Advances in Soil Science

Improving the Sustainability of Dryland Farming Systems: A Global Perspective.- I. Introduction.- II. The Concept of Sustainability.- III. Dynamics of Soil Productivity.- IV. Opportunities and Limitations.- V. Perspectives and Strategies.- References.- Agroclimatology of Semiarid Lands.- I. Introduction.- II. Climatic Resources.- III. Soils.- IV. Agroclimatic Indices.- V. Limitations.- VI. Research Needs.- References.- Conservation Tillage Systems.- I. Introduction.- II. Conservation Tillage Equipment.- III. Weed Control.- IV. Water Infiltration, Evaporation, and Conservation.- V. Crop Growth, Yields, and Water Use.- VI. Soil Erosion and Environmental Quality.- VII Insects, Plant Diseases, and Other Pests.- VIII Soil Properties.- IX. Economies.- X. Summary and Conclusions.- References.- Tillage and Residue Management Effects on Soil Organic Matter Dynamics in Semiarid Regions.- I. Introduction.- II. Characteristics of Semiarid Regions.- III. Properties and Factors Affecting Soil Organic Matter.- IV. The Effect of Residues on Soil Structure.- V. Tillage and Residue Management Effects on Soil Organic Matter and Nutrients.- VI. Tillage Strategies for Improved Management of Organic Matter and Plant Nutrients.- VII. Cropping Methods for Maintaining Soil Organic Matter and Nutrients in Semiarid Areas.- VIII. Summary and Conclusions.- References.- Tillage Systems and Equipment for Dryland Farming.- I. Introduction.- II. Factors Affecting Selection of Tillage System.- III. Tillage Systems.- IV. Summary and Needs.- References.- Fertility Management and Nutrient Cycling.- I. Introduction.- II. Principles Relating Water and Nutrient Availability.- III. Water Deficits.- IV. Management Practices.- V. Conclusions.- References.- Water-Use Efficiency.- I. Introduction.- II. Seeding Rate and Planting Geometry.- III. Crop Calendars.- IV. Crop Selection and Germplasm Enhancement.- V. Water Management.- VI Soil Fertility.- VII. Research Needs for Improved Water-Use Efficiency.- References1.- Water Erosion and Water Quality.- I. Introduction.- II. Impacts.- III. Prediction.- IV. Research Needs.- V. Summary.- References.- Wind Erosion: Mechanics, Prediction, and Control.- I. Introduction.- II. Basic Wind Erosion Process.- III. Extent of Problem.- IV. Deposition of Eroded Material.- V. Impact on Soil Productivity.- VI. Wind Erosion Control.- VII. Conclusions.- References.- Methods for Removing Spatial Variability from Field Research Trials.- I. Introduction.- II. Experimental Design.- III. Methods of Statistical Analysis.- IV. Explicit Trend Analysis and Removal.- V. Comparison of Methods.- VI. Summary.- References.- Diseases Caused by Root-Infecting Pathogens in Dryland Agriculture.- I. Introduction.- II. Etiology.- III. Epidemiology.- IV. Host Range and the Effects of Crop Rotations.- V. Tillage and Crop Residue Management.- VI. Strategies and Approaches to Economic Control.- VII. Research Needs.- VIII. Epilog.- References.- The Role of Soil Biodiversity in Sustainable Dryland Farming Systems.- I. Introduction.- H. Diversity/Erodibility Relationships.- III. Early Bioindicators of Soil Degradation.- IV. Measurements to Characterize Biodiversity.- V. Implications for Conservation of Marginal Lands.- VI. Future Research Needs.- References.- Managing Crop Residues to Optimize Crop/Livestock Production Systems for Dryland Agriculture.- I. Introduction.- II. Available Water and Crop Yields.- III. Value of Crop Residues for Water Conservation.- IV. Effect of Surface Residue Management on Crop Yields.- V. Value of Crop Residues for Erosion Control.- VI. Progress with Residue Management Systems.- VII. Conservation Management and Water Quality.- References.- Agroclimatic Approaches for Improving Agricultural Productivity in Semiarid Tropics.- I. Introduction.- II. Agroecological Features of the Semiarid Tropics.- III. The Indian SAT.- IV. The Sahelian SAT.- V. Botswana SAT.- VI. Summary and Conclusions.- References.- An Economic Analysis of Farm Management Practices and Improved Technologies in the Sahel.- I. Introduction.- II. Farming Conditions in Mali.- III. Technological Options for Dryland Farming.- IV. Soil, Water, and Crop Management Case Studies.- V. Case Study Results.- VI. Conclusions.- References.- Use of Crop Simulation Models in Dryland Agriculture.- I. Introduction.- II. Evaluation of New Crops in Australia.- III. Application of Grain Sorghum Simulation Models in Central Texas.- IV. Future Trends in Model Use.- References.- Strategies for Increasing the Productivity and Stability of Dryland Farming Systems.- I. Introduction.- II. Successful Dryland Regions.- III. Dryland Technologies.- IV. Research and Technology Transfer.- V. Research Needs.- VI. A Strategy for Achieving Improved Dryland Production.- References.