Pasture Production In Acid Soils Of The Tropics

This integrated collection describes the importance of forage legumes for pasture development and improvement in the tropics and subtropics. Leading agronomists review the magnitude of the need for pasture improvement; tropical and subtropical soil and climate environments; reports of the successful use of legumes in pasture development in a wet and a dry tropical environment; and the scope of the problem in terms of area to be developed and development logistics required. Three legume genera, Centrosema, Desmodium, and Stylosanthes, are discussed in detail--information is presented on taxonomy, adaptation, distribution, productivity, and usefulness--and considerable emphasis is placed on Rhizobium germplasm resources for these genera. A concluding section of technical essays addresses special considerations in using tropical legumes in pasture development and presents a coordinated multidisciplinary approach to legume exploration and evaluation.

Botanical description and natural distribution of Andropogon gayanus; Genetics and plant breeding of Andropogon gayanus; Range of adaptation of Andropogon gayanus; Physiological aspects of Andropogon gayanus and its compatibility with legumes; Nutritional requirements of Andropogon gayanus; The agronomy of Andropogon gayanus; Pest and disease problems of Andropogon gayanus; Establishment and initial development of Andropogon gayanus pastures in tropical savannas; Quality of Andropogon gayanus and animal productivity; Seed production of Andropogon gayanus; Release and initial evidense of adoption and impact of Andropogon gayanus in Tropicla America; Research priorities for the study of Andropogon gayanus.

Long-awaited second edition of classic textbook, brought completely up to date, for courses on tropical soils, and reference for scientists and professionals.

Published in association with the International Herbage Seed Production Research Group, this volume and its companion provide the definitive resource for anyone involved in the breeding and commercial production of grass and legume seeds, whether for grazing systems, horticulture or recreation.

Tropical ecosystems - the regions between the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn - play an important role in global processes, economic issues, and political concerns. In their natural state, tropical ecosystems support a large quantity of above- and below-ground biomass, and constitute a major part of the terrestrial carbon pool. Conversion of the natural ecosystem to agriculture and forestry ecosystems disturbs this ecological balance. Global Climate Change and Tropical Ecosystems presents data on carbon pool fluxes from case studies in 12 countries in tropical regions. The chapters cover: Characteristics of tropical ecosystems Soil and biotic carbon pools Impacts of land use and soil management Slash-and-burn practices Crop residue and fertility management This volume adds to the understanding of pedospheric processes in tropical ecosystems and how to better use soils as a sink for carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. With Global Climate Change and Tropical Ecosystems you will understand the link between soil productivity, environmental quality and the global carbon cycle, not only in these ecologically sensitive regions but worldwide.

The tropical environment. Soils of the tropics. Soil physical properties. Clay mineralogy and Ion Exchange Processes. Soil organic matter. Nitrogen. Soil acidity and liming. Phosphorus, silicon, and sulfur. Soil fertility evaluation. Soil management in shifting cultivation areas. Soil management in rice cultivation systems. Soil management in multiple cropping Systems. Soil Management for tropical pasture production.