Multi-Scale Integrated Analysis of Agroecosystems PDF Download

Author: Mario Giampietro
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 0203503600
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 471

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Book Description
Ecologists, agronomists, and others who may question the validity of current models for determining sustainable growth of agroecosystems, need a new set of analytical tools that more effectively address the complex nature of related processes. Those who challenge traditional assumptions of optimization and static factors in agricultural modeling de

Author: Mario Giampietro
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1135515700
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 474

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Book Description
Ecologists, agronomists, and others who may question the validity of current models for determining sustainable growth of agroecosystems, need a new set of analytical tools that more effectively address the complex nature of related processes. Those who challenge traditional assumptions of optimization and static factors in agricultural modeling de

Author: Frano Barbir
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1402084943
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 369

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Book Description
Energy and environmental security are major problems facing our global economy. Fossil fuels, particularly crude oil, are confined to a few regions of the world and the continuity of supply is governed by dynamic political, economic and ecological factors. These factors conspire to force volatile, often high fuel prices while, at the same time, environmental policy is - manding a reduction in greenhouse gases and toxic emissions. Yet incr- sed growth and demand for welfare by developed and developing countries are placing higher pressure on energy resources. In particular, a large fraction of “new consumers” in developing countries already reached a purchasing power high enough as to be able to access to commodity and energy markets worldwide, thus boosting energy consumption and competition for all kinds of resources. Such a trend, although in principle may represent a progress towards diffuse welfare and wealth as well as much needed equity, is at present contributing to a rush for the appropriation of available resources which are directly and indirectly linked to energy and may contribute to planetary instability if it is not adequately understood and managed. A coherent energy strategy is required, addressing both energy supply and demand, security of access, development problems, equity, market dy- mics, by also taking into account the whole energy lifecycle including fuel production, transmission and distribution, energy conversion, and the impact on energy equipment manufacturers and the end-users of energy systems.

Author: Thomas Gitau
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 9781420072785
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 256

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Book Description
Exploring the implementation of participatory, multistakeholder, and transdisciplinary ecosystem health research, Integrated Assessment of Health and Sustainability of Agroecosystems combines the latest theories in complexity and management with practical tools and approaches for sustainable rural development research. Although the text focuses on smallholder farming communities in the central highlands of Kenya, the material discussed can be—and has been—effectively applied to agroecosystems in many other parts of the world. After showing how the agroecosystem health framework was successfully adapted in a smallholder-dominated agroecosystem, the book integrates participatory methods, systems analyses, pulse process models, and soft systems methods in an open-ended, adaptive R&D process. It then looks at how to use correspondence analysis to refine a research-based suite of indicators and analyze data obtained using indicators. Incorporating the authors’ pioneering work in the ecosystem health field, this book demonstrates the potential of the agroecosystem health paradigm as a framework in the decision-making processes of agricultural communities in a tropical highlands area.

Author: Stephen R. Gliessman
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 9781420003598
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 380

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Book Description
With all of the environmental and social problems confronting our food systems today, it is apparent that none of the strategies we have relied on in the past―higher-yielding varieties, increased irrigation, inorganic fertilizers, pest damage reduction―can be counted on to come to the rescue. In fact, these solutions are now part of the problem. It is becoming quite clear that the only way to keep the food crisis from escalating is to promote the conversion processes that will move agriculture to sustainability. Under the editorial guidance of agroecology experts Martha Rosemeyer and the internationally renowned Dr. Stephen R. Gliessman, The Conversion to Sustainable Agriculture: Principles, Processes, and Practices establishes a framework for how this conversion can be accomplished and presents case studies from around the world that illustrate how the process is already underway. The book provides a four-stage transition process for achieving sustainability and an in-depth analysis of the global efforts to make farms more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. An international team of chapter contributors explores ways to lessen dependency on fossil fuels and pesticides, and examines each step in the conversion process. They also describe the process of monitoring change toward sustainable agriculture while integrating social and economic analysis within scientific practices. Serving as both a core textbook for students and a comprehensive reference for agricultural practitioners, this volume is a valuable resource for the change that is needed in our food system now and in the future.

Author: Patrick J. Bohlen
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1420052152
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 328

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Book Description
Emphasizes Centrality of the Ecosystem PerspectiveSustainable management of agroecosystems in the 21st century faces unprecedented challenges. Protecting the environment while feeding a burgeoning population that could reach nine billion by mid-century, preserving the world's biodiversity, and sustaining agriculture in an increasingly urban world i

Author: Comfort Y. Kudadjie
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Agriculture
Languages : en
Pages : 240

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Book Description

Author: E. M. A. Smaling
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
ISBN:
Category : Agricultural ecology
Languages : en
Pages : 344

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Book Description
Nutrient imbalances have a substantial impact on the productivity and sustainability of agroecosystems worldwide. Fertilizer and manure use, atmospheric deposition, international transportation of produce, solute and gas emissions and soil erosion have all contributed to deficits and surpluses, which in some areas have reached alarming proportions. This book describes and explores the latest concepts of the causes of nutrient imbalances, including the importance of different spatial scales, and examines ways to quantify and manage nutrient stocks, the increasing amount of legislation and the urgent need for the development of integrated nutrient management technologies. Nutrient Disequilibria in Agroecosystemsalso includes case studies, from fish farms in eastern Asia to nutrient flow monitoring in Kenyan tea/maize farms, the dairy sector in New Zealand and ecological farming in Switzerland, the future for global-level research in soil fertility management and nutrient flow analysis. This title should enhance research and the adoption of (inter)national policies on soil fertility maintenance with its global, multi-scale, multi-disciplinary approach.

Author: Jacques-Eric Bergez
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3030019535
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 335

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Book Description
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.

Author: Ole Wendroth
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0891183647
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 304

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Book Description
In the 8th book of Dr. Ahuja’s innovative “Advances in Agricultural Systems Modeling” series, authors give a look into the future of climatesmart agricultural systems, emphasizing the integration of soil, weather, vegetation and management information to predict relevant agro-ecosystem processes. Expansion of data availability, improvement of sensors, and computational power have opened opportunities in modeling and exploration of management impact. Authors give a background on model development and explain soil, plant, and climate processes and their interactions that encompass the wide range of applications of simulation models to address challenges in managing our resources and complex agricultural systems.