Principles of

280 Pages·2016·14.48 MB·English

Principles of
Agroecology
Milan Collins
Principles of Agroecology

Principles of Agroecology
Edited by
Milan Collins
Principles of Agroecology
Edited by Milan Collins
ISBN: 978-1-9789-1650-0
© 2018 Library Press
Published by Library Press,
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Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Principles of agroecology / edited by Milan Collins.
p.cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 978-1-9789-1650-0
1.Agricultural ecology. 2. Agriculture--Environmental aspects. 3. Ecology. I. Collins, Milan.
S589.7 .P75 2018
577.55--dc23
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Table of Contents
Preface VII
Chapter 1 Introduction to Agroecology 1
i. Agroecology 1
ii. Agrophysics 10
iii. Agroecological Restoration 11
Chapter 2 Agroecosystems and their Analysis 14
i. Agroecosystem 14
ii. Agroecosystem Analysis 15
Chapter 3 Major Stress in Agroecology 19
i. Abiotic Stress 19
ii. Biotic Stress 23
iii. Natural Stress 25
Chapter 4 Study of Land-use Sciences in Agroecology 31
i. Agriculture 31
ii. Forestry 53
iii. Agroforestry 61
iv. Agronomy 68
v. Permaculture 71
vi. Polyculture 84
vii. Silviculture 85
Chapter 5 Ecology: An Overview 116
i. Ecology 116
ii. Population Ecology 147
iii. Restoration Ecology 158
iv. Ecological Succession 167
Chapter 6 Diverse Applications of Agroecology 179
i. Organic Farming 179
ii. Organic Food 203
iii. Conservation Agriculture 218
iv. No-till Farming 224
v. Shifting Cultivation 231
vi. Intercropping 241
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VI Contents
Chapter 7 Biodynamic Agriculture: An Emerging Practice of Agroecology 244
i. Biodynamic Agriculture 244
ii. Biointensive Agriculture 251
iii. Regenerative Agriculture 257
Permissions
Index
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Preface

The book aims to shed light on some of the unexplored aspects of agroecology. It
discusses the various theories and concepts of this field in detail. Agroecology is
an amalgamation of the ecological concepts and agricultural theories to produce
better crop yield and its management. It strives to study a variety of ecosystems
and is focused in the synthesis of effective agriculture practices and inclusive crop
production techniques. It consists of the principles of all of these methods. This
book is a valuable compilation of topics, ranging from the basic to the most complex
theories and principles in the field of agroecology. Those in search of information to
further their knowledge will be greatly assisted by this textbook.
A foreword of all Chapters of the book is provided below:
Chapter 1 - A number of ecological processes are applied to agricultural
production systems. The study of these processes is known as agroecology. It
is not affiliated with only one particular method of farming, and can be related
with organic as well as integrated or conventional ways of farming. The chapter on
agroecology offers an insightful focus, keeping in mind the complex subject matter.;
Chapter 2 - Agroecosystem analysis is an important part of the multidisciplinary
subject known as agroecology. Agroecosystem considers aspects such as ecology,
sociology and economics. Agrosystem analysis examines all these aspects and provides
the reader with an in-depth understanding on topics related to agroecosystems.
The chapter strategically encompasses and incorporates the major components
and key concepts of agroecosystems, providing a complete understanding.;
Chapter 3 - Non-living things and living things both have effects on the
environment. The negative effect that non-living things have on living things is
termed as abiotic stress. Some of the examples of abiotic stressors include high
winds, extreme temperature, drought and flood. The following text elucidates on
topics such as natural stress and biotic stress, providing a complete understanding.;
Chapter 4 - The following section deals with the study of land-use sciences in
agroecology. Some of these are forestry, agriculture, agroforestry, agronomy and
polyculture. The cultivation of plants and animals is termed as agriculture whereas
the science of preserving, managing and repairing forests is known as forestry.
The topics discussed in the chapter are of great importance to broaden the existing
knowledge on agroecology.; Chapter 5 - The analysis of organisms and their
environments is known as ecology. Ecologists seek to explain topics like life processes,
adaptions and distribution of organisms. It is interdisciplinary and includes subjects
like biology, geography and Earth science. This section is an overview of the subject
matter incorporating all the major aspects of ecology, such as population ecology,
restoration energy and ecological succession.; Chapter 6 - Agroecology has a
number of diverse applications. Some of these are organic farming, organic food,
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VIII Preface
conservation agriculture, shifting cultivation and intercropping. Organic farming
depends on fertilizers such as manure, compost and green manure. The food
produced through the methods of organic farming is known ad organic food. This
section serves as a source to understand the major categories related to agroecology.;
Chapter 7 - Biodynamic agriculture is very similar to organic farming. The common
features it shares with organic farming are its use of manures and composts. The
methods that are unique to biodynamic agriculture are the approaches it takes for
the treatment of crops and soil, and its emphasis on local production. This chapter
will provide an integrated understanding of biodynamic agriculture.
I would like to thank the entire editorial team who made sincere efforts for this book
and my family who supported me in my efforts of working on this book. I take this
opportunity to thank all those who have been a guiding force throughout my life.
Editor
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1
Introduction to Agroecology
A number of ecological processes are applied to agricultural production systems. The
study of these processes is known as agroecology. It is not affiliated with only one par-
ticular method of farming, and can be related with organic as well as integrated or
conventional ways of farming. The chapter on agroecology offers an insightful focus,
keeping in mind the complex subject matter.
Agroecology
A community-supported agriculture share of crops
Agroecology is the study of ecological processes applied to agricultural production sys-
tems. The prefix agro- refers to agriculture. Bringing ecological principles to bear in
agroecosystems can suggest novel management approaches that would not otherwise
be considered. The term is often used imprecisely and may refer to “a science, a move-
ment, [or] a practice.” Agroecologists study a variety of agroecosystems, and the field of
agroecology is not associated with any one particular method of farming, whether it be
organic, integrated, or conventional; intensive or extensive. Although it has much more
common thinking and principles with some of the before mentioned farming systems.
Ecological Strategy
Agroecologists do not unanimously oppose technology or inputs in agriculture but in-
stead assess how, when, and if technology can be used in conjunction with natural,
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