Basic Knowledge in Agriculture #53
What is Agricultural Ecology.
Agricultural ecology or agroecology is the science of interaction of agriculture between crops, animals, humans and the environment. It relates to the application of ecological concepts on the activities in agriculture aiming at coming up with sustainable and productive coupled with environmentally friendly systems. Instead of applying much chemicals and equipment, ecological farming promotes natural processes, such as soil and biodiversity and recycling of nutrients.
The other methods used by agroecologists include crop rotation, organic composting, inter-crop and integrated pest management. The thought process is to bring about a balance between production and environmental issues- making food production in a manner that does not affect the well-being of the land, water and the ecosystems surrounding it. In general, agricultural ecology will contribute to improving food security in the long-term, reducing the negative impact on the environment, and supporting the population to live in conditions of climate change through using nature-based methods of farming.
Discuss Two substantial Agri-Ecological Components.
Agricultural ecology is based on two major pillars that include biotic and abiotic. All the living organisms that are engaged are in the interaction of the farming system are termed in the biotic components and they include plants, animals, microorganisms and human beings. These biotic components work in providing a balance to the nutrient cycling, pollination, control and fertility of the soil. On the other hand, the abiotic components consist of the non-living elements and this includes the sunlight, water, soil, temperature, and air.
These are physical and chemical parameters affecting the growth of crops and the survival of organisms in the ecosystem significantly. There is the relationship between the components biotic and abiotic, which in their turn predetermine the sustainability and productivity of agricultural systems. The awareness of the two components will empower the farmers to balance on the environment in a manner that will boost crop production and incorporate environmentally friendly farming systems which will play a significant role in ensuring sustainability of the agriculture development in the long run.
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