Agriculture and Ecology

This chapter discusses ecological intensification, which involves the use of ecological processes more intensively and in a sustainable manner. The aim is to use land, water, biodiversity, and nutrients ecologically efficiently and in ways that minimize negative environmental impacts. Such systems can conserve and utilize natural capital, thus improving the quality and quantity of food production. Conservation agriculture is one such integrated system of soil, water, and biological resource management, combined with carefully selected external inputs. This and similar systems can reduce GHG emissions from agriculture. Biodiversity is a key factor in maintaining stable, resilient agroecosystems. Included in conservation agriculture are various forms of intercropping that utilize the mutually beneficial ecological relationships arising when two or more crops are grown in association, either as mixtures or rotations. Organic farming also aims to mimic nature by making use of natural ecological processes and resources. The potential increase in yields and farmers' incomes sustainably is considerable in developing countries, especially in those areas faced with degraded soils, lack of capital, and low product prices. But care needs to be taken in determining where organic agriculture can contribute to sustainability and productivity and where it might have the reverse effect.