Nutrient Management for Sustainable Crop Production in Asia

During the past 30 years crop yields, particularly of rice, have been greatly increased in many Asian countries by advances in plant breeding and by the application of nitrogenous and phosphatic fertilizers. This has become known as the "Green Revolution", which has been a major factor underpinning the growth of Asian economies, providing a cheap, indigenous food supply. However, while human populations continue to increase, in many cases yields are not longer being sustained, due to a reduction in soil quality.

Thus, food security in Asia has again become a source of concern. This book is the result of an international conference held in Bali in December 1996, initiated by The World Phosphate Institute (MPHOS) to discuss the action which must be taken to reverse soil degradation and improve nutrient levels. It includes papers and working group reports on nutrient management and balance, the potential of different phosphate sources, rock phosphate efficiency in acid upland soils, current usage and future requirements for fertilizers, sustainability and the environment, and policy and pricing.

Finally, there is a summary and conference resolution. Contributors to the book come from Europe, USA, Australia and many Asian countries. It is aimed at soil scientists and agronomists concerned with agriculture in Asia and should be of interest to environmentalists, ecologists and economists concerned with sustainable natural resource management.