Biodiversity, functional ecosystems and sustainable food production /

In recent decades, practices like the cultivation of a few high-yielding crop varieties on a large scale, the application of heavy machinery and continued mechanization of agriculture, the removal of natural habitats, and the application of pesticides and synthetics have resulted in the simplificati...

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Bibliographic Details
Group Author: Galanakis, Charis M.
Published: Springer,
Publisher Address: Cham, Switzerland :
Publication Dates: [2023]
Literature type: Book
Language: English
Subjects:
Summary: In recent decades, practices like the cultivation of a few high-yielding crop varieties on a large scale, the application of heavy machinery and continued mechanization of agriculture, the removal of natural habitats, and the application of pesticides and synthetics have resulted in the simplification of agro-ecosystems. This has enabled a substantial increase in food production but has at the same time transformed landscapes. Indeed, there is a concern that a decline in biodiversity has affected microbiome activities that support processes across soils, plants, animals, the marine environment, and humans. Although they have increased food production, the above practices cannot be considered sustainable in long-term applications. Biodiversity, Functional Ecosystems, and Sustainable Food Production explore ecosystems in terms of crop and animal production, pest and disease control, nutrient cycling, and soil fertility. Chapters range from agro-biodiversity to antimicrobial use in animal food production to microbiome applications for sustainable food systems and the impacts of environment-friendly unit operations on the functional properties of bee pollen. By examining such topics about each other, the text emphasizes how food production, ecosystem function, food quality, and consumer health are all interconnected.
Carrier Form: x, 354 pages : illustrations (some color) ; 24 cm
Bibliography: Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN: 9783031074332
3031074335
Index Number: S494
CLC: S181
Call Number: S181/B615-3
Contents: 1. Agro-biodiversity across the food chain -- 2. Emerging risks to plant health -- 3. Future-proofing Plants against Climate Change- A path to ensure Sustainable Food Systems -- 4. The role of Integrated Pest Management for sustainable food production: The soybean example -- 5. (Alternative approaches to pesticide use): Plant-derived pesticides -- 6. Antimicrobial use in animal food production -- 7. Impacts of environment-friendly unit operations on the functional properties of bee pollen -- 8. Microbiome applications for sustainable food systems -- 9. Healthier and sustainable food systems: integrating underutilized crops in a Theory of Change Approach -- 10. Alternative proteins for food and feed.