This book discusses the essential principles of crop physiology, providing a robust foundation for understanding the intricate mechanisms that govern plant growth and development. It explores the various environmental factors that influence crop productivity, emphasizing the importance of managing biotic and abiotic stresses. Readers are introduced to advanced environmental control systems designed to optimize agricultural conditions, thereby enhancing photosynthesis and overall crop productivity. A significant portion of the book is dedicated to resource management, focusing on water use efficiency and irrigation techniques that maximize yield while conserving water. Nutrient uptake and soil management practices are discussed in detail, highlighting their critical role in maintaining soil health and promoting sustainable agriculture. The book also addresses temperature regulation, light management, and carbon dioxide enrichment, presenting strategies to mitigate heat stress and optimize growth conditions for various crops. Furthermore, the book examines the physiological responses of plants to environmental stresses, such as salinity and drought, offering genetic and molecular approaches to improve stress tolerance. The impact of climatecontrolled conditions on key developmental stages, including root development, flowering, pollination, and fruit set, is thoroughly analyzed. By integrating crop modeling and simulation techniques, the book provides valuable insights into predicting and enhancing crop performance in controlled environments, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of climate-smart agricultural practices.
Dr. Dinkar J. Gaikwad is an Associate Professor and Head, Department of Biochemistry and Crop Physiology at the M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Paralakhemundi Campus, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha, India. Dr. Gaikwad is renowned for his pioneering work in soilless farming technology, particularly in hydroponics and aeroponics. With extensive experience in this field, he has seamlessly integrated academic research with practical applications to advance the development of innovative farming solutions. His research contributions are well-documented in numerous national and international publications, reflecting his expertise and impact on the field. Dr. Gaikwad also holds five patents related to his work, underscoring his role as a leading innovator in agricultural science. Beyond his research, Dr. Gaikwad is committed to enhancing sustainable agricultural practices and advancing soilless farming technologies through both his teaching and applied work.
Dr. Kousik Atta is working as an Assistant Professor (Plant Physiology & Biochemistry) in the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. He completed his B.Sc. (Agri.) from Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University, Agra in 2017. He has qualified ICAR-JRF (Plant Science) in 2017. He received his M.Sc. (Ag.) and Ph. D. (Ag.) degree in Plant Physiology from Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, West Bengal in 2019 and 2023, respectively. He has qualified UGC-NET in 2022. He has attended numerous international and national conferences. He has been awarded Young Scientist in Plant Physiology in 2024. Her scholarly achievements encompass 14 research papers, 14 book chapters, 5 popular articles, 01 edited book and 8 abstracts published to his credit. He is the active lifetime member of Indian Society of Plant Physiology (ISPP) and Agro Environmental Development Society (AEDS). His research area includes stress physiology, high throughput phenotyping, nutrio-physiology, climate change and greenhouse gas emission.
Dr. Mohammed Anwar Ali serves as an Assistant Professor (Senior Level) specializing in Crop Physiology within the Department of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences at the School of Agriculture and Food Technology in Vadlamudi, under Vignan’s Foundation for Science Technology and Research. He earned his M.Sc. (Ag.) in Plant Physiology from Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, and his Ph.D. in Crop Physiology from Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, Bapatla. Previously, he held the position of Head of Department for Crop Physiology at SKYCAS, ANGRAU. With a strong background in teaching and research, Dr. Ali has contributed extensively to the field, authoring numerous research and literature review papers in esteemed national and international peer-reviewed journals. He has also contributed book chapters, popular articles, and various other publications. His professional engagement includes participation in multiple international and national seminars/conferences, faculty development programs, capacity-building initiatives, and various training programs.
1. Fundamentals of Crop Physiology..........................................................1
2. Understanding Biotic and Abiotic Stresses...........................................21
3. Environmental Control Systems in Agriculture ....................................45
4. Photosynthesis and Productivity in Controlled Environments..............61
5. Water Use Efficiency and Irrigation Management................................73
6. Nutrient Uptake and Soil Management.................................................85
7. Temperature Regulation and Heat Stress Mitigation ..........................113
8. Light Quality, Intensity, and Duration Effects on Crops.....................123
9. Carbon Dioxide Enrichment and Crop Yield ......................................135
10. Managing Humidity for Optimal Crop Growth ..................................147
11. Pest and Disease Management in Controlled Environments ..............159
12. Genetic and Molecular Approaches to Stress Tolerance.....................175
13. Physiological Responses to Salinity and Drought Stress....................189
14. Impact of Climate-Controlled Conditions on Root Development, Flowering, Pollination, and Fruit Set ..................................................205
15. Crop Modelling and Simulation in Controlled Environments............213
