Wheat: Environment, Food and Health

Wheat is the most widely grown arable crop, providing 20% of the calories and protein in the global human diet. This book discusses the sustainability of wheat production, environmental change, and human health, and is essential for meeting food security demands.

Format: Hardback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 24 February 2022
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

Wheat, a versatile and widely cultivated crop, holds unparalleled significance in terms of its production, geographic range, and international trade. It stands as the most extensively farmed arable crop, covering vast expanses of land and being grown across diverse regions worldwide. Notably, wheat alone contributes a substantial 20% of the calories and protein consumed by humans globally, making it a vital component of the human diet.

Understanding the intricate interplay between wheat production, the environment, and human nutrition is crucial as we navigate the challenges of the 21st century. Wheat: Environment, Food, and Health, authored by two esteemed experts in the field, provides valuable insights into critical issues such as the sustainability of wheat production, the complexities of mitigating and adapting to environmental change, and the impact of wheat consumption on human health.

This comprehensive book spans a wide range of topics, encompassing the historical development and utilization of the wheat crop, the factors influencing the quality and suitability of wheat for various purposes, the soil characteristics that are essential for wheat growth and transformation, the water, temperature, and light requirements of wheat systems, the methods and approaches employed in plant breeding and farmer practices to enhance crop yields, the structure, composition, and nutritional value of wheat grain, and the multifaceted contributions and consequences of wheat consumption on human health.

The authors delve into the historical background of wheat cultivation, highlighting its significance as a staple food source and its evolution over time. They explore the diverse factors that affect the quality and acceptability of wheat, including genetic traits, soil composition, agricultural practices, and post-harvest processing. The book also delves into the soil characteristics that are crucial for wheat production, emphasizing the importance of soil fertility, pH, texture, and water-holding capacity.

Furthermore, the authors examine the water, temperature, and light requirements of wheat systems, discussing the impact of climate change on crop yields and the strategies employed to adapt to changing environmental conditions. They explore innovative methods and sustainable practices in plant breeding, such as genetic engineering and precision agriculture, to improve crop yields and reduce environmental footprints.

The book also provides a detailed account of the development, structure, and composition of wheat grain, shedding light on its nutritional value and potential health benefits. It discusses the contribution of wheat consumption to human nutrition, highlighting its role in providing essential nutrients, such as carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, the authors explore the impacts of wheat consumption on human health, including the association with various diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity.

Furthermore, the book discusses how modern technologies and innovative approaches are being utilized to address the challenges of maintaining wheat production. It highlights the importance of sustainable agricultural practices, such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and precision irrigation, in preserving soil health and reducing the environmental impact of farming.

Wheat: Environment, Food, and Health is an invaluable resource for researchers, academics, policymakers, and individuals interested in agriculture, plant biology, applied biology, botany, food science and nutrition, crop improvement, food security, environmental sustainability, and human health. It offers a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of the complex relationships between wheat production, the environment, and human nutrition, providing valuable insights for meeting the demands of food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Weight: 938g
Dimension: 255 x 171 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781119652557