Analyzes how global changes affect the biogeochemical cycling of nutrients and hydrology, and how this may ultimately impact agricultural ecosystems
Focuses on the mechanisms governing the changes in nutrients and water demands of C3 and C4 crops to elevated (CO2)
Discusses the unique processes of grazed agroecosystems, particularly nutrient cycling, and explores the sensitivity to climate change associated with them
Reviews results from both experimental and modeling studies on water and nitrogen use of cropping systems in relation to climatic change
Includes discussions of the effects of climate change on the dynamics and persistence of plant populations
Examines individual species’ responses to climate change in the context of multispecies interactions
Defines what is meant by adaptation, as opposed to acclimation, and covers why this distinction is important

Agroecosystems in a Changing Climate considers the consequences of changes in the atmosphere and climate on the integrity, stability, and productivity of agroecosystems. The book adopts a novel approach by bringing together theoretical contributions from ecologists and the applied interpretations of agriculturalists. Drawing these two approaches together, the book provides the theoretical underpinning that guides scientists on what phenomena to look for, looking beyond first-order responses in the creation of sustainable agroecosystems. This unique approach provides an interpretation of ecological insights and general theory, and then relates them to agroecosystem performance.

Each section of the book combines general principles of response with an examination of the applied consequences. The authors cover the supply of resources necessary to sustain agriculture in the future and discuss the incidence of pests, weeds, diseases, and their control. They provide an understanding of how the population biology of organisms will change and the adaptations that might be possible. The book also explores plant breeding solutions and the capacity for adaptation that exists in plant populations. In addition to the full chapters, the book includes Special Example chapters that deal in more detail with specific issues.

Presenting a global perspective of climate change effects on agricultural production, Agroecosystems in a Changing Climate establishes connections between the immediate effects of change and the longer-term processes that will ultimately determine the consequences for agroecosystems and therefore the potential for adaptation.

Introduction, P.C.D. Newton, R.A. Carran, G.R. Edwards, and P.A. Niklaus

RESOURCE SUPPLY AND DEMAND
Climate Change Effects on Biogeochemical Cycles, Nutrients, and Water Supply, P.A. Niklaus
Nutrient and Water Demands of Plants under Global Climate Change, O. Ghannoum, M.J. Searson, and J.P. Conroy
Climate Change and Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation in Agroecosystems, R.B. Thomas, S.J. Van Bloem, and W.H. Schlesinger
Belowground Food Webs in a Changing Climate, J.C. Blankinship and B.A. Hungate
Herbivory and Nutrient Cycling, R.A. Carran and V. Allard
Sustainability of Crop Production Systems under Climate Change, J. Fuhrer
Special Example 1: Impacts of Climate Change on Marginal Tropical Animal Production Systems, C. Stokes and A. Ash

PESTS, WEEDS, AND DISEASES
Plant Performance and Implications for Plant Population Dynamics and Species Composition in a Changing Climate, G.R. Edwards and P.C.D. Newton
Climate Change Effects on Fungi in Agroecosystems, M.C. Rillig
Trophic Interactions and Climate Change, J.A. Newman
Future Weed, Pest, and Disease Problems for Plants, L.H. Ziska and G.B. Runion
Special Example 2: Climate Change and Biological Control, S.L. Goldson
Special Example 3: Efficacy of Herbicides under Elevated Temperature and CO2, D.J. Archambault

CAPACITY TO ADAPT
Distinguishing between Acclimation and Adaptation, M.J. Hovenden
Plant Breeding for a Changing Environment, P.C.D. Newton and G.R. Edwards
Special Example 4: Evolution of Pathogens Under Elevated CO2, S. Chakraborty
Special Example 5: Adapting U.K. Agriculture to Climate Change, J.E. Hossell
Index