Nature resources management for sustainable agriculture and environment

The accelerating pace of research on natural resources management for sustainable agriculture and environment demands constant review of our knowledge in this field. Since natural resources management involves experts from various fields, attempts have been made to review adequately our current knowledge of the management of soil, water and genetic resources with special reference to sustainable agriculture. As sustainable agricultural development is not likely to accompany sustainable envi ronment, attempts have been made in this review to examine the impact of all resource and input management practices on sustainable agriculture and environment. The present decade is crucial for farm scientists because they are required not only to increase food, feed and fibre production of the country but to sustain it without degrading the natural resources. This is a tremendous task but not unachievable. The present compilation brings together our latest knowledge on various aspects of resource management for sustainable agriculture and environment. Such review is beneficial for established workers as well as for new entrants, graduate students and research scholars.

The review would not have been possible without the help and cooperation of my colleagues and friends who have expertise in different fields of resource management. I wish to express my appreciation and gratitude to all of them. The purpose of the book will be served if it helps the students and teachers in their efforts to strengthen the research on resource management for meeting the present and future needs of the people of this vast sub-continent.