A core textbook for classes in agricultural systems management and technology. Presents the physical and mathematical aspects of electrical power generation, distribution and control.

Agricultural yields have increased steadily in the last half century, particularly since the Green Revolution. At the same time, inflation-adjusted agricultural commodity prices have been trending downward as increases in supply outpace the growth of demand. Recent severe weather events, biofuel mandates, and a switch toward a more meat-heavy diet in emerging economies have nevertheless boosted commodity prices. Whether this is a temporary jump or the beginning of a longer-term trend is an open question. Agricultural Productivity and Producer Behavior examines the factors contributing to the remarkably steady increase in global yields and assesses whether yield growth can continue. This research also considers whether agricultural productivity growth has been, and will be, associated with significant environmental externalities. Among the topics studied are genetically modified crops; changing climatic factors; farm production responses to government regulations including crop insurance, transport subsidies, and electricity subsidies for groundwater extraction; and the role of specific farm practices such as crop diversification, disease management, and water-saving methods. This research provides new evidence that technological as well as policy choices influence agricultural productivity.

Designed to assist in attaining a basic understanding of the nature of electricity and in developing skills in solving problems associated with applying electricity in agriculture. The first chapters lay the foundation in the basics of electricity. The second portion of the book deals with applications and devices commonly found in agricultural uses of electricity.

Electricity and its relations to materials; Energy transfer; Energy relations; Circuit relations; The A-c electric circuit; Electron tubes; Alternating-current generators; Electric motors; Materials for electrical mechanisms; Power transformers; Transmission of electric energy; Farmstead electric distribution; Electric energy and radiation; Visible radiation; Infrared radiation; Resistance heating; Electric-arc welding; Induction heating; Dielectric heating; Sensing elements and fundamentals of controls.