Agroecological Perspectives in Agronomy, Forestry, and Agroforestry
Paul A. Wojtkowski
ISBN 978-1-57808-217-9; 2002; 370 Pages, pb; US $ 53.80      Buy Now


Most of the current productive potential is centered on monocultural systems and, with these, comes some associated environmental problems. Given that the infrastructure and in-field knowledge base is fixed, the obvious direction toward increased productivity is through chemical applications and genetic modifications. Although not a complete substitute, agroecology offers alternatives. An example is insect control through natural means where some of the alternatives have been studied, some have not. Agroecology offers alternatives that are difficult to achieve with a traditional approach. A polyculture in agriculture or forestry can provide increased per area outputs, lower associated costs, and/or reduce climatic and market risk. The added complexity and the advantages inherent in a biodiverse plot or landscape may be better approached using agroecological principles. This book offers a detailed, in-depth, and advanced look at concepts, principles, and practices that underlie agroecology. It provides an inclusive approach that encompasses agronomy, forestry, and agroforestry.

Contents:
. Introduction
. Competitive Production
. Facilitation and Exclusion
. Interface Complementarity
. Spatial Theory
. Insect, Pathogen, Weed and Wildlife Management
. Soil Sustainability
. Sustainability Concepts
. Plant-use Concepts
. Tree Management Options
. Economic Factors
. Design Theory
. Agrotechnologies
. Diagnosis and Design
. Design Optimization
. Agronomic Technologies
. Forestry Technologies
. Principal-Mode Agroforestry Systems
. Dissimilar Agrotechnologies
. Water Management Systems
. Specialized Applications
. Complex Ordered Agroecosystems
. Complex Disarrayed Agroecosystems
. Research Topics
. The Adoption Process
. Basic Landscape Factors
. Landscape Design
. Perspectives