In Section 11.2, we discussed the importance of testing our programs in order for us to have confidence they are working the way they should. We discussed basic tests and the use of a debugger to help us step through our program slowly to find bugs. As our programs become larger, however, we need a more formalized framework and set of tools to help us in our testing. In this chapter, we introduce two such tools: linting or static checking, and formal unit testing frameworks. We conclude by describing the “test-driven development” mindset, which uses all these tools. That mindset can help us to write bulletproof programs.

The first six chapters of this book introduced you to behavior genetics as a field, refreshed your memory about Mendelian and molecular genetics, introduced the research methods of behavior genetics, and discussed how genetic variation can affect the brain structure and function. In the remaining chapters, we explore some of the most important areas of behavior genetic research, consider the future of behavior genetics, and examine ethical questions at the forefront of behavior genetics.

Drainage is the orderly removal of excess water from the soil surface as well as the soil profile or root zone. It directs the removal in a manner such that it does not erode the soil and damage crops. By so doing it provides a suitable environment for the maximization of plant growth, keeping in mind financial constraints. The objective of this chapter is to present rudiments of agricultural drainage.

Design of a farm irrigation system entails both technical and nontechnical considerations. It is an integration of principles borrowed from agriculture, meteorology, hydrology, hydraulics, irrigation, and drainage engineering as well as economic, environmental, and management sciences. This chapter provides a snapshot of the steps involved in designing a farm irrigation system.

Irrigation is vital for productive agriculture and consequent food and nutritional security. However, irrigation requirements are fundamentally impacted by climate, soil, and the crops to be irrigated. They are also impacted by the source, availability, and quality of water. Providing a snapshot of irrigation worldwide as well as in the United States, this chapter discusses the organization of the book, irrigation practices, and environmental concerns arising due to irrigation, and is concluded with a reflection on the future of irrigation.

Crops are grown in certain types of soils, that is, not all soils are suitable for growing all crops and some crops can be grown in only certain types of soils. Irrigation of crops significantly depends on the type of soil. Soil is fundamental to our biosphere and requires proper management. This chapter discusses the basic soil properties that are relevant to crops and farm irrigation.