• Introduction: Agroecology as a Transdisciplinary, Participatory, and Action-oriented Approach V. Ernesto Mendez, Christopher M. Bacon, and Roseann Cohen Agroecology: Roots of Resistance to Industrialized Food Systems Stephen R. Gliessman Transformative Agroecology: Foundations in Agricultural Practice, Agrarian Social Thought, and Sociological Theory Graham Woodgate and Eduardo Sevilla Guzman Political Agroecology: An Essential Tool to Promote Agrarian Sustainability Manuel Gonzalez de Molina Learning Agroecology through Involvement and Reflection Charles Francis, Edvin Ostergaard, Anna Marie Nicolaysen, Geir Lieblein, Tor Arvid Breland, and Suzanne Morse Complexity in Tradition and Science: Intersecting Theoretical Frameworks in Agroecological Research John Vandermeer and Ivette Perfecto Agroecology, Food Sovereignty, and the New Green Revolution Eric Holt-Gimenez and Miguel A. Altieri The Intercultural Origin of Agroecology: Contributions from Mexico Francisco J. Rosado-May Participatory Action Research for an Agroecological Transition in Spain: Building Local Organic Food Networks Gloria I. Guzman, Daniel Lopez, Lara Roman, and Antonio M. Alonso Agroecology, Food Sovereignty, and Urban Agriculture in the United States Margarita Fernandez, V. Ernesto Mendez, Teresa Mares, and Rachel Schattman On the Ground: Putting Agroecology to Work through Applied Research and Extension in Vermont Debra Heleba, Vern Grubinger, and Heather Darby Agroecology as a Food Security and Sovereignty Strategy in Coffee-Growing Communities: Opportunities and Challenges in San Ramon, Nicaragua Heather Putnam, Roseann Cohen, and Roberta M. Jaffe The Mesoamerican Agroenvironmental Program: Critical Lessons Learned from an Integrated Approach to Achieve Sustainable Land Management Isabel A. Gutierrez-Montes and Felicia Ramirez Aguero Analysis of Tropical Home Gardens through an Agroecology and Anthropological Ecology Perspective Alba Gonzalez-Jacome.
• (source: Nielsen Book Data)

Agroecology: A Transdisciplinary, Participatory and Action-oriented Approach is the first book to focus on agroecology as a transdisciplinary, participatory, and action-oriented process. Using a combined theoretical and practical approach, this collection of work from pioneers in the subject along with the latest generation of acknowledged leaders engages social actors on different geo-political scales to transform the global agrifood system. The book is divided into two sections, with the first providing conceptual bases and the second presenting case studies. It describes concepts and applications of transdisciplinary research and participatory action research (PAR). Transdisciplinary research integrates different academic disciplines as well as diverse forms of knowledge, including experiential, cultural, and spiritual. Participatory action research presents a way of engaging all relevant actors in an effort to create an equitable process of research, reflection, and activity to make desired changes. Six case studies show how practitioners have grappled with applying this integration in agroecological work within different geographic and socio-ecological contexts. An explicit and critical discussion of diverse perspectives in the growing field of agroecology, this book covers the conceptual and empirical material of an agroecological approach that aspires to be more transdisciplinary, participatory, and action-oriented. In addition to illustrating systems of agroecology that will improve food systems around the world, it lays the groundwork for further innovations to create better sustainability for all people, ecologies, and landscapes.
(source: Nielsen Book Data)

• 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.
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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, and includes an instructor's manual. "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.
(source: Nielsen Book Data)

• INTRODUCTION TO AGROECOLOGY. THE AGRICULTURAL FIELD AS AN ECOSYSTEM: Carbon and Energy in the Agroecosystem. Community Ecology. Nutrient Recycling and Decomposition. ADAPTATIONS OF ORGANISMS TO THE ECOSYSTEM: Physical Factors and the Agroecosystem. Growth and Dynamics of Populations. Niches and Competition. Adaptation of Plant Cultivars. ABUNDANCE IN THE ECOSYSTEM: Predation and Parasitism. INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT: Agricultural Pests. Principles of Pest Management. MONOCULTURE VS POLYCULTURE: Agriculture in the Landscape. Cropping Systems. CONSERVATION OF RESOURCES: Conservation of Nutrients. Water Conservation and the Politics of Irrigation. Energy Conservation and Animal Agriculture. HUMAN POPULATION AND IMPACT: Political and Socioeconomic Issues of Agroecology. Issues in Tropical Agriculture. Human Population Growth.
• (source: Nielsen Book Data)

