New Paradigms in Agroecology

Agroecology is the discipline that studies the ecological processes applied to agricultural production systems. It focuses on the study of a variety of agroecosystems and presents a specific manner of their observation. Agroecology is an interdisciplinary field that includes and uses natural science to understand the components of an agroecosystem such as soil properties, plant-insect interactions. It also uses social science to understand the effects of farming practices on rural communities. It does not entirely oppose the use of technology in agriculture but it evaluates how technology can be used in conjunction with social, human and natural assets. It studies and answers the questions concerning the four properties of agroecosystems such as productivity, sustainability, stability and equitability. It treats all of them as interconnected as well as necessary for a successful agroecosystem. This book explores all the important aspects of agroecology in the present day scenario. Its objective is to give a general view of the different areas of this field. It attempts to assist those with a goal of delving into the field of agroecology.