Introduction to Agroecology Principles and Practices

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

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