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## Meet the editors

Gabrijel Ondrasek is a full professor with more than 20 years of experience at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, where he has served as the head of the Department of Soil Amelioration for more than 10 years. Currently, he coordinates international master's studies at the university and participates in numerous councils, committees, and boards. With a research focus on sustainable soil and water management in agroeco-

systems, salinization, and metal contamination processes, Dr. Ondrasek has spent more than 35 months at prestigious research and academic institutions in Australia, Europe, and Latin America. He has edited 4 scientific books and 8 special issues in scientific journals and published 18 book chapters and more than 100 peer-reviewed articles.

Dr. Ling Zhang obtained his Ph.D. in Soil Science from Nanjing Agricultural University, China, and visited the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Rice University, USA, from July 2012 to December 2013. Dr. Zhang is now a professor at the College of Forestry, Jiangxi Agricultural University, China, supervising graduate students. Dr. Zhang studies global change biology, forest ecology, plant invasion, and soil carbon and

nitrogen cycling. He has published more than eighty papers and authored or co-authored several books related to global change ecology or soil ecology in recent years. Dr. Zhang is an associate editor and reviewer of several journals.

## Contents


Preface

In an era marked by rising global populations, climate changes, and mounting environmental concerns, the sustainable management of our Earth's resources has become an imperative. In this context, agriculture plays a pivotal role as a significant user of resources and a primary source of human food supply. The intricate interplay between agriculture and the environment has spurred a growing need for resource management strategies that balance the demands of food production with

Agroecosystems, the dynamic amalgamation of agriculture and the surrounding environment, serve as the primary arena for this exploration. The ever-evolving challenge of feeding a global population of more than nine billion people by 2050 while safeguarding the planet's ecological integrity necessitates innovative approaches. This book sheds light on the complex issues surrounding resource management within agroecosystems and serves as a comprehensive guide for researchers, policymakers,

The journey through these pages will traverse the multifaceted terrain of resource management, offering insights into sustainable agricultural practices, more efficient water use, soil conservation, energy optimization, and biodiversity preservation. It will scrutinize the intricate relationships between land, water, energy, and biological resources, showcasing the interdependencies that govern agroecosystems. Throughout, the book will draw upon the latest research findings, case studies, and real-world examples to underscore the significance of resource management in achieving food

Our intention is to not only provide a thorough understanding of the challenges we face but also to spotlight the opportunities that arise from adopting resource-efficient and ecologically sound practices. As we navigate the pages ahead, we will encounter the voices of experts, practitioners, and visionaries who have dedicated their efforts to redefining the boundaries of sustainable agriculture. Their experiences, perspectives, and innovations will inspire us all to engage with the urgent task of resource manage-

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the authors who have shared their knowledge and experiences, the reviewers who provided valuable feedback, and the publishers who have made this book possible. As we embark on this intellectual journey, we hope that *Resource Management in Agroecosystems* serves as a compass guiding us toward a more sustainable and resilient future. May it inspire readers to become active participants in the vital endeavor of balancing the needs of humanity with the well-being of

security, economic stability, and environmental stewardship.

the preservation of (agro)ecosystems.

practitioners, and students alike.

ment in agroecosystems.

our planet.
