Crop Physiology

Understand how crops grow, develop, and yield across environments Crop Physiology: The Science of Agronomy integrates physiological processes with agronomic practices to explain how genotype, environment, and management interact to influence crop performance. Written by two internationally recognized scientists in crop ecology and dryland pasture systems, this expanded edition features 15 chapters that cover sustainable food production and climate change adaptation. Crop Physiology explains photosynthesis and respiration, resource use efficiency, and crop-specific physiology for wheat, maize, lucerne, pastures, and soya. Each chapter includes summary learning points and specific crop examples applicable to both temperate and tropical regions. The text also presents the theory and practice of crop modelling, connecting physiological principles with predictive tools used in research and farm management. Readers will also find: Detailed treatment of crop physiology principles including genotype-by-environment-by-management interactions and their influence on crop productivity and quality across diverse agricultural systemsCoverage of climate change impacts on agriculture and the physiological adaptations required to maintain global food security under shifting conditionsCrop-specific chapters on wheat, maize, and lucerne, illustrating transferable physiological principles for temperate and tropical regionsTheory and practice of crop simulation modelling connecting crop physiology with predictive tools for research and on-farm decision makingLearning point summaries in each chapter reinforcing key concepts and supporting both undergraduate and postgraduate course instructionDesigned for upper-level and postgraduate students in agricultural sciences, plant sciences, and applied ecology, as well as practicing agronomists and crop researchers, Crop Physiology provides the physiological foundations needed to analyse crop performance and develop management strategies for sustainable production across global growing regions.