This paper describes temperate agroforestry systems in New Zealand, wherein a variety of agroforestry systems are used and evaluated. Currently, wide spaced poplar and willow for soil erosion management combined with livestock production is the most commonly used system and will continue to be...

This chapter provides a practical worldwide overview of the environmental applications of poplars and willows. The chapter aims to synthesize the latest knowledge on these applications with respect to sustainable livelihoods, land use and restoration. The applications covered include land...

Agriculture provides food, fibre and energy, which have been the foundation for the development of all societies. Soil carbon plays an important role in providing essential ecosystem services. Historically, these have been viewed in terms of plant nutrient availability only, with agricultural...

This chapter reviews the nature of soil, and characterizes the soil properties important in determining the amount of soil water avaible to plants as well as those properties limiting plant growth. The importance of protecting soil from wind and water erosion is discussed.

Regions within Canada (Prince Edward Island), the EU (Netherlands), and the USA (Maine) differ in the way they attempt to control pollutants stemming from potato production. This chapter applies the actual agro-environmental policy approaches from each region to the same watershed to simulate...

This chapter discusses the mechanisms of soil erosion by wind and water in rangelands, including natural and other factors influencing soil erosion processes, especially human activities. Finally, a review of available desertification control technologies in north China, including biological,...

This chapter describes sustainable use or management with reference to the maintenance of the necessary soil functions for agricultural production, avoidance of off-farm damage, and adequate support for incomes dependent on utilization of the soil. Particular focus is given to the implications of a ...

Land use, watershed management and cumulative effects are the subject of this chapter. People want many goods and services from the watersheds on which they live, including water for personal consumption, irrigation and hydropower; raw materials for wood products; agricultural crops, meat and dairy ...

This chapter describes the modern concept of no-tillage and provides definition of some related terms used synonymously in most parts of the world. No tillage farming is a significant methodology shift in production farming as performed over the past 100 years of mechanized agriculture. It...

This chapter discusses the principle of conservation agriculture and provides details of the advantages or benefits of no-tillage, particularly those derived either directly or indirectly from enhancement of soil organic carbon levels. Some of the most important benefits of conservation tillage...