Ecological Principles of Agriculture is a text for post-secondary students of agriculture and ecology. Its strength can be found in its versatility. Agricultural students with no prior coursework in ecology will find it invaluable as an introduction to ecological principles, while ecology students will gain insight into the practical application of these principles with respect to agriculture. This text will help readers understand the ecological processes inherent in any agricultural system as well as their implications in agricultural management. Without learning every type of agricultural practice (an impossible task), readers will come away with an understanding of how to apply these principles to agricultural design, management and problem-solving in very specific situations. ALSO AVAILABLE - INSTRUCTOR'S SUPPLEMENT: Instructor's Manual (ISBN# 0-7668-0654-5). Call Customer Support to Order.
(source: Nielsen Book Data)

• Plant Responses to their Environment: L.E. Jackson and G. Koch, The Ecophysiology of Crops and their Wild Relatives. V.P. Gutshick, Photosynthesis, Growth Rate, and Biomass Allocation. A.G. Condon and A.E.Hall, Adaptation to Diverse Agricultural Environments: Genotypic Variation in Water Use Efficiency with Crop Series. C-G. Padilla, E. Fereres, and F. Orgaz, Productivity in Water-Limited Environments: Crop Responses and Management of Dryland Agricultural Systems. A.J. Bloom, Nitrogen as a Limiting Factor: Crop Acquisition of Ammonium and Nitrate. D.M. Eissenstat, Tradeoffs in Root Form and Function. Biotic Interactions and Processes: M.R. Finckh and M.S. Wolfe, The Use of Biodiversity to Restrict Plant Diseases and Some Consequences for Farmers and Society. D.K. Letourneau, Plant-Arthropod Interactions in Agroecosystems. M. Liebmann and E.R. Gallandt, Many Little Hammers: Ecological Approaches for Management of Crop-Weed Interactions. G.P. Robertson, Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Row-Crop Agriculture: Crop Nitrogen Use and Soil Nitrogen Loss. K.M. Scow, Interrelationships between Soil Microbial Communities and Carbon Flow in Agroecosystems. R. Leemans, Effects of Global change on Agricultural Land Use: Scaling Up from Physiological Processes to Ecosystem Dynamics.
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Agricultural crops are prominent features of an increasing number of variously perturbed ecosystems and the landscapes occupied by these ecosystems. Yet the ecology of agricultural-dominated landscapes is only now receiving the scientific attention it has long deserved. This attention has been stimulated by the realization that all agriculture must become sustainable year after year while leaving nearby ecosystems unaffected. Ecology in Agriculture focuses exclusively on the ecology of agricultural ecosystems. The book is divided into four major sections. An introduction establishes the unique ties between agricultural and ecological sciences. The second section describes the community ecology of these sorts of ecosystems, while the final section focuses on the processes that operate throughout these agricultural landscapes.
(source: Nielsen Book Data)

• Plant Responses to their Environment: L.E. Jackson and G. Koch, The Ecophysiology of Crops and their Wild Relatives. V.P. Gutshick, Photosynthesis, Growth Rate, and Biomass Allocation. A.G. Condon and A.E.Hall, Adaptation to Diverse Agricultural Environments: Genotypic Variation in Water Use Efficiency with Crop Series. C-G. Padilla, E. Fereres, and F. Orgaz, Productivity in Water-Limited Environments: Crop Responses and Management of Dryland Agricultural Systems. A.J. Bloom, Nitrogen as a Limiting Factor: Crop Acquisition of Ammonium and Nitrate. D.M. Eissenstat, Tradeoffs in Root Form and Function. Biotic Interactions and Processes: M.R. Finckh and M.S. Wolfe, The Use of Biodiversity to Restrict Plant Diseases and Some Consequences for Farmers and Society. D.K. Letourneau, Plant-Arthropod Interactions in Agroecosystems. M. Liebmann and E.R. Gallandt, Many Little Hammers: Ecological Approaches for Management of Crop-Weed Interactions. G.P. Robertson, Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Row-Crop Agriculture: Crop Nitrogen Use and Soil Nitrogen Loss. K.M. Scow, Interrelationships between Soil Microbial Communities and Carbon Flow in Agroecosystems. R. Leemans, Effects of Global change on Agricultural Land Use: Scaling Up from Physiological Processes to Ecosystem Dynamics.
• (source: Nielsen Book Data)

