Weed control: sustainability, hazards and risks in cropping systems worldwide

In light of public concerns about sustainable food production, the necessity of human and
environmental protection, along with the evolution of herbicide-resistant weeds, a review of
current weed control strategies is needed. Sustainable weed control requires an integrated
approach based on knowledge of each crop and the weeds that threaten it.
Important issues of weed science are thoroughly discussed in the first section of the book.
Integrated weed control in relation to weed management along with herbicide and weed
management effects on soil and freshwater ecosystems and insects are critically discussed.
Occupational hazards due to non-judicious use of herbicides along with hygiene practices,
herbicide storage and herbicide regulation are carefully discussed.
The second section of the book is divided into seven sub-sections or crops, namely cereals,
row, cash crops, plantations, orchards and grape-yards and root crops. Major weeds and weed
control of twenty-two crops of these cropping systems are discussed in terms of mechanical
or physical, cultural, preventive and chemical weed approaches. Evaluation of weed control
sustainability for each crop within cropping system is also discussed. The use of aromatic
plants and essential oils for sustainable weed control along with weed control in grassland and
organic farming systems are discussed under miscellaneous cropping systems, the last subsection of the book.
This book will be an invaluable source of information for scholars, growers, consultants,
researchers and other stakeholders dealing with agronomic, horticultural, and grassland-based
production systems.