New Dimensions in Agroecology for Developing a Biological Approach to Crop Production
Titel:
New Dimensions in Agroecology for Developing a Biological Approach to Crop Production
Auteur:
Clements, David R. Shrestha, Anil
Verschenen in:
Journal of crop improvement
Paginering:
Jaargang 11 (2004) nr. 1-2 pagina's 1-20
Jaar:
2004-09-21
Inhoud:
Agroecology is emerging from the conceptual realm to become a significant discipline in North America and many parts of the world. We explore 10 dimensions of agroecology that are important in developing a more biologically-based science of agriculture: (1) a new philosophy of agriculture, (2) systems thinking, (3) local adaptation, (4) the non-crop biota, (5) crop autecology, (6) encompassing the agricultural landscape, (7) closing the materials cycle: crops, livestock and local or global cycling, (8) technology and ecology, (9) human ecology, and (10) the natural dimension. Agroecology deals with the applications of ecological principles in agroecosystems and it represents a logical response to shortcomings of conventional agriculture. Current crop production approaches fail to account for biological complexities of agro-ecosytems and the need to feed the world without jeopardizing the sustainability of its life support systems. A key strategy employed by agroecologists is to compare agroecosystems and natural ecosystems systematically, and attempt to integrate knowledge of natural ecosystems into agricultural practice. Through this process, traditional agronomy is elevated to agroecology.
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