Agricultural crops are prominent features of an increasing number of variously perturbed ecosystems and the landscapes occupied by these ecosystems. Yet the ecology of agricultural-dominated landscapes is only now receiving the scientific attention it has long deserved. This attention has been stimulated by the realization that all agriculture must become sustainable year after year while leaving nearby ecosystems unaffected. Ecology in Agriculture focuses exclusively on the ecology of agricultural ecosystems. The book is divided into four major sections. An introduction establishes the unique ties between agricultural and ecological sciences. The second section describes the community ecology of these sorts of ecosystems, while the final section focuses on the processes that operate throughout these agricultural landscapes.
(source: Nielsen Book Data)

• Part 1 The theoretical basis of agricultural ecology: the evolution of agroecological thought, Susanna B. Hecht-- the epistemological basis of agroecology, Richard B. Norgard and Thomas Sikor-- the agroecosystem - determinants, resources, processes and sustainability.
• Part 2 Design of alternative agricultural systems and technologies: generating sustainable technologies appropriate to alternative farming-- designing sustainable agroecosystems-- traditional agriculture-- ecologically-based agricultural development programmes-- organic farming.
• Part 3 Alternative production systems: polyculture cropping systems, Matt Liebman-- cover cropping and mulching-- crop rotation and minimum tillage-- agroforestry systems, John G. Farrell.
• Part 4 Ecological management of insect pests, pathogens and weeds: pest management-- weed ecology-- plant disease ecology and management-- pasture management to sustain agriculture, Bill Murphy-- soil quality and management, Fred Magdoff-- towards sustainable agriculture.
• (source: Nielsen Book Data)

• The Theoretical Basis Of Agricultural Ecology * The Evolution of Agroecological Thought Susanna B. Hecht. * The Methodology and Practice of Agroecology Richard B. Norgaard and Thomas O. Sikor. * The Agroecosystem: Determinants, Resources, Processes, and Sustainability The Design Of Alternative Agricultural Systems And Technologies * Generating Sustainable Technologies Appropriate to Alternative Farming * Designing Sustainable Agroecosystems * Traditional Agriculture * Ecologically Based Agricultural Development Programs * Organic Farming Alternative Production Systems * Polyculture Cropping Systems Matt Liebman. * Cover Cropping and Mulching * Crop Rotation and Minimum Tillage * Agroforestry Systems John G. Farrell and Miguel A. Altieri. Ecological Management Of Insect Pests, Pathogens, And Weeds * Integrated Pest Management * Weed Ecology and Management * Plant Disease Ecology and Management * Pasture Management to Sustain Agriculture Bill Murphy. * Soil Quality and Management Fred Magdoff. Looking Ahead * Toward Sustainable Agriculture.
• (source: Nielsen Book Data)

