Introduction to Agroecology: Principles and Practices

Description

A crucial reference/textbook that provides a wide spectrum of information in one easily understandable source The essence of agroecology lies in harnessing and harmonizing the forces of nature for productive purpose. Introduction to Agroecology: Principles and Practices comprehensively explains how this is done, providing a detailed, inclusive look at the underlying theories, concepts, and... Read more

A crucial reference/textbook that provides a wide spectrum of information in one easily understandable source

The essence of agroecology lies in harnessing and harmonizing the forces of nature for productive purpose. Introduction to Agroecology: Principles and Practices comprehensively explains how this is done, providing a detailed, inclusive look at the underlying theories, concepts, and practices. This allows the reader to explore the full range of possibilities of the nature/agricultural interface and to view agroecology in its entirety, all while providing a clear understanding of the inherent complexity. Productive threats to cropping such as soil depletion, drought, plant-eating insects, heat and cold, weeds, and small and large animals are discussed in depth—with preventative strategies for each—all together in one easy-to-use book.

This unique introductory reference source is not only aimed at the novice, but also the more advanced student. In a departure from the norm for introductory material, extensive endnotes elaborate upon the basic information, presenting a full look at the arguments and controversies within the field. The endnotes include over 500 citations, offering a broad window that encompasses ecology, sociology, conservation and environmental studies, and several other fields. The text also contains numerous charts, figures, and tables to clarify data and ideas.

Introduction to Agroecology reviews and discusses:

agroecological goals, such as profit, quality of life, and minimum disturbance of the natural ecosystem
spatial principles, with resource concepts such as capture, production, balance, and biodiversity
planting densities, ratios, and spatial patterns
facilitation of nutrient and water capture-transfer
ecosystem governance
certainty-sustainability
threats, such as drought, wind, flood, temperature, and fire
the use of fences, repellant plants, fauna, and other means to stave off large animal threats
basic insect countermeasures
agrotechnologies
subdivision, scaling, design packages, agrobiodiversity adjustments, and mimicry
monocultures
seasonal intercropping
facilitative and productive agroforestry
the use of reservoirs, corridors, wind structures, riparian buffers, firebreaks, and other means as auxiliary systems
land modification
social and community agroecology
core approaches to alternative agriculture, including genetic, microbial, varietal, rotational, and others
agroecosystem design
many, many more topics

Introduction to Agroecology is a unique and accessible reference for those who seek a deeper understanding of the mechanisms and practices that provide a solid foundation for the study of agroecology, including researchers, extension advisors, instructors, and students. Read less

Preface
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1. Introduction
Agroecology
Agroecological Goals
Mainstream Agriculture
Agroecological Tools
Alternative Agriculture
Chapter 2. Spatial Principles
Essential Resources
Resource Concepts
Biodiversity
Measuring Growth and Yield
Planting Density
Planting Ratios
Spatial Patterns
Specific Interaction Zones
Supplementary Additions
Chapter 3. Agrobionomic Concepts
Species Governance
Ecosystem Governance
Chapter 4. Productivity Threats
Certainty-Sustainability
General Countermeasures
Threat Levels
Specific Interaction Zones
Climatic Threats
Integrated Weed Management
Larger Fauna
Chapter 5. Insects and Plant Diseases
Management
Basic Insect Countermeasures
Underlying Concepts
Emphasis
Chapter 6. Agroecological Concepts
Agricultural Plants
Agroecosystems
Agrotechnologies
Chapter 7. Monocultures
Ecological Underpinnings
Economic Underpinnings
Monocultural Agrotechnologies
Chapter 8. Seasonal Intercropping
Pairings
Ecological Underpinnings
Economic Underpinnings
Seasonal Agrotechnologies
Chapter 9. Facilitative Agroforestry
Pairings
Ecological Underpinnings
Economic Underpinnings
Agrotechnologies
Chapter 10. Productive Agroforestry
Pairings
Ecological Underpinnings
Economic Underpinnings
Agrotechnologies
Chapter 11. Temporal Agrotechnologies
Ecological Underpinnings
Economic Underpinnings
Temporal Agrotechnologies
Chapter 12. Auxiliary Systems
Ecological Underpinnings
Economic Underpinnings
Auxiliary Agrotechnologies
Chapter 13. Land Modification Agrotechnologies
Ecological Underpinnings
Economic Underpinnings
Agrotechnologies
Chapter 14. Social, Community, and Economic Agroecology
The Human Experience
Indigenous Farming Practices
Human Impediments and Encouragements
Quality of Life
Economic Gains
Chapter 15. Agricultural Alternatives
The Base
Core Approaches
Combinations
Composite Approaches (Alternative Agriculture)
Chapter 16. Agroecosystem Design
Optimization
Variables
Agrotechnologies
Chapter 17. Agricultural Landscapes
Factors
Legal Boundaries
Overall Land-Use Intensity
Economic Factors
Plot Types
Interecosystem Complementarity
Basic Landscape Forms
Landscape Integration
Starting Points
Cultural Motifs
Change
Chapter 18. Summary
Natural Mandates
Cultural Mandates
Mainstream Agriculture
Agroforestry
Agroecology
Conclusion
Notes
References
Index

Author(s)

Biography

Paul Wojtkowski

Introduction to Agroecology Principles and Practices

Description

Table of Contents

Author(s)

Biography

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