Agricultural Drainage Water Management in Arid and Semi-Arid Areas

This publication contains the proceedings of the Brazilian Agricultural research Corporation (EMBRAPA)?FAO International technical Workshop on Biological Management of Soil Ecosystems for Sustainable Agriculture, which was held at EMBRAPA Soyabean headquarters in Londrina, Brazil, from 24 to 27 June 2002. The report includes a review of current understanding and knowledge of the biological management of soil ecosystems through a set of case studies from different production systems and socio-economic conditions, in the areas of indicators and assessment of soil health, adaptive management and innovative technologies. A general discussion and review of lessons learned leading to the main recommendations and further steps for the implementation of an International Soil Biodiversity Initiative are also presented. The financial support was provided through the agricultural biodiversity component of the FAO –Netherlands partnership Programme.