Agriculture (General)
(S:1-559)
| Q--Science | R-Medicine | S-Agriculture | T-Technology | U-Military | V-Naval |
S 494.3 Breeding. Germplasm Resources
Summary:
The GENRES: Information System on Genetic Resources "...provides information about national, european and international activities on conservation and sustainable utilization of genetic resources for food, agriculture and forestry." It "...refers... to passport, identification and evaluation data as well as to information about taxonomy, utilization and endangering of different species. Furthermore data about institutions, literature, projects and other services are available." It "... connects the centralized meta, factual and evaluated data on genetic resources in Germany at the IGR [Information Center for Genetic Resources] with the decentralized data existing in institutions which are involved in GENRES."
The database's subject index features six categories: (1) plant genetic resources; (2) forest genetic resources; (3) animal genetic resources; (4) microbial genetic resources; (5) biological diversity; and (6) news. Users select any of the first four categories to activate the search. The screen then displays listings showing resource information available in three locations: Germany, other nations, and international networks. Users who choose to view resources within Germany should know that texts will be displayed only in German. Upon viewing a region's resource listings, users need only to select a category of interest to display the contents.
If viewing resources within Germany, legends for tables, abbreviations, and indices will be provided for the IGR data to be shown. If viewing any other nation's holdings, a listing of connecting WWW links will be displayed. Choosing any of these titles will activate the link to that database. The GENRES site also provides access to a companion textual version in German and the GENRES homepage.
The database is maintained by the Information Center for Genetic Resources (IGR) at the Center for Agricultural Documentation and Information (ZADI); Bonn, Germany.
To Search:
Select category from subject index. Then select region of resource data. Scroll to view contents listings, which will reflect either data from the IGR (Information Center for Genetic Resources) or a listing of WWW links to databases.
Summary:
"The Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN)...provides germplasm information about plants, animals, microbes and invertebrates within the National Genetic Resources Program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Research Service." Within this web service are four systems: (1) the National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS); (2) National Animal Germplasm (including aquatics); (3) National Microbial Germplasm; and (4) the National Invertebrate Genetic Resources Program (NIGRP). Of the four, only the NPGS is fully operational; the animal and microbial systems are under development, and the invertebrate system only offers links to databases. Regardless of organism focus, each system seeks to preserve, maintain, acquire, document, distribute, and evaluate its respective germplasm in the efforts to promote genetic diversity.
Upon accessing the site, users must select a subject (focal) germplasm database. A table of contents is displayed once access is gained. It is urged that users choose to read the general information portion of the system to view items within record contents, which vary widely among the four systems. Each germplasm system has its own priorities, in terms of revealing information and data. Users must follow screen commands to access the data of their choice.
The network is maintained by the Database Management Unit of the National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Plant Sciences Institute; Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
To Search:
Select one of the four database sytems from main menu. Then select topic of interest from contents listing. Recommended viewing includes general information contents listing. Animal and microbial databases are under construction, so access is limited in these areas.
Summary:
The GRIN Taxonomy site provides the "...taxonomic data [of] the structure and nomenclature for the accessions of the National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS). Many plants (35,000 taxa, 13,000 genera) are included in GRIN taxonomy, especially economic plants." Within its main menu, users have two search methods are their disposal: general queries and specialized queries. Each search method is designed to access the NPGS germplasm system and other associations (via electronic links) to provide thorough data on the requested plant.
By selecting a form-based query under the general search method, users will find a listing of search fields: (1) genus or species name; (2) family name; (3) common name; and (4) distribution area (country and state). Additional fields will only allow searches through the the GRIN system, if requested. The result of this search provides a list of the plant's scientific names and its complete taxonomic data. Non-form, general searches require only a keyword for activation. Suggestions are provided on possible field entries. Once again, submission of the keyword(s) intitiates the search.
Specialized queries of GRIN taxonomy come in several forms. A first will search solely for plants with an economic use, via a keyword entry field. Family and generic names access a specialized search form, as does a plant's symbol. A link with the ISTA (International Seed Testing Association) is triggered through a keyword search. A listing of noxious weeds, by scientific name, is accessible, as is a category devoted to rare plants, opened through a keyword field. In addition to all of these unique query methods, FTP connections enable users to download GRIN genetic data, via onscreen commands within this area of the main menu.
Electronic links have been provided to other taxonomic databases: the Harvard Gray Herbarium Index of New World PLants; ING (Index nominum genericorum); PLANTS (Database of North American Plants); Flora of North America; BONAP (Biota of North America Program of the North Carolina Botanical Garden); and other botany related WWW sites. The site is maintained by the Agricultural Research Service; USDA, and the Database Management Unit of the National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Plant Sciences Institute, USDA.
