Agrogeology

This book offers a basic understanding of the geology of plant nutrients and provides information on processes that are involved in the release of nutrients from rocks to soils, for the growth of plants. The reader will become aware that ‘crops need rocks as nutrient stocks’. The reader will also find out more about the raw materials and processes necessary to make conventional and low-cost geological fertilizers and soil amendments, and on ways to utilize these geological resources directly or through processing. In addition, the reader will become sensitized on environmental issues related to the extraction of geological nutrient ...

Rocks for Crops: Agrominerals of sub-Saharan Africa.

A productive and sustainable agricultural system is fundamental to the well being of a nation and a cornerstone of its development. In most of sub-Saharan Africa, more than 50% of the population rely on agriculture for their livelihood, which generally contributes more than 30% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Agriculture is the major source of income, employment, food security and survival for the majority of the population. While agricultural production is steadily increasing in sub-Saharan Africa, the population is growing faster than food production. The result is a net decline in per-capita food production, which contributes to increased food ...