III. No-Till Farming Systems - nifty

ets; the effects of the resulting design compromises on biological risk are also
documented.
Because no-tillage is one part of a complex food production system that involves
repeated exploitation of the thin and fragile layer of croppable top soil that covers
only 4% of the world’s surface, other related soil sciences are also integrated into
the book. In particular, the importance of soil carbon is dealt with in detail, both
in relation to how no-tillage minimizes losses of soil carbon during seeding
(compared with conventional tillage) and how it sequesters soil carbon that feeds
soil fauna. In turn, soil fauna have much to do with creating soil structure that is
essential for maximizing crop yields and minimizing soil erosion. Since compaction
from vehicle wheel traffic is almost always detrimental to soil health, the
complementary practice of controlled traffic is examined as it has the capability
to limit wheel compaction to designated traffic areas and leave productive soils
unaffected.
Finally, a book on no-tillage would not be complete without some examples of
economic comparisons, which almost invariably come out in favor of no-tillage
over tillage. A separate chapter is also devoted to the experimental techniques and
procedures used to improve our understanding of the differences between methods
of no-tillage. Some of these techniques are unique since some of the authors
themselves pioneered aspects of agricultural research that had not previously
been examined in detail or under controlled conditions.
The book therefore provides a useful reference for students and scientists alike,
but is also designed to appeal to practitioners. Anyone who has attempted or been
associated with no-tillage in any context should find this book enlightening. In
many cases it will help show why otherwise-unexplained crop failures have occurred
when inappropriate equipment, methods, and/or management practices
have been applied.
Some 300 quoted references attest to the depth of information sourced for this
easy-to-read but information-filled book. A review of this book by T. Francis
Shaxson can be read from the BOOK REVIEWS page of WASWC website at
http://waswc.soil.gd.cn.
Published jointly by FAO (Rome, Italy) and CABI (Wallingford, U.K.), 2006.
ISBN-10: 1-84593-116-5; ISBN-13: 978-1-84593-116-2 (CABI); ISBN: 92-5-
105389-8 (FAO) xiv+326pp. GBP 75, Euro 120, US$150, (with 10% discount by
purchasing online) www.cabi.org/bk_BookDisplay.asp?PID=1970
The Editors: John Baker, CEO, Baker No-Tillage Ltd and President NZ No-
Tillage Association (Inc.), New Zealand (baker@crossslot.com,
www.CrossSlot.com); K.E. Saxton, formerly of USDA, ARS, U.S.A.
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