look at how to move from silo solutions to integrated food systems solutions. In this regard, the report proposes transformative pathways that specifically address the challenges posed by the major drivers, also highlighting the types of policy and investment portfolios required to transform food systems for food security, improved nutrition, and affordable healthy diets for all. The report observes that, while the pandemic has caused major setbacks, there is much to be learned from the vulnerabilities and inequalities it has laid bare. If taken to heart, these new insights and wisdom can help get the world back on track towards the goal of ending hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition in all its forms. -
Book (stand-alone)Technical bookThe future of food and agriculture - Trends and challenges 2017
Also available in:
No results found.What will be needed to realize the vision of a world free from hunger and malnutrition? After shedding light on the nature of the challenges that agriculture and food systems are facing now and throughout the 21st century, the study provides insights into what is at stake and what needs to be done. “Business as usual” is not an option. Major transformations in agricultural systems, rural economies, and natural resources management are necessary. The present study was undertaken for the quadrennial review of FAO’s strategic framework and for the preparation of the Organization Medium-Term plan 2018-2021. -