To Search:
Select query method of choice from main menu. Submit keywords to activate search and to view results.
Summary:
The RAFI Communique is a bimonthly publication of the Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI), which is an "...international non-governmental organi[z]ation...[and] is dedicated to the conservation and sustainable improvement of agricultural biodiversity, and to the socially responsible development of technologies useful to rural societies. RAFI is concerned about the loss of genetic diversity -- especially in agriculture -- and about the impact of intellectual property rights on agriculture and world food security."
The site is sponsored by the Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI); Ottawa, Canada; and Pittsboro, North Carolina.
To Search:
Select article of interest from main page of journal; scroll to view rest of issues contents.
Summary:
The RAFI Occasional Papers are a publication of the Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI), an "...international non-governmental organi[z]ation...[which] is dedicated to the conservation and sustainable improvement of agricultural biodiversity, and to the socially responsible development of technologies useful to rural societies. RAFI is concerned about the loss of genetic diversity -- especially in agriculture -- and about the impact of intellectual property rights on agriculture and world food security."
The RAFI Occasional Papers are published "...irregularly to disseminate RAFI research and work-in-progress. New titles are announced in the RAFI Communique." All of the texts are in PDF format and require the use of a freeware reader. Users who need such software or who wish to order paper copies of the texts will find links within the site's page for these actions.
The papers are listed chronologically, by volume and issue number (e.g. Vol.1, Issue 1; Vol.1, Issue 2, etc.). Individual records of issues contain: (1) the volume and issue numbers; (2) title of the paper; (3) date of paper's publication; and (4) size of the document (for downloading purposes). Titles are direct links to their respective full texts. Users should scroll to view the paper's contents.
The site is sponsored by the Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI); Ottawa, Canada; and Pittsboro, North Carolina.
To Search:
Select paper title from listings; title is direct link to entire document contents. Applicable software required to view full texts.
S 494.5.A39 Agricultural Literature
Summary:
This directory provides a compilation of international and American agricultural information sources in the areas of research, publications, and organizations.
Foreign sources provide information on USDA international services and agricultural sites abroad. Access to a collection of WWW and Gopher links spanning twenty-three countries is available, as well as information on globally recognized agricultural organizations.
Within the United States, access to the National Agricultural Library (and its information centers), the USDA (and its Internet sites) is detailed. University-level listings specify bibliographic sources, upcoming agricultural events, and various agricultural organizations.
A feature of the directory provides sources for individuals on organic and urban agriculture. Search tools and online guides' sites are listed. Job listings, crop reports, market information sites, and sources of weather information comprise featured services.
To Search:
Select information source from the table of contents, or browse through directory.
Summary:
This resource is the WWW home page of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) Computer Network (ICON), located at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. The site is provided to interested individuals as a resource for the activities of the Institute.
The document allows a user to access several subject links to the Internet, all of which are designed to promote agricultural information. Available is a worldwide agricultural site, linking the user to a wide collection of local and international sources. An agricultural conference list site is provided, as are links to environmental organizations on the WWW. Weather reports can also be accessed through the site.
A special feature of the source is its emphasis upon biotechnological research, allowing the user to access WWW sites with this focus. The Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnological Research is located on the university's campus, and the site features links to similiar research facilities.
To Search:
Select information source from listed topic areas. Then browse through directory and select particular WWW sites of interest.
Summary:
This national directory provides" remote access to Canadian agriculture and agri-food information resources on the Internet and other electronic sites in Canada." A pilot project of the Canadian Department of Agriculture and Ag-Food Canada, Agri-Web offers an additional directory of Canadian agricultural sources through ACEIS, the electronic information service of its respective department.
Alphabetical listings of both linked WWW resources and unlinked sources ("BBS, listserv, Usenet, library catalogues, electronic publications") are constantly updated. Special areas are denoted for new files. An archive of past "new sites" for the collection. Site entries are intended to provide "some evaluative description of the information resources listed." A specific notation mentions that the site is designed to target " the academic community, scientists and policy makers in the federal and provincial governments, librarians and other information and communication professionals, farmers and farm organizations, agri-food business, and the general public."
A special feature of the site is accessibility to bilingual sites, which are identified for the user.
Agri-Web Canada is maintained by a team of librarians and information professionals with the Canadian Agricultural Library.
To Search:
Browse through the table of contents and select particular area of interest. Sites may be accessed by keyword, geographic location, subject, or type of organization.
