Peter J. Gregory – författare

Urban areas contain a wide variety of open spaces, yet much of this has evolved under the pressures of human population with minimal management. The last 40 years have seen problems of varying severity begin to appear, including contamination, erosion, acidification and compaction. These problems have brought attention to the importance of the soil cover, the need for better understanding it, and the need for its protection. This book is a review of state-of-the-art science for soil in urban areas. Based on a meeting organized by the Nature Conservancy Council and the British Society of Soil Science, the nine chapters cover soil classification, contamination by waste and metals, physical and biological properties, nutrient provision and cycling, vegetation, and soil storage. The book provides a basis from which to plan future research and development programs.

Most conventional gardening books concentrate on how and when to carry out horticultural tasks such as pruning, seed sowing and taking cuttings. Science and the Garden, Third Edition is unique in explaining in straightforward terms some of the science that underlies these practices. It is principally a book of 'Why' – Why are plants green? Why do some plants only flower in the autumn? Why do lateral buds begin to grow when the terminal bud is removed by pruning? Why are some plants successful as weeds? Why does climate variability and change mean change for gardeners? But it also goes on to deal with the 'How', providing rationale behind the practical advice.The coverage is wide-ranging and comprehensive and includes: the diversity, structure, functioning and reproduction of garden plants; nomenclature and classification; genetics and plant breeding; soil properties and soil management; environmental factors affecting growth and development; methods of propagation; size and form; colour, scent and sound; climate; environmental change; protected cultivation; pest, disease and weed diversity and control; post-harvest management and storage; garden ecology and conservation; sustainable horticulture; gardens and human health and wellbeing; and gardens for science.This expanded and fully updated Third Edition of Science and the Garden includes two completely new chapters on important topics: Climate and Other Environmental ChangesHealth, Wellbeing and Socio-cultural BenefitsMany of the other chapters have been completely re-written or extensively revised and expanded, often with new authors and/or illustrators, and the remainder have all been carefully updated and re-edited. Published in collaboration with the Royal Horticultural Society, reproduced in full colour throughout, carefully edited and beautifully produced, this new edition remains a key text for students of horticulture and will also appeal to amateur and professional gardeners wishing to know more about the fascinating science behind the plants and practices that are the everyday currency of gardening.

An updated overview of plant root systems, covering their development, growth, interactions with soil, breeding and management Plant Roots draws together information from plant and soil literature to illustrate how roots interact with soil, both to modify it and to obtain from it the resources required for the whole plant to grow. Emphasis is placed on whole plants and root systems, with appropriate references to the growing body of literature on plant molecular and cellular levels. This newly revised and updated Second Edition maintains its balance between introducing the founding ideas and science underlying the topic while covering the most recent updates underpinned by new scientific methods and understanding. The author reviews recent advances in genomics, phenomics, other -omics technologies, computer modelling, and the study of ‘model plants’ such as Arabidopsis thaliana and rice which have led to major advances in understanding how roots grow and function. New crop varieties contributing to increased crop production, especially in nutrient poor and/or water-limited soils, are described together with new ways of managing root systems to improve crop performance and efficiency of resource use. Sample topics discussed in Plant Roots include: The anatomy and growth of primary rootsThe development and properties of the rhizosphereHeterogeneity of structure, nutrient availability, and microbial communities experienced in field soilsDifferences in anatomy and morphology between different types (classes) of root and their consequences for activity as absorbers of water and nutrientsHow crops, forests, natural plant communities and the resources supporting them might be managed more effectivelyPlant Roots is an essential source of reference aimed at students and professionals who already have some background knowledge of soils and plants and are seeking to understand cutting-edge updates in the field.

"…a well-curated collection of chapters that provides a broad state-of-the-art survey of how roots contribute to plant crop performance and edaphic stress tolerance…Given the urgency to deploy sustainable and resilient agricultural technologies, this excellent collection demonstrates how novel approaches and collaborative trans-disciplinarity can prepare the field of root biology for transformative, real-world impacts." (Annals of Botany)Recent decades have seen a dramatic increase in research on plant roots. A deeper understanding of the complex ways roots interact with soils is making it possible to ‘design’ roots to optimise nutrient/water uptake in low-input environments, as well as deliver other benefits such as improved soil health and reduced nutrient leaching. Continued research is needed in this important area so that it can contribute to more sustainable, ‘climate-smart’ crop production.Understanding and improving crop root function features authoritative reviews of current research in all aspects of root science, including root growth regulators, root anatomy, nutrient acquisition and root system architecture. This collection discusses the responses of plant roots to abiotic and biotic stresses and how understanding nutrient uptake can be exploited to optimise root function. The book concludes with a dedicated section on methods used to improve crop root function and crop nutrient use efficiency, such as the use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR).With its eminent editor and international array of expert authors, Understanding and improving crop root function will be a standard reference for university researchers in crop physiology and nutrition, government and other agencies supporting agriculture, companies supplying crop nutrition products and services, as well as farmers.

The root system is a vital part of the plant and therefore understanding roots and their functioning is key to agricultural, plant and soil scientists.In Plant Roots Professor Peter Gregory brings together recent developments in techniques and an improved understanding of plant and soil interactions to present a comprehensive look at this important relationship, covering: Root response to, and modification of, soilsGenetic control of roots’ responses to the environmentUse of modern techniques in imaging, molecular biology and analytical chemistryPractical exploitation of root characters This book will be a vital tool for plant, crop, soil and agricultural scientists, plant physiologists, environmental scientists, ecologists and hydrologists. It will be a valuable addition to libraries in universities, agricultural colleges and research establishments where these subjects are studied and taught.