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Sustainable Agriculture,
Agricultural Ecology, and Cover Crops |
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Components
of Soil Ecosystem |
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The concept
of sustainable agriculture is
extensively promoted as an alternative to today's mainstream conventional
agriculture to better maintain environmental health, economic profitability, and
social and economic equity, but these goals are difficult to achieve in the
short-run. Understanding the agroecosystem (through the study of Agricultural Ecology) and the function
of alternative agricultural systems is essential in making a smooth
transition towards sustainable agriculture. We emphasize soil ecosystem
health and management of soilborne pests and pathogens, particularly
plant-parasitic nematodes and fungi, by integrating non-chemical practices to
manage pests, reduce impact on beneficial organisms, and improve
environmental quality. These management strategies are linked to other
sustainable management practices including crop management practices that
improve soil and crop fertility, use of cover
crops, organic amendments, conservation tillage, and other practices
applicable to designing sustainable cropping systems. |
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This
project is supported by IFAS and CSREES
Disclaimer:
Material presented
is for informational purposes only. No endorsements or registrations implied
herein. For recommendations
about pest control and crop management, contact the Florida Cooperation Extension Service.
Remember that biological components vary from site to site, and season to
season, so potential management methods should be tested on site before they
are used extensively.
This
website is maintained by Drs. R. McSorley and K.-H. Wang, Dept. Entomology
and Nematology, University of Florida. Materials are last updated on January
22, 2002 (check for future updates).
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For IFAS-related questions or information,
please contact IFAS External Relations. |
