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• 1: Introduction
• 2: Agricultural environments
• 3: Biodiversity
• 4: Biotic interactions and ecosystem functioning
• 5: Soils
• 6: Water (hydrology)
• 7: The Biological Impacts of Globalization of Agriculture
• 8: Conservation and sustainable management of agroecosystems
• 9: Future perspectives.
• (source: Nielsen Book Data)

Since the advent of agriculture approximately 12,000 years ago, human activity has created a unique set of ecosystems. However, the recent development of world markets, rapid technological advances, and other changes to farming practices have led to hugely increased pressures on farm habitats and organisms. Global human populations are rising and diets are becoming ever more complicated, leading to unrelenting requirements for increased levels of food production. Natural biotopes are becoming increasingly fragmented as agricultural activities expand around them. "Agroecosystems" now occur from the tropics to subarctic environments and comprise systems as varied as annual crops, perennial grasslands, orchards, and agroforestry systems. They presently cover almost 40% of the terrestrial land surface and significantly shape landscapes at a global scale. This key addition to the OUP Biology of Habitats Series provides a novel perspective on agroecosystems, summarising our current understanding of the basic and applied aspects of these important and complex habitats, whilst focusing on environmental concerns in the context of global change. The Biology of Agroecosystemsis is for both senior undergraduate and graduate students taking courses in agroecology, farmland ecology, conservation, and agriculture as well as the many professional ecologists, conservation biologists, and land managers requiring a concise overview of agroecology.
(source: Nielsen Book Data)

• Foreword-- Dedieu Benoit
• Chapter 1: General introduction-- Jacques-Eric Bergez and Olivier Therond
• Chapter 2: TATA-BOX at a glance-- Jacques-Eric Bergez and Olivier Therond Part I: Territorial Agroecological Transition at a concept crossroads
• Chapter 3: Socio-economic characterisation of agriculture models-- Gael Plumecocq, Thomas Debril, Michel Duru, Marie-Benoit Magrini, Jean-Pierre Sarthou and Olivier Therond
• Chapter 4: An integrated approach to livestock farming systems' autonomy in designing and managing agroecological transition at the farm and territorial levels-- Marie-Angelina Magne, Guillaume Martin, Marc Moraine, Julie Ryschawy, Vincent Thenard, Pierre Triboulet and Jean-Philippe Choisis
• Chapter 5: Agroecological transition from farms to territorialised agri-food systems: issues and drivers-- Marie-Benoit Magrini, Guillaume Martin, Marie-Angelina Magne, Michel Duru, Nathalie Couix, Laurent Hazard and Gael Plumecocq
• Chapter 6: A plurality of viewpoints regarding the uncertainties of the agroecological transition-- Daniele Magda, Nathalie Girard, Valerie Angeon, Celia Cholez, Nathalie Raulet-Croset, Regis Sabbadin, Nicolas Salliou, Cecile Barnaud, Claude Monteil and Nathalie Peyrard
• Chapter 7: Towards an integrated framework for the governance of a territorialised agroecological transition-- Pierre Triboulet, Jean-Pierre Del Corso, Michel Duru, Danielle Galliano, Amelie Goncalves, Catherine Milou and Gael Plumecocq
• Chapter 8: The key role of actors in the agroecological transition of farmers: a case-study in the Tarn-Aveyron Basin-- Julie Ryschawy, Jean-Pierre Sarthou, Ariane Chabert and Olivier Therond Part II: Support methodology for territorial agroecological transition design, and feedback from the TATA-BOX project experience
• Chapter 9: Participatory methodology for designing an agroecological transition at local level-- Elise Audouin, Jacques-Eric Bergez and Olivier Therond
• Chapter 10: Towards a reflective approach to research project management-- Lorene Prost, Marie Chizallet, Marie Taverne and Flore Barcellini
• Chapter 11: Evaluation of the operationalisation of the TATA-BOX process-- Marie Taverne, Sarah Clement, Lorene Prost and Flore Barcellini Part III: New prospects and cross-cutting perspectives
• Chapter 12: Information and communication technology (ICT) and the agroecological transition-- Lola Leveau, Aurelien Benel, Jean-Pierre Cahier, Francois Pinet, Pascal Salembier, Vincent Soulignac and Jacques -Eric Bergez
• Chapter 13: TATA-BOX: A model for participatory processes?-- Sylvie Lardon
• Chapter 14: Review and Critique of the TATA-BOX Model-- Charles A. Francis and Geir Lieblein
• Chapter 15: Opening the TATA-BOX to raise new questions on agroecological transition-- Jean-Marc Touzard, Jean-Marc Barbier, Laure Hossard.
• (source: Nielsen Book Data)

This Open Access book presents feedback from the 'Territorial Agroecological Transition in Action'- TATA-BOX research project, which was devoted to these specific issues. The multidisciplinary and multi-organisation research team steered a four-year action-research process in two territories of France. It also presents: i) the key dimensions to be considered when dealing with agroecological transition: diversity of agriculture models, management of uncertainties, polycentric governance, autonomies, and role of actors' networks; ii) an operational and original participatory process and associated boundary tools to support local stakeholders in shifting from a shared diagnosis to a shared action plan for transition, and in so doing developing mutual understanding and involvement; iii) an analysis of the main effects of the methodology on research organisation and on stakeholders' development and application; iv) critical analysis and foresights on the main outcomes of TATA-BOX, provided by external researchers.
(source: Nielsen Book Data)

• 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.
• (source: Nielsen Book Data)

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.
• (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)

• 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)