What's the difference between a biome and an ecosystem? Why are krill so important to ocean creatures? How do pesticides end up in the tissue of fish-eating birds? Why are marshes so important to wildlife? To understand the answers to questions like these, students need to understand the cycles and systems that regulate biomes. Encyclopedia of Biomes offers detailed comparative essays on 12 major biomes and their component ecosystems. Alphabetically arranged entries on land biomes and water biomes range from 35 to 45 pages each and cover climate, elevation, soil, water bodies, vegetation, animal life, food web, plant and animal adaptations, endangered species, human effects on the biome and the effects of the environment on humans' culture and economy. Includes overviews and descriptions on how specific biomes are formed, 120 black-and-white photos and three 16-page color inserts, 12 maps, glossary, bibliography and an easy-to-use index. Here's what's covered: Coniferous forest, Deciduous forest, Desert, Grassland, Rain forest, Tundra, Wetland, Ocean, Seashore, Continental margin, Lake and pond, River and stream

Organic farming is based on minimizing the use of external inputs, avoiding the use of synthetic fertilizers. Pesticides system has the potential to provide benefits in terms of environmental protection, and certain methods are used to minimize pollution of air, soil and water. Organic food handlers, processors and retailers adhere to the standards set to maintain the integrity of organic agriculture products. The primary goal of organic agriculture is to optimize the health and productivity of interdependent communities of soil life, plants, animals and people. The management system of an organic farm is crucial, as its location and productspecific issues need to be addressed to ensure sustainability. Successful cultivation depends on environmentally friendly practices in nitrogen fixation, pest control, positive hosting, sheltering etc. Various incentives can bolster transfer to organic agriculture, either consumer-driven by demand, service-driven by ecological necessity or farmer-driven by economical viability and government support. Despite its advantages, the cost and quality of produce from organic agriculture are continually under discussion. Since organic agriculture can potentially increase yield only in traditional systems and actually decrease it when compared to highly industrialized farming, it is continuously debated if the conversion of existing world farm areas would suffice for the rapidly increasing human population. The book contains 10 chapters written by acknowledged experts, providing comprehensive information on all aspects of Organic Agriculture and Organic Food, from cultivation practices and environmental aspects, to produce certification and distribution with a clear perspective, with a balance in presentations of basic and applied research. Researchers, students, and teachers in the agricultural field in particular will find this book to be of immense use.