Crops: Growth, Yield and Quality

Crops are grown and harvested in agriculture for subsistence and profit. Some of the crops that contribute to human food supply are rice, wheat, sugarcane, corn, etc. The yield of a crop is measured per unit area of the land cultivated, and the seed generation of the crop. To improve yield, measures like the use of hybrid seeds, agrichemicals, genetically engineered crops and high mechanization are adopted. Intensive crop farming or the industrial production of crops involves innovation in agricultural machinery, genetic engineering technology, modern farming methods, etc. Food crops are also being designed with better nutrient profiles, quality and resistance to diseases, pests, spoilage, environmental conditions and chemical treatments with the aid of genetic engineering. Such genetically modified crops are being widely used by farmers, due to their high yields and reduction in the use of pesticides. This book discusses the fundamentals as well as modern approaches of crop production. It strives to provide a fair idea about crop growth, yield and quality, and help develop a better understanding of the latest advances within this field. For all readers who are interested in agriculture, the case studies included in this book will serve as an excellent guide to develop a comprehensive understanding.