Agroforestry and Climate Change Mitigation: Harnessing Multitrophic Interactions for Sustainable Plant Protection and Ecosystem Resilience

This new book, Agroforestry and Climate Change Mitigation: Harnessing Multitrophic Interactions for Sustainable Plant Protection and Ecosystem Resilience, explores the fascinating world of multitrophic interactions in agroforestry systems and their implications for sustainable plant protection. Agroforestry, the integrated management of trees and crops or livestock on the same piece of land, is increasingly recognized as a sustainable agricultural practice that offers a range of ecological, economic, and social benefits. This volume brings together a diverse range of ecological, agronomic, and economic viewpoints to provide a comprehensive overview of agroforestry and its impact from climate change.

The chapters cover the role of biodiversity in pest control, the impact of agroforestry practices on multitrophic interactions, the use of natural enemies for pest management, the potential of agroforestry for enhancing ecosystem services, and more. The volume looks at agroforestry in connection with climate change mitigation, environmental stress mitigation, beneficial insects, the role of detritivores in nutrient cycling and soil health, multitrophic pollination networks, plant-microbe synergy, root-mediated interactions, and much more.

Exploring the intricate web of relationships among organisms in agroforestry systems to unlock new strategies for managing pests and promoting the health and resilience of agroforestry landscapes, this volume is a valuable resource for researchers, students, policymakers, and practitioners interested in understanding and harnessing the power of multitrophic interactions for sustainable plant protection.

Hanuman Singh Jatav, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry at Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University in Jobner, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. He specializes in sewage sludge, biochar, micronutrients, heavy metals, and soil fertility management. Having taught for over six years and conducted research for 12 years, Dr. Jatav has published over 120 papers, including research papers, review papers, books, book chapters, and technical papers in various national and international journals and with various publishers. He serves as an academic editor and member of subject expertise committees for many internationally acclaimed journals and is an active member of more than 20 national and international scientific societies. Dr. Jatav has been recognized for his contributions, receiving a Certificate of Gratitude as an Ambassador by IUCN: International Union for Conservation of Nature-Gland, Switzerland, at the World Conservation Congress. He has also been honored as Outstanding Assistant Professor of Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner, Jaipur (Rajasthan) India.

Vishnu D. Rajput, PhD, is a Leading Researcher (Associate Professor) and Head of International Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Southern Federal University. His ongoing research is based on the toxic effects of bulk- and nano-forms of metals and bioaccumulation; bio/geo-transformations, uptake, translocation, and toxic effects on plant physiology; morphology, anatomy, ultrastructure of cellular and subcellular organelles; cytomorphometric modifications; and DNA. He is also researching possible remediation approaches such as using biochar/nano-biochar-based sorbents and nanotechnological approaches. He is an internationally recognized reviewer, having reviewed over 200 manuscripts, and has received several outstanding reviewer certificates from Elsevier, Springer, and others. He is an editorial board member of various high-impact journals. He is a leader of several grants including Mega-Grants and BRICS, and he is principal investigator/co-PI of over 21 national and international projects. Dr. Rajput has received several certificates of appreciation from Southern Federal University for his outstanding contribution in academic, creative research, and publication activities. He has also received Highly Qualified Specialist status from the Russian government.

Ipsita Samal, PhD, is currently working as a Scientist (Entomology) at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research–National Research Centre on Litchi, Mushahari, Muzaffarpur, Bihar, India. Her scientific interests are in the field of entomology, host plant resistance, integrated pest management aspects of litchi, and understanding biochemical-molecular basis of resistance in insect pests. She is an awardee of Dr. S. Pradhan Memorial Award from ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, and holds qualifications of ICAR-Junior Research Fellow, ICAR- National Eligibility Test, and IARI. She has published several articles, research papers, and book chapters and has presented her work at various national and international conferences. She completed her PhD (Entomology) at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. She earned her MSc degree from IARI and graduated from the College of Agriculture, Bhawanipatna, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Odisha, India.

Tanmaya Kumar Bhoi, PhD, is a Scientist in the Entomology Forest Protection Division of the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education-Arid Forest Research Institute, Jodhpur, India. He is a distinguished scientist with specialization in the intricate realm of insect science. His research delves into the mechanisms of host plant resistance, aiming to enhance crop resilience against insect pests through innovative strategies. Additionally, his work in biological control emphasizes sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches to manage insect populations, mitigating the reliance on chemical interventions. His commitment to advancing knowledge is underscored by his prolific publication record, with numerous scholarly contributions at both the national and international levels. His multifaceted expertise has contributed significantly to the advancement of entomological science and its practical applications in forestry.