Advances in Irrigation Agronomy
Plantation Crops

Examines the factors influencing water productivity in nine key plantation crops in the context of increased pressure on water resources.

M. K. V. Carr (Author), Rob Lockwood (Contributions by), Jerry Knox (Contributions by)

9781107012479, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 5 April 2012

360 pages, 82 b/w illus. 32 colour illus. 8 tables
25.4 x 18 x 2 cm, 0.88 kg

'An excellent publication both in terms of content and presentation … No doubt [it] will be a great help for all those researchers and practitioners involved in improving water use productivity of an important but so far somewhat neglected group of crops.' Martin Smith, Experimental Agriculture

Irrigation has been used for thousands of years to maximize the performance, efficiency and profitability of crops and it is a science that is constantly evolving. This potential for improved crop yields has never been more important as population levels and demand for food continue to grow. Recognising the need for a coherent and accessible review of international irrigation research, this book examines the factors influencing water productivity in individual crops. It focuses on nine key plantation/industrial crops on which millions of people in the tropics and subtropics depend for their livelihoods (banana, cocoa, coconut, coffee, oil palm, rubber, sisal, sugar cane and tea). Linking crop physiology, agronomy and irrigation practices, this is a valuable resource for planners, irrigation engineers, agronomists and producers concerned with the international need to improve water productivity in agriculture in the face of increased pressure on water resources.

Foreword
Acknowledgements
1. Introduction
2. Banana
3. Cocoa
4. Coconut
5. Coffee
6. Oil palm
7. Rubber
8. Sisal
9. Sugar cane
10. Tea
11. Synthesis
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Plant pathology & diseases [PSTP], Plant reproduction & propagation [PSTL], Plant physiology [PSTD], Life sciences: general issues [PSA], Biology, life sciences [PS]