Natural and seminatural habitat remnants play a crucial ecological role in intensified agroecosystems. Assumptions on the conservation value of small poorly connected fragments hostile matrix come from generalization obtained limited number taxa, mostly plants, vertebrates. To date, few studies have analyzed effect fragmentation ant communities Mediterranean agroecosystems, despite importance t...

A s the title implies, this book offers an ecological viewpoint of agriculture. The reader will come away with an understanding of the basic ecological processes and principles that govern the structure and function of agroecosystems, and— more importantly—an awareness of how these principles can be applied to solve the environmental and sustainability crisis of modern agriculture. Guided by hi...

Required Readings: Raich, J.W. and G. Mora. 2005. Estimating root plus rhizosphere contributions to soil respiration in annual croplands. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 69:634–639. Cheng, W., D.W. Johnson and S. Fu. 2003. Rhizosphere effects on decomposition: Controls of plant species, phenology, and fertilization. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 67:1418–1427. Collins, H.P., R.L. Blevins, L.G. Bundy, D.R. Christe...

--Agroforestry is the deliberate introduction of multipurpose woody perennials (MWPs) into agroecosystems for the purpose of enhancing agricultural productivity, natural resource conservation, and human environments. This introduction promotes the biodiversity within the agroecosystem and thus its sustainability. This biodiversity is only a fraction of its potential due to the limited number an...

The growing needs for agricultural expansion and intensification will likely continue to reduce fragment the terrestrial habitats fundamental mammalian carnivores. Recent research identified benefits of agroecosystems carnivores recognizing their multifunctionality, mostly common species. However, variability carnivore ecology investigated in agroecosystems, biases agriculture types species tar...

Agroecosystems are comprised of environmental compartments where associated microbial communities interact with one another. These communities, called microbiomes, inhabit livestock, insects, and plants. Microbiomes also present in the soil watersheds. Clarifying nature extent interactions between both at intra-farm global scales can promote sustainable production systems, healthier animals, in...