Principles and Practice of Agricultural Meterology

Contents: 1. Origin of Developments Relating to and/or in Agricultural Meteorology. 2. Eco-Physical Aspects and Eco-Physiological Basis of Agricultural Meteorology. 3. Crop-Climate: Analogues and Zones. 4. The Concept and Relevance of Radiation Balance in Crop Culture. 5. Agrometeorology of Crop Water Usage. 6. Dry Farming Agrometeorology.  7. Avoidance, Anticipation and Control of Pests and Diseases. 8. Erosion of Top Soil by Rain and Wind. 9. Climate Change. 10. Agrometeorological Advisory Services. 11. Agricultural Renewal and Sustainability.

The book deals with (i) all aspects of the direct and indirect effects of weather and atmospheric elements on production, protection  and water needs of crops (ii) influences of micro-climates, morphology, physiology and growth stages of crops in differential responses of crops to weather vagaries and weather-induced setbacks and (iii) agrometeorological (a) irrigation scheduling (b) forecasting of crop  yields  and pests and diseases (c) determination of incidence of crop drought and (d) advisory services. The effects of  climate change on crops and cropping practices on global warming  and means to mitigate such effects are detailed. Measures essential for achieving (i) cost-effective agricultural sustainability with  environmental conservation in a steadily warming atomsphere  and (ii)  food-security  are set out. The book can serve as   a  text book  in Agricultural Meteorology and will be valuable   for  agricultural  policy planners and extension professionals. (jacket)