Applied Agrometeorology

This compendium first reviews regional operational applications of agrometeorology in the form of case studies of agrometeorological services and information. These services prepare farmers of different income levels for extreme weather and climate events and for the use of weather and climate “windows of opportunity” under conditions of a changing climate. Subsequently wide fields of application are covered such as crops (monocropping and multiple cropping, for which aspects of soils, pests, diseases, water, fertilizers and labour are discussed, in so far as they interact with agrometeorological factors), forestry, agroforestry, livestock, and fisheries. These fields are dealt with in a way that the contents form the bedrock material for establishment, improvement, extension and updating of agrometeorological services and information under these changing conditions. Operational supportive methods are finally reviewed and exemplified through case studies of their applications in the above mentioned fields, in approaches related to actual problem solving in agricultural production. This compendium also wants to create a renaissance in the teaching (that is education/training/ extension) of applied agrometeorology at all levels, closer to the livelihood of farmers and other growers.

From the reviews:

“The book could be named as the ‘bible’ of ‘how to do in applied agrometeorology’ … useful for farmers and the welfare of people … . presents valuable and in-depth information and enormous background knowledge for practical applications in agrometeorology and related services. It can be highly recommended for students as well as scientists, policy makers, persons in extension services and NGOs and others who are active or interested in operational services in the field of agriculture … especially in and for developing countries.” (J. Eitzinger, Journal of Agricultural Science, Vol. 149, February, 2011)

“The book on ‘Applied Agrometeorology’ by Prof. Kees Stigter is a result of author’s 40 years of research, teaching and extension works on agrometeorology. … The author needs special appreciation for enhancing the image of operational agrometeorologists like me. Should be on the list of all those who are interested to use ‘Weather and climate’ as non- monetary inputs in all agricultural operations. This book must be made accessible to all the countries through appropriate dispatch mechanism by the publishers.” (V. Radhakrishna Murthy, Journal of Agrometeorology, Vol. 14 (1), June, 2012)

"The impetus for this book comes from the desire of the editor to bring together the many years of his experiences of working in Africa and Asia, and asking others who share his vision and/or experiences, to write chapters in their areas of expertise." (Prof. Albert Weiss, University of Nebraska)

"Part I provides many interesting ideas about education and training, the importance of case studies, understanding how different societies use information and other important topics under the broad umbrella of agrometeorology in developing countries. The key concept in this Part is that there must be a bottom up approach to supply useful information to farmers in these countries." (Prof. Albert Weiss, University of Nebraska)

"The index is excellent and can be used to develop a focused approach to a topic, e.g., Climate or Farmer Field Schools and Roving Seminars. ... For those who are interested in agrometeorology applied to developing nations, this book is very important. Credit must be given to Kees Stigter for documenting his experiences and insights and for logistics involved in this effort. (Prof. Albert Weiss, University of Nebraska)

"Agrometeorological services utilise meteorological and climatological information to improve and/or protect agricultural production and the livelihood of farmers. Therefore, in the context of climate change, the importance of applied agrometeorology is ever increasing. This book provides a valuable contribution to this direction." (Prof. Roger Stone and Dr. Tek Maraseni, University of Southern Queensland, Australia)

"This book provides a broad range of valuable spatial and temporal information, accessible to all levels of agricultural stakeholders, that can be used to address problems impacting the livelihood of farmers and other agricultural producers." (Prof. Roger Stone and Dr. Tek Maraseni, University of Southern Queensland, Australia)

"The discussion covers a range of applications such as crops (monocropping and multiple cropping), forest trees and non-forest trees, and provide valuable insight and understanding to support adaptation under climate change." (Prof. Roger Stone and Dr. Tek Maraseni, University of Southern Queensland, Australia)

"As mentioned in the preface, the contents of the book aim to create a renaissance in the teaching (that is education, training and extension) of applied agrometeorology at all levels. It provides a range of teaching and extension materials, including practical examples of how to apply agrometeorology to better solve problems in the livelihood of farmers and other agricultural producers." (Prof. Roger Stone and Dr. Tek Maraseni, University of Southern Queensland, Australia)

"The research and materials presented here do provide a good source of information for indentifying research problems/gaps and designing/framing PhD, MSc and BSc research in the area of agrometeorology. Therefore, this book provides useful collective information for potential research and higher degrees students."  (Prof. Roger Stone and Dr. Tek Maraseni, University of Southern Queensland, Australia)

Kees Stigter is currently a visiting professor in Africa and Asia for Agromet Vision, The Netherlands. He was the leader of the CAgM Expert Team on writing the third edition of the WMO Guide to Agricultural Meteorological Practices (GAMP).

Most of his active career, Dr. Stigter has been affiliated to Wageningen University. dr. Sigter has served as President and Vice President of the Commission for Agricultural Meteorology of the WMO.