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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. |
