Volume 71 contains six outstanding reviews that discuss cutting edge developments in the crop and soil sciences. Chapter 1 addresses advances in the development, use, and evaluation of controlled release fertilizers. Chapter 2 is a comprehensive review of developments in breeding crops for increased nutritional value. Historical and current advances in the field are covered as well as selection in methodology and employment of molecular biology tools. Chapter 3 is a comprehensive treatment of remaking bean plant architecture for efficient production. Chapter 4 is a review on carbon sequestration, specifically, the potential of world cropland solid to serve as a source of atmospheric carbon. Chapter 5 discusses the ability of grain legumes (pulses) to adapt to water-limited environments. Chapter 6 describes and applies an important water quality model - the root zone water quality model (RZWQM). The model is described and discussion is provided on the calibration and application in laboratory and field settings.