Herbicides And Environment

Herbicides are much more than just weed killers. They may exhibit beneficial or adverse effects on other organisms. Given their toxicological, environmental but also agricultural relevance, herbicides are an interesting field of activity not only for scientists working in the field of agriculture. It seems that the investigation of herbicide-induced effects on weeds, crop plants, ecosystems, microorganisms, and higher organism requires a multidisciplinary approach. Some important aspects regarding the multisided impacts of herbicides on the living world are highlighted in this book. I am sure that the readers will find a lot of helpful information, even if they are only slightly interested in the topic.

This publication is rare among those texts on pesticides in that it covers herbicides exclusively. It presents, in one source, information that is typically scattered. This important publication enables the reader to recommend herbicide use more reliably and efficiently. It also highlights environmental issues relevant to herbicide use in agriculture. The book outlines potential areas of further research. This title is of particular value to weed scientists, environmental chemists and engineers, soil scientists, and those responsible for recommending and/or regulating use of herbicides in agriculture. Focuses On: ? Increasing efficiency of herbicides in agriculture ? Decreasing environmental contamination with herbicides ? Dissipation and transformations in water and sediment ? Nature, transport, and fate of airborne residues ? Absorption and transport in plants ? Transformations in biosphere ? Bioaccumulation and food chain accumulation ? Photochemical transformations ? Bound residues ? Predictability and environmental chemistry

Weeds severely affect crop quality and yield. Therefore, successful farming relies on their control by coordinated management approaches. Among these, chemical herbicides are of key importance. Their development and commercialization began in the 1940's and they allowed for a qualitative increase in crop yield and quality when it was most needed. This book blends review chapters with scientific studies, creating an overview of some the current trends in the field of herbicides. Included are environmental studies on their toxicity and impact on natural populations, methods to reduce herbicide inputs and therefore overall non-target toxicity, and the use of bioherbicides as natural alternatives.

Fundamental Aspects of Pollution Control and Environmental Science, 5: Pesticides in the Soil Environment focuses on the effects of pesticide use on the quality of soil. The manuscript first offers information on the classification of pesticides and physicochemical processes affecting pesticides in soil. Topics include herbicides, fungicides, movement in soil, chemical conversion and degradation, and photodecomposition. The text then elaborates on microbial processes affecting pesticides in soil, including fumigants, fungicides, and insecticides. The text examines the occurrence and persistence of pesticide residues in soil and minimizing pesticide residues in soil. Discussions focus on persistence, bound residues, plant uptake, short residual residues, and eliminating pesticide residues. The text is a dependable reference for readers interested in the effects of pesticide use on the quality of soil.

Sustainability Concept in Developing Countries is a collection of seven studies addressing the issue of sustainability from the perspective of developing countries. Although it is not a comprehensive review of all developing countries, these contributions do portray some of the major issues in achieving sustainability in many developing countries. The book is divided into two parts: Part 1 includes chapters related to concepts and methodology relevant to sustainability in the context of developing countries. Part 2 presents some actual case studies including descriptions of the situations and advice on how to address sustainability in such economies. This book is a useful reference for professionals in developing countries as well as other jurisdictions.

Discussing the range of effects of pesticides on food and human safety, water quality, wildlife, and pest management, this book explores the agricultural, economic, and regulatory factors that affect pesticide use. It examines crop and pest ecology, integrated pest management principles, and emerging analytical tools to improve the efficacy and cost-efficiency of pest control. Expert contributions describe the current status of pesticides issues and those related to pest management. The book summarizes advances and trends in the crop protection industry, such as integrated pest management, hybrid seed and generic pesticide production, improved pesticide formulations, and plant biotechnology.