Based on new research results and practical findings, this revised edition text re-emphasizes the importance of agroecology as the discipline that provides the basic ecological principles for how to study, design and manage agroecosystems that are both productive and natural resource conserving, and are also culturally-sensitive, socially-just and economically viable. Agroecology goes beyond a one-dimensional view of agroecosystems - to embrace an understanding of ecological and social levels of coevolution, structure and function. However, ecological health is not the only goal of agroecology. In fact sustainability is not possible without preserving the cultural diversity that nurtures local agricultures. Stable production can only take place within the context of a social organization that protects the integrity of natural resources and nurtures the harmonious interaction of humans, the agroecosystem and the environment. The second edition incorporates new insights and concepts in the hope of helping guide agricultural students, researchers and practitioners to a deeper understanding of the ecology of agricultural systems that should open the doors to new management options more in tune with the objectives of a truly sustainable agriculture.
(source: Nielsen Book Data)
This second edition discusses such issues as the ecological economics of agriculture, policy changes needed for promoting sustainable agriculture, rural development in the Third World, the role of biodiversity in agriculture, and new research methodologies.
(source: Nielsen Book Data)
This new edition builds on the explosion of research on sustainable agriculture since the late 1980s. By separating myth from reality, Miguel Altieri extracts the key principles of sustainable agriculture and expounds on management systems that really work. Providing case studies of sustainable rural development in developing countries, he goes beyond a mere description of practices to include data that reveal the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of alternative projects. Each chapter of Agroecology has been enriched and updated with the latest research results from around the world. New emphasis has been placed on such issues as the ecological economics of agriculture, policy changes needed for promoting sustainable agriculture, rural development in the Third World, the role of biodiversity in agriculture, and new research methodologies.
(source: Nielsen Book Data)

• 1. The agro-ecosystem.
• 2. Crops.
• 3. Agroclimate.
• 4. The cultivated soil.
• 5. Nutrient cycling.
• 6. Agricultural productivity.
• 7. Domestic livestock.
• 8. Land capability for agriculture.
• 9. Pastoral farming.
• 10. The humid tropical lowlands.
• 11. Rice.
• 12. Dryland agriculture.
• 13. Irrigation agriculture.
• 14. Intensive agriculture.
• 15. Agriculture and the environment.
• (source: Nielsen Book Data)

This book analyses the nature of the relationships between crops, livestock and the bio-physical environment, and the extent to which man has managed and modified the products and environment to suit his/her own particular needs.
(source: Nielsen Book Data)

