Yield Gains in Major U.S. Field Crops

When humankind began to save seed to plant for the next season, they did so hoping to secure a food supply for the future. With that came the inevitable question: Will it be enough? Scientists today are still asking that question. Our dependence on domesticated cultivated varieties has never been greater, even as increasing populations strain our resource base. This book provides a fascinating snapshot-in-time account of the productivity status of all major U.S. field crops. Each crop has a different story to tell. Plant breeding, biotechnology, and agronomy have shaped these stories. It is imperative that we learn from them to ensure continued productivity. The solution is long-term stewardship and the most effective use of our critical resources—water, soil, genetic resources, and human intellect.