FSE-31806 Agroecology

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

Basic agronomy and crop ecology.

Contents:

Agroecology is the scientific discipline that supports the design of sustainable agroecosystems. Agroecology encompasses both ecological and social dimensions, and considers their interaction across scales. The ultimate goal of this course is to train a new generation of agricultural ecologists able integrate disciplines to inform the design and implementation of agroecological innovations at the scales of field to landscape, and as part of sustainable food systems. The course will offer the scientific knowledge bases to achieve that through six complementary modules: (1) Properties, analysis and design of agroecosystems; (2) Structure and diversity in/of agroecosystems; (3) Social dimension of agroecology; (4) Flows and cycles in agroecosystems; (5) Agroecology and the landscape; (6) Agroecology, food and nutritional security. The course is built following systems thinking and theory, so that the role of human agency is seen as operating through the design of structures (abiotic, biotic, social diversity and their organisation) to achieve desirable functions (resource capture, productivity, recycling, ecological regulation, nutrition, governance). Grades are assigned on the combined marking of an individual exam, results of computer practical's and collective marking of a group research project (presentation and report).

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- understand the diversity of agroecological systems in terms of scales, dimensions, diversity and value systems;
- evaluate (quali- & quantitatively) the diversity in structure and function of agroecosystems;
- analyse stakeholder roles and relevance in agroecological innovation;
- evaluate dynamics & complexity of agro-ecological interactions;
- integrate & synthesise knowledge to inform the design of sustainable food systems.

Activities:

- The lectures will be based on both theory and practice, notably through the use of models, problem solving, role play and learning games. - Example case study agroecosystems will be analysed to learn the basic principles of the methods that are deployed in the field at Droevendaal experimental farm.

Examination:

- grades are Assigned on:
- the combined marking of an individual exam (50%);
- results of computer practical's (30%);
- and collective marking of a group research project (presentation and report) (20%).

Literature:

DoréT, Makowski D, Malézieux E, Munier-Jolain N, Tchamitchian M, Tittonell P: Facing up to the Paradigm of Ecological intensification in Agronomy: Revisiting Methods, Concepts and Knowledge. European Journal of Agronomy 2011, 34:197-210.
Bommarco R, Kleijn D, Potts SG: 2013. Ecological intensification: Harnessing Ecosystem Services for Food Security. Trends Ecol Evol 2013, 28:230-238.
Altieri MA: Agroecology: The Science of Natural Resource Management for Poor Farmers in Marginal Environments. Agriculture Ecosystems and Environment 2002, 93, 1-24.
Bianchi FJJA, Booij CJH, Tscharntke T: Sustainable Pest Regulation in Agricultural Landscapes: a Rreview on Landscape Composition, Biodiversity and Natural Pest Control. Proc R Soc B 2006, 273:1715-1727.
Barrios E: Soil Biota, Ecosystem Services and Land Productivity. Ecol Econ 2007, 64:269-285.
Tscharntke T, Klein AM, Kruess A, Steffan-Dewenter I, Thies C: Landscape Perspectives on Agricultural Intensification and Biodiversity: Ecosystem Service Management. Ecol Lett 2005, 8:857-874.
Kremen C, Miles A: Ecosystem Services in Biologically Diversified Versus Conventional Farming Systems: Benefits, Externalities, and Trade-Offs. Ecology and Society 2012, 17, 40.
Altieri MA, Funes-Monzote FR, Petersen P: Agroecologically Efficient Agricultural Systems for Smallholder Farmers: Contributions to Food sovereignty. Agronomy for Sustainable Development 2012, 32, 1-13.
Gliessman SR: Agroecology: Ecological Processes in Sustainable Agriculture (2nd ed). Lewis Publisher, Boca Raton, New York; 2007.
Wezel A, Bellon S, Doré T, Francis C, Vallod D, David C: Agroecology as a Science, a Movement and a Practice. A review. Agronomy for Sustainable Development 2009, 29:503-515.
Tomich TP, Brodt S, Ferris H, Galt R, Horwath WR, Kebreab E, Leveau JHJ, Liptzin D, Lubell M, Merel P et al.: Agroecology: A Review Fom a Global-Change Perspective. Annual Review of Environment and Resources 2011, 36:193-222.
Tittonell P: Farming Systems Analysis. Concepts, Methods and Applications. Springer, The Netherlands, forthcoming: June 2014.
Speelman, EN, García-Barrios, LE,Groot, JCJ, Tittonell, P.A. 2013. Gaming for Smallholder Participation in the Design of More sustainable Agricultural landscapes. Agric. Systems.
Scholberg, J.M.S. Dogliotti S, Leoni C, Zotarelli L, Cherr CM, Rossing WAH. 2010. Cover Crops for Sustainable Agrosystems in the Americas. Chapter 2. E. Lichtfouse (ed.) Genetic Engineering, Biofertilisation, Soil Quality and Organic farming, Sustainable Agriculture Reviews no. 4, Springer, New York, 390 p.
Scholberg, JMS. Dogliotti S, Zotarelli L, Cherr CM, Leoni C, Rossing WAH. 2010. Cover Crops Use in Agrosystems: Innovations and Applications. Chapter 3. E. Lichtfouse (ed.) Genetic Engineering, Biofertilisation, Soil Quality and Organic farming, Sustainable Agriculture Reviews no. 4, Springer, New York, 390 p.
Groot JCJ, Oomen GJM, Rossing WAH, 2012. Multi-Objective Optimization and Design of Farming Systems. Agric Syst 110 63-77.