Towards Holistic Agriculture

by Widdowson

• ISBN13: 9780080342115
• ISBN10: 0080342116
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1987-07-30
• Publisher: Elsevier Science

Summary

This book explains the use of an ecological way of farming, with modern practical applications, to make the fullest use of land resources and the best utilization of available capital and labour. In analyzing the vital relationship between soil, plant, animal and man, the author discusses the best care of land itself, its components, grassland management and the most efficient use of crops to maximize yield, food quality and profitability without the extensive use of chemicals and without damaging the ecology. Widdowson also covers the holistic approach to animal farming, the welfare and health of poultry, cattle, sheep and goats, their nutritional needs through the various stages of their lives, and the best way to balance their diets.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Soil and Cultivations: Mineral fraction; Organic matter

Symbiotic fixation

Conversion of organic nitrogen to nitrate

Ethylene cycle

Bulk density of soil

Soil reconditioning tools

Keyline cultivation

Sources of Plant Nutrients: Fertilizers

Macro nutrients

Micro nutrients

Organic fertilizers

Mineral fertilizers

Plant nutrient loss

Pests and Diseases: Weeds

Pests

Plant diseases

Animal diseases

Fungicides and pesticides

Pesticides

Rotation and Crops

Grassland Management: General considerations

Establishment of grassland

Subsequent management

Seed mixtures

Grassland improvements

Animal Husbandry: Monogastrics

Ruminants

Animal Nutrition: Diets for monogastrics

Diets for ruminants

Some Other Considerations: Yield

Profitability

Food quality

Energy utilisation

Finite resources

Pollution and animal welfare

Labour usage

Epilogue

Appendix I

Appendix II

Appendix III

Index

50 lit

refs., 13 illus

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.