Summary:
Maintained by Purdue University, this directory is a collection of WWW sites devoted to crop, soil, and environmental issues. Links to national sites (spanning American coverage of issues), state-based sites, and international sites are provided. American perspective (national) sites are listed according to user interest and subject areas. Resources, agricultural research interests (both noncommercial and commercial), and environmental organizations can be accessed. Users can find information on agricultural trade groups, farm publications, professional societies, as well as USDA agencies.
State-level listings are systemized alphabetically, providing organizations and information sources within their respective areas. Likewise, international listings offer information centers, as well as organizations with global interest in agriculture.
A special feature of the site provides users with access to the Purdue University Agronomy department homepage and online service. Farmers within Indiana and eastern corngrowing areas are urged to inspect the CornGrowers Handbook, also accessible through the site.
The directory is maintained by the Agronomy Department of Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana.
To Search:
Select topic of interest from opening menu. Within national listings, select subject area or interest. Within state or international directories,choose location of interest or scan through entries.
Summary:
A service of Ceres Online, AgWeb is a gateway to over 2500 agriculture related WWW cites housed within the AgWeb database.
The site is maintained by the CERES Corporation.
To Search:
Users can submit a keyword in the initial menu to activate the search. Multiple keywords can be submitted. For advanced searches, entry fields allow for specification in categories, sub-categorization, and commodity areas.
S 494.5.A45 Agroforestry
Summary:
Agroforestry Systems, a member of the "Quick Bibliography Series of the National Agricultural Library," is intended "for current awareness, and as the title of the series implies..." is "not [an] indepth exhaustive" bibliography system of any subject. Citations are resources for recent research and bring the "literature of agriculture to the interested user...." Bibliographies are " derived from computerized on-line searches of the AGRICOLA data base. Timeliness of topic and evidence of extensive interest are the selection criteria." The site's creator "determines the purpose, length, and search strategy of the Quick Bibliography. Information regarding these is available upon request from the author/searcher."
Entries within the site include journal articles, books, and audiovisual materials. Specifications are given as to information provided within entries, to aid in searching. Instructions are also provided for requesting copies of bibliographies featured in the series.
The site is maintained by Jane Gates with the Alternative Farming Systems Information Center, the USDA National Agricultural Library, Beltsville, Maryland.
To Search:
Browse through listings of bibliographies within site.
S 494.5.A65 Alternative Agriculture. Appropriate Technology
Summary:
Alternative Crops, a member of the "Quick Bibliography Series of the National Agricultural Library," is intended "for current awareness, and as the title of the series implies..." is "not [an] indepth exhaustive" bibliographic system of any subject. Citations are resources for recent research and bring the "literature of agriculture to the interested user...."
Bibliographies are "derived from computerized on-line searches of the AGRICOLA data base. Timeliness of topic and evidence of extensive interest are the selection criteria." The site's creator "determines the purpose, length, and search strategy of the Quick Bibliography. Information regarding these is available upon request from the author/searcher."
Entries within the site include journal articles, books, and audiovisual materials. Specifications are given as to information provided within entries, to aid in searching. Instructions are also provided for requesting copies of bibliographies featured in the series.
The site is maintained by Jane Gates with the Alternative Farming Systems Information Center, the USDA National Agricultural Library, Beltsville, Maryland.
To Search:
Browse through listings of bibliographies within site.
Summary:
Alternative Farming Systems: Economic Aspects, a member of the "Quick Bibliography Series of the National Agricultural Library," is intended "for current awareness, and as the title of the series implies..." is "not [an] indepth exhaustive" bibliographic system of any subject. Citations are resources for recent research and bring the "literature of agriculture to the interested user...."
Bibliographies are "derived from computerized on-line searches of the AGRICOLA data base. Timeliness of topic and evidence of extensive interest are the selection criteria." The site's creator "determines the purpose, length, and search strategy of the Quick Bibliography. Information regarding these is available upon request from the author/searcher."
Entries within the site include journal articles, books, and audiovisual materials. Specifications are given as to information provided within entries, to aid in searching. Instructions are also provided for requesting copies of bibliographies featured in the series.
The site is maintained by Jane Gates with the Alternative Farming Systems Information Center, within the USDA National Agricultural Library, located in Beltsville, Maryland.
To Search:
Browse through listings of bibliographies within site.
