Integrating Agroecological Processes into Cropping Systems Research

Abstract

Summary Agroecology is defined as the application of ecological concepts and principles to the design and management of sustainable agroecosystems. By viewing cropping systems as agroecosystems, an understanding of the value of the emergent qualities of systems can become a guiding element in research design. A framework for applying this approach in cropping systems research in proposed. A protocol for researching the conversion to sustainable agriculture involves three levels of investigation. The first focuses on improving the efficiency of conventional farming inputs and practices in ways that reduce both their amounts and the environmental impacts of their use. The second focuses on substituting conventional inputs and practices with alternatives that meet broader environmental standards, such as certified organic. Since the problems addressed at these two levels continue to present themselves, a third level is proposed whereby the agroecosystem is redesigned so as to operate on the basis of a new set of ecological processes. At this third level, the emergent qualities of the system itself help prevent problems. Such an approach promotes the conversion to sustainability.