Agroecology
- 1. AGRO-ECOLOGY and AGRO-ECOSYSTEM Dr. S. S. Jena ASCO, Balangir
- 2. Photo by Luz Adriana Villa A. - Creative Commons Attribution License https://www.flickr.com/photos/11599314@N00 Created with Haiku Deck
- 10. An approach to increased productivity and sustainability. Agroecology as a discipline emerged in the 1960’s, focusing on the study of crops and the environment interaction. It led to a greater understanding of the impact of; Agriculture on its environment Ecological zones and the agroecosystem on productivity and agriculture practices
- 11. Definition The integrative study of the ecology of the entire food system, encompassing ecological, social and environmental dimensions. OR Agroecology is the study of the interactions between plants, animals, humans and the environment within agricultural systems.
- 12. Agroecology… Due to climate change, there is need for ‘climate smart’ agriculture practices. This would require; An understanding of the interaction between crops and their environment Detailed information on other dimensions, such as soils, weather pattern, and water availability Agroecology ensures agricultural productivity and conserve natural resources. It is closely related to the concept sustainable Agril and is a climate smart agriculture practice.
- 13. The concept of agroecology
- 15. Principles of agroecology Recycling nutrients and energy on the farm, rather than introducing external inputs; Integrating crops and livestock; diversifying species and genetic resources in agro ecosystems over time and space; and Focusing on interactions and productivity across the agricultural system, rather than focusing on individual species.
- 16. Principles…
- 17. • Optimizes the use of locally available resources by combining the components of the farm system i.e. plants, animals, soil, water, climate and people, • Reduces the use of off-farm, external and non-renewable inputs and ensures sustainability. • Rely mainly on resources within the agroecosystem by replacing external inputs with nutrient cycling, better conservation, and an expanded use of local resources; The roles of agroecology in productivity and sustainability
- 18. • Improves the match between cropping patterns and environmental constraints of climate and landscape to ensure long-term sustainability of current production levels; • Values and conserves biological diversity, both in the wild and in domesticated landscapes, and makes optimal use of the biological and genetic potential of plant and animal species • takes full advantage of local knowledge and practices, including innovative approaches not yet fully understood by scientists although widely adopted by farmers. The roles of agroecology in productivity and sustainability
- 19. The sustainable practices include… Crop rotation Polycultures Agroforestry systems Cover crops Animal integration Urban and peri-urban agriculture Water use and conservation Biodiversity and agro-biodiversity
- 20. Agroecological strategies Animal integration Green manures Organic amendments Rotations Polycultures
- 22. • This model shows an integrated barn with spatial and temporal design of crops, pasture, serials and trees. The pasture constitutes the changing phase of the rotation as grazing animals deposit manure improving soil fertility for the annual crops that use the nutrients thus representing the extracting phase of the rotation
- 24. Strip intercropping of corn with soybean
- 25. Rotational-intercropping design to reduce soil- nitrate losses
- 28. System in which crop, animals, fish and forest are integrated
- 29. Introduction of flowering plants as strips within crops or as field borders are effective ways to enhance the availability of pollen and nectar necessary for optimal reproduction.
- 30. "… organic agriculture can be more conducive to food security than most conventional systems, and .. it is more likely to be sustainable in the long term." (UNEP-UNCTAD, 2008). Organic Agriculture is a ”good option for food security”
- 31. Compost application for organic farming
- 32. Application of botanical insecticides to control insect pests
- 33. • Mulching and recycling organic residues • improve soil structure and quality • Water conservation and water use efficiency • Adoption of diversified cropping systems, indigenous foods, GMO’s high in nutrients • Agro-forestry and mixed farming • No-till agriculture • On-farm experimentation and adaptation • Use of micronutrient rich fertilisers, nano-enhanced, Zeolites • Inoculating soils for improved Biological Nitrogen Fixation • Microbial processes to increase P-uptake Solutions for soil and food quality improvements With adoption of proven management options, global soil resources are adequate to meet food and nutritional needs of the present and future population R. Lal, 2009; Okalebo et al., 2006
- 34. OA is good for biodiversity and biodiversity is good for OA Organic farmers use more Agro-ecological methods: • Mixed crop rotations, intercropping, … • Grasslands and green manure, • Habitats and non-farmed areas • Non-chemical pest management Promoting functional diversity means enhancing and benefitting from Ecological service functions: •Pollination •Pest and disease prevention •Biodiversity preservation, •Soil quality •Resilience •In situ conservation of genes
- 35. • Competitive productivity in low input • Improved farm economy (less costly inputs and premium prices in certified OA) • Improved food security (availability, access, stability, utilization) • Improved soil health (fertility, stability, water-holding capacity) • Improved biodiversity and landscape preservation • Reduced risk of pesticide toxication and residues in food • Reduced nutrient lossess from intensive systems • Climate change adaptation and mitigation Organic Agriculture contributes to eco-functional intensification Potentials of OA: Innovation, adaptation of agro-ecological methods is needed to obtain the full potential of OA
- 36. Common features of agroecology practices Maintain vegetative cover as an effective soil and water conserving measure, met through the use of no-till practices, mulch farming, and use of cover crops and other appropriate methods. Provide a regular supply of organic matter through the addition of organic matter (manure, compost, and promotion of soil biotic activity). Enhance nutrient recycling mechanisms through the use of livestock systems based on legumes, etc. Promote pest regulation through enhanced activity of biological control agents achieved by introducing and/or conserving natural enemies and antagonists.
- 37. Key impacts • Increased production and crop diversification • Livelihood security • Food Sovereignty
- 38. Conclusion • Agroecology provides guidelines to develop diversified agroecosystems that take advantage of the effects of the integration of plant and animal biodiversity. • The end result of agroecological design is improved economic and ecological sustainability of the agroecosystem hence increased productivity.
- 40. ….Thank You