• Preface
• Chapter 1 - Introduction Ecology and agroecology Traditional subdivisions Agroecological directions The philosophical dilemma Economic directions The economic options Measurement Intangibles Intuitiveness
• Chapter 2 ? Lead-up Agrobiomonics Essential resources The limiting resource Nutrient profiles Agroecological niches Governance Plant-plant Ecosystem Analytical ratios Output Costs Risk
• Chapter 3 - Vector Theory Vectors The base Agroecological vectors Genetic improvement Varietal Microbial Agrobiodiversity Biodiversity (facilitative associations) Rotational Cross or inter-plot Location Physical land modifications Ex-farm inputs Environmental setting Allying vectors Design Design variables Agrotechnologies Principal mode Auxiliary Add-ons Objectives Optimization
• Chapter 4 - Agrobiodiversity Applications Underlying biodynamics Yield gains Interception Conversion Cost reductions Risk abatement Climate Insect and plant diseases Relevant guidelines Economic measures Revenue-enhanced LER Production possibilities curve Ratio lines The PPC Design variables Species Planting density Spatial pattern Temporal adjustments Density, diversity, disarray, duration The non-harvest option Associated agrotechnologies Monocultural Pure Varietal/ genus Productive intercropping Simple mixes Strip cropping(seasonal) Barrier or boundary Complex agroecosystems (without trees) Productive agroforestry Isolated tree Alley cropping (treerow) Strip cropping(mixed tree) Agroforestry intercropping Shade systems (light) Agroforests
• Chapter 5 - Biodiversity Applications Underlying biodynamics Yields Cost reductions Substitutable inputs DPCs Cut-and-carry Risk abatement Rain impact Climate Insects and diseases Relevant guidelines Economic measures CER LER and RVT-adjusted CER Illustrated Adjusted CER curves Economic orientation ratio Design variables Specific interaction zones Spatial Patterns Timing Pruning Associated agrotechnologies Perceived monocultures Facilitative intercropping Simple mixes Strip cropping Boundary Covercrops Facilitative agroforestry Parkland Protective barrier Alley cropping (hedgerow) Strip cropping (woody) Crop over tree Physical support systems Shade systems (heavy)
• Chapter 6 ? Rotations Applications Underlying biodynamics Yield gains Temporal DPCs Fallows Cost reductions Risk abatement Climate Insects and diseases Relevant guidelines Economic measures Sustainability Ordering Design variables Delayed sowing Planting Associated agrotechnolgies Single rotations Series rotations Overlapping cycles Taungyas Simple Extended Multi-stage End stage Continual
• Chapter 7 ? Genetic, Varietal and Locational Applications Underlying Biodynamics Varietal selection Locational selection Relevant guidelines Economic measures Design Variables Micro-location Macro-location Associated agrotechnologies Elevation Scattering
• Chapter 8 ? Land Modifications Applications Underlying Biodynamics Water dynamics Runoff Drought Flooding Temperatures Relevant guidelines Economic measures Design variables Associated agrotechnologies Absorption zones/ micro-catchments Infiltration contours Terraces Stone Earthen Progressive Paddies Ponds Gabons Waterbreaks Cajetes Water channels Mounds and beds Stone clusters
• Chapter 9 - Cross-Plot Influences Applications Underlying biodynamics Yield gains Agroecosystem properties Interface and spillover theory Cost control Relevant guidelines Economic measures Design variables Interfaces Buffer species Associated agrotechnologies Windbreaks Anti-insect barriers Habitats/ corridors Riparian buffers Firebreaks Living fences
• Chapter 10 ? Ex-farm Inputs Applications Underlying biodynamics Yield gains Cost reductions Weed control Risk abatement Climate Insects and diseases Economic measures Marginal Gains Substitutions Truant inputs Design variables Nutrients Spot applications (row placement) Timing Insects Irrigation Flood Spray Drip Associated agrotechnologies
• Chapter 11 - Microbial and Environmental Setting Applications Underlying biodynamics Yield gains Cost reductions Risk abatement Water dynamics Insects and plant diseases Temperatures Relevant guidelines Economic measures Design variables Associated agrotechnologies Composting Tillage Traps Bird and bats
• Chapter 12 - Single-Plot Design DAPs Task ordering or layering Essential nutrients Water Insects Weeds Temperatures Erosion Multi-tasking Design economics Principal-mode agrotechnologies Ratios Guidelines Add-ons Cross-harmony Economic orientation Input efficiency Post-design screening Cultural Environment Profit and loss
• Chapter 13 - Multi-Plot Analysis Inter-plot coordination Revenue and cost orientation Pitfalls Economic measures LLER LEOR Risk Environmental objectives Indices Mimicry Aesthetic objectives Cultural agroecology Farm landscape patterns Blocks Strips Groups Pivot Circular Scattered
• Chapter 14 - Agrotechnological Expansions Feed systems Silvopastoral Pastures Pastures with trees Forage trees with pasture Forage trees alone Aqua-agriculture Entomo-agriculture Avian-agriculture Semi-husbandry Support systems Seasonal support Perennial support Vine over tree Tree over vine Vine within a canopy Supplementary vine additions Root support systems Riparian Buffers Complex agroecosystems Natural compatibility Variations Homegardens Shrub gardens Forest gardens Management Economics Case studies The green revolution Medieval agriculture Hillside maize A vector search
• Chapter 15 - Analytical Refinements LER variations Row-based Temporal Event-enumerated Continuums The PPC Essential resource economics Resource hypotheses The counter view Spatial patterns Spatial theory Disarray Patterned disarray Temporal economics Multi-participant agroecosystems Intuitive and intangible Diagnosis Bioeconomic modeling
• Chapter 16 ? Summary The paradigm Vectors The agrotechnologies Outcomes vs. agrotechnologies Policy Agroecological economics Conclusion Author Index References.
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Agroecology is the science of applying ecological concepts and principles to the design, development, and management of sustainable agricultural systems. Agroecological economics, a subsection of agricultural economics, evaluates the ecological consequences of agricultural methods on the economic scale. Agroecological economics considers green engineering as a means of measurement. As the environmental movement unfolds, the importance of biodiversity and long-term sustainability are indisputable. Progress depends on determining the economic viability of terrestrial agroecosystems. What is lacking is the analysis needed to bring biodiverse and sustainable systems to fruition. Agroecological Economics analyzes the current topics that must be addressed in order to provide sustainable agricultural systems. It explains the economics of land-use ecology with emphasis on changing over from a conventional model of agriculture to environmentally- and ecologically-friendly models and the financial incentives that are important to these practices.
(source: Nielsen Book Data)