This book ​presents an introduction to the concept and need of sustainable agriculture, the mechanisms of conventional and controlled release of pesticides, herbicides and plant hormones. It also contains the carriers which supply controlled release including polymers and nanoparticles. A full chapter is devoted to the theory and simulation aspects.

Controlled Release Fertilizers for Sustainable Agriculture provides a comprehensive examination of precision fertilizer applications using the 4-R approach—the right amount of fertilizer at the right time to the right plant at the correct stage of plant growth. This volume consolidates detailed information on each aspect of controlled release fertilizers, including up-to-date literature citations, the current market for controlled release fertilizers and patents. Presenting the tremendous advances in experimental and theoretical studies on sustainable agriculture and related areas, this book provides in-depth insight into state-of-the-art controlled release mechanisms of fertilizers, techniques, and their use in sustainable agriculture. Conventional release mechanisms have historically meant waste of fertilizers and the adverse effects of that waste on the environment. Controlled release delivery makes significant strides in enhancing fertilizer benefit to the target plant, while protecting the surrounding environment and increasing sustainability. Presents cutting-edge interdisciplinary insights specifically focused on the controlled release of fertilizers Explores the benefits and challenges of 4-R fertilizer use Includes expertise from leading researchers in the fields of agriculture, polymer science, and nanotechnology working in industry, academics, government, and private research institutions across the globe Presents the tremendous advances in experimental and theoretical studies on sustainable agriculture and related areas

Smart Agrochemicals for Sustainable Agriculture proposes products that fulfill the need for chemicals that provide a sustainable delivery system for nutrients necessary to maximize the production of agricultural animals and plants while producing the smallest possible environmental footprint. This book addresses all aspects related to the production process, including chemical formulas, stability of formulations, and the application of the effect of its utilization. Over the past decade, biobased chemicals have received significant attention as candidate resource materials in fertilizers and agrochemicals production due to their renewability. Substitution of conventional raw materials with biobased requires a new approach towards the development of technology. On the other hand, the use of biobased chemicals, such as biostimulants, bioregulators and biofertilizers offers a new palette of products that are natural, thus their application does not pose an impact on the environment (residues) or cultivated plants. Presents ideas for new products that provide appropriate nutrition while limiting environmental footprints Includes a full range of the production process, from chemical formulas to establishing the stability of formulations, applications and effects Offers a host of new products that are natural and whose applications do not negatively impact the environment nor cultivated plants

This important, interdisciplinary contribution to the 'greening' business debate looks at one of the most environmentally controversial industries - the chemical pesticide industry. If that sector can be put on to an environmentally sustainable footing, then the same may be possible for virtually all of industry. As business and environmental trends turn the pesticide industry's focus to biotechnology and seed engineering, this book examines the extent to which the industry is prepared to exploit new business opportunities in a more regenerative agriculture and draws attention to the industry's economic, environmental and social responsibilities.

India is especially suitable for agricultural products, its vast plains containing alluvial soil with rich natural contents. The major economy of India is based on agricultural products. The green revolution in India brought high hopes for Indian farmers. Several new scientific information helped crop production to grow by leaps and bounds: the more researches, the more intricacies. Further knowledge of pests makes scientists consider several new solutions. The use of chemicals was immediately adopted to decimate the population of pests and, at first, good results were obtained. But later on, harmful effects of the pesticides became known. It was realized later on that the regular use of chemicals in pesticides is extremely dangerous for human health. Generally, chemical pesticides are used to curb the harmful effects of insects and pests. But the immediate gain of this process has an adverse effect on the environment in the long run. Regular use of chemicals leads to insecticide resistance. Then, biodiversity is distributed by pest resurgence and pesticide residues. So, the immediate gain of one generation creates serious problems for the next generation. To sustain agriculture towards its natural mode some new solutions are to be traced. The solution to reduce pesticides is present in the preference for biological management. Predators and parasitoids may be used as natural enemies. In order to gain control over the thrips pests by less harmful means for the agricultural crops, more research work needs to be done. Certain other methods have to be explored in favour of the environment, biodiversity and other useful flora and fauna. We need to maintain the tritrophic interactions in which eating relationships between several species may be traced for biological control.

Highlighting means of reducing toxicity, increasing efficacy, lessening environmental impact, and facilitating product development, this work covers up-to-date advances in pesticide delivery technologies. It evaluates pesticide formulations and their use in mixtures that reduce physical incompatibilities in spray tanks and biological anatagonism in the field.