Summary:
"Community supported agriculture (CSA) is a new idea in farming, one that has been gaining momentum since its introduction to the United States from Europe in the mid-1980s....In basic terms, CSA consists of a community of individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes, either legally or spiritually, the community's farm, with the growers and consumers providing mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of food production." This site is an annotated bibliography and resource guide to a "... selection of writings that document the CSA movement in the U.S. Most of these publications are contained in the collections of the National Agricultural Library (NAL), as indicated by an NAL call number." The compilers also mention that "...Sources are offered, when known, for some publications that are not owned by NAL. Additional resources for information about CSAs are also included in this bibliography."
The bibliography's listings are alphabetically organized, reflecting journals, newspapers, and books. For both journals and newpapers, the following data is provided: author's name; title of work; source (title, as well as issue number); date of article's issue; and a brief description of content. Listings for books reveal the following information: NAL call number; title; author; location and name of publisher; date of publication; number of pages; and a brief description of the book's content.
A special feature of the guide is found after the bibliography entries. Here, users will find additional information on: CSA periodicals, CSA organizations, videos, conferences, and additional contacts.
The site is maintained by Jane Gates, Alternative Farming Systems Information Center; the National Agricultural Library, a division of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Beltsville, Maryland.
To Search:
Browse through bibliography listings. Additional CSA sources included after bibliography entries.
S 494.5.D3 Special Aspects of Agriculture as a Whole. Data Processing
Summary:
This source is the prototype of the Agriculture-Related Information Systems, Databases, and Datasets,"...an outgrowth of work performed by the National Agricultural Library's (NAL) Electronic Research Database Committee (ERDC)." The ERDC, in turn, seeks to"... identify and describe agriculture-related databases, datasets, and information systems." The prototype is based on this compiled data.
Agricultural-related sites, which were not part of the original ERDC list, have been included within the prototype. The creators state that "Not all datasets described are available on the Internet , but for those that are, links have been established to the actual data wherever possible."
The authors emphatically state that the prototype is "currently under development," and as such, data found by users may be incomplete.
To Search:
Records may be viewed through an alphabetical listing, arranged by the name of resource. Full texts of records are searchable through a keyword index. Within this second function, users can search using an AGRICOLA Subject Category Code.
Summary:
A service of Ceres Online, AgSearch is a gateway to over seventy search engines within the field of agriculture. Users are provided subject categories within the main menu and also able to specify searches through a series of simple commands. AgSearch provides searches in the following categories: news (publications); research; genetics; production, economics, pest management, Internet and computer subjects; trade; government subjects; and water and irrigation.
To Search:
Choose category of interest from opening menu. Scan through possible search engine choices. Enter keywords, subjects, titles, or other items, where specified by the selected searching means.
S 494.5.I47 Special Aspects of Agriculture as A Whole. Information Services
Summary:
CIKARD, The Center for Indigenous Knowledge for Agriculture and Rural Development (CIKARD) at Iowa State University,"... focuses its activities on preserving and using the local knowledge of farmers and other rural people around the globe....[E]stablished...in October1987[,]...[its] goal is to collect indigenous knowledge and make it available to development professionals and scientists. CIKARD concentrates on indigenous knowledge systems (such as local soil taxonomies), decision-making systems (such as knowledge of which crops are best suited to particular types of soils), organizational structures (such as farmers problem-solving groups), and innovations (such as local methods for pest control)." This site serves as a directory to the research and activities of the center, thereby allowing users to access information best tailored to their individual needs.
The directory's offers a listing of topics, all of which provide direct access to further information on the subject contained with the CIKARD site. Possible links include: general information on CIKARD, search results for common database inquiries, the CIKARD database, and publications (both online and those available for purchase). Locations of indigenous knowledge centers across the globe are provided, as well as a listing of programs and institutions within this field of study.
The directory is maintained by David Andresen and Steve Moon, the Deaprtment of Agriculture, Iowa State University; Ames, Iowa.
To Search:
Browse through topic listings contained within main menu. Select category of interest to initiate electronic link to information.
Summary:
The Center for Indigenous Knowledge for Agriculture and Rural Development (CIKARD), was established at Iowa State University in 1987 for the preservation and use of local knowledge from farmers and rural people around the world. In an effort to make this information available to development professionals and scientists worldwide, a documentation unit and library were formed in the fall of 1988. The CIKARD Citation Index reflects the "...relevant literature and ethnographic descriptions on indigenous knowledge and associated disciplines from worldwide sources." The center's holdings have been catalogued, allowing easy access to materials.
Upon accessing the CIKARD Citation Index, users will find two possible courses of action. The first allows users to search for citations or materials within the database. The second permits the user to enter new citation information or to update existing information in the database. This latter area is protected through a password, so access is restricted. A database search can be tailored to meet the user's needs by filling in information within the following fields: title of publication; author's name; publisher's name; call number of source; keywords; and article type.
