Commercial crop production in the 21st Century is a highly technical pursuit. There is an economic imperative for farmers to make a reasonable living through increased productivity, cost containment and market satisfaction. Contending with the variability of the Australian climate remains a major challenge. Of increasing importance is the environmental imperative — the need to manage soil structure decline, erosion, acidity and salinity. Involved also are biodiversity preservation and the water reform agenda. Principles of Field Crop Production, in its 4th edition, addresses these issues and provides a contemporary understanding involved in the production of crops in Australia.

The book provides background on the evolution of farming systems. A new chapter on climate variability and its predictability is included, as are new treatments of rotations, weeds, pests and diseases. An introduction to supply chain management provides the reader with an understanding of market forces. All chapters have been updated and the principles clearly enunciated.