The index is maintained by the Center for Indigenous Knowledge for Agriculture and Rural Development (CIKARD), the Department of Anthropology, Iowa State University, Ames Iowa.
To Search:
Access database index through site's main menu. Select search command (of choice) and enter appropriate information within search fields. Submit search.
S 494.5.S95 Special Aspects of Agriculture as a Whole. Systems
Summary:
Farming Systems Research, a member of the "Quick Bibliography Series of the National Agricultural Library," is intended "for current awareness, and as the title of the series implies..." is "not [an] indepth exhaustive" bibliography system of any subject. Citations are resources for recent research and bring the "literature of agriculture to the interested user...." Bibliographies are "derived from computerized on-line searches of the AGRICOLA data base. Timeliness of topic and evidence of extensive interest are the selection criteria." The site's creator "determines the purpose, length, and search strategy of the Quick Bibliogpraphy. Information regarding these is available upon request from the author/searcher."
Entries within the site include journal articles, books, and audiovisual materials. Specifications are given as to information provided within entries, to aid in searching. Instructions are also provided for requesting copies of bibliographies featured in the series.
The site is maintained by Jane Gates with the Alternative Farming Systems Information Center; the USDA National Agricultural Library, Beltsville, Maryland.
To Search:
Browse through listings of bibliographies within site.
S 530.5 Directories. General Works
Summary:
This directory provides a comprehensive listing of the research centers of the "... Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) ... [which] promote[s] sustainable agriculture for food security in developing countries. Fifty-three members provide funds that support 16 international agricultural research centers. These centers, located primarily in developing countries, work in close collaboration with partners in national research systems, to develop resource-efficient technologies that contribute to sustainable improvements in the productivity of agriculture, forestry and fisheries, thereby enhancing the nutrition and well-being of the poor. They also conduct research into agriculture-related policy and assist in capacity building."
Access to information on any of the research centers is provided through a world map, located at the top of the main page. Additional directory categories are available immediately below the map. Here, users can find information on the governing body of the CGIAR, as well as an alphabetical listing of the research centers. Each entry is an immediate link to that center's area within the site.
The directory is maintained by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) .
To Search:
Access to research center information through world map or site directory listings.
Summary:
A resource of the CGIAR WWW site, the CGIAR Research Centers listing provides users with direct access to information on any of the organization's centers, located worldwide. Members of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) "... promote sustainable agriculture for food security ...." Sixteen centers, located in developing countries, work with national research systems to "...develop resource-efficient technologies that contribute to sustainable improvements in ...agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, thereby enhancing the nutrition and well-being of the poor."
An alphabetical listing of the organization's centers gives access to any center's information. Entries on individual centers may include any of the following items: ongoing activities, research areas, natural resource management, geographical information systems, press releases, center publications, training, job openings, and communications. Center items vary location to location; each item is a link to the information.
The listing is maintained by CGIAR, the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research.
To Search:
Scan through center listings and select. Within entries, subcategory links provide further information.
S 540.A2 Research. Experimentation. General Works
Summary:
Published three to four times a year by the CGIAR Secretariat, the CGIAR News details the activities, research, and ongoing events of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). Members "...promote sustainable agriculture for food security in developing countries." The organization supports 16 international research centers, located primarily in developing countries. Working with national research systems, they seek to "...develop resource-efficient technologies that contribute to sustainable improvements in ...agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, thereby enhancing the nutrition and well-being of the poor."
Users will find a listing of recently published issues of the CGIAR newsletter, organized by date of publication. Each entry is a direct link to viewing the document's contents.
Site is maintained by Danielle Lucca, at the CGIAR Secretariat.
To Search:
Scan through issue listing; select publication of choice to view contents.
S 542.A423 Research. Experimentation. Other Regions or Countries. Africa
Summary:
The newsletter of the Special Program for African Agricultural Research (SPAAR), CONTACT reflects the achievements and activities of its organization. Established in 1985, SPAAR is a regional forum that "...enhance[s] the quality and relevance of agricultral technology development in Sub-Saharan Africa...improve[s] consultation and collaboration among stakeholders in [SSA] agricultural research...[and] increases the exchange of information on research activities." The focus of SPAAR's work is on the "development and implementation of regional frameworks...to revitalize agricultural research systems in the four main eco-political regions of SSA...."
A chronological listing in the site's main menu provides access to recent issues of CONTACT, which is available in both English and French.
The site is maintained by the Secretariat of SPAAR; The World Bank, Washington, D.C.
To Search:
Browse through chronological listings. Select issue date to view contents.