PLHRT 6730 - Ecology of Agricultural Systems

Fall. 4 credits. Student option grading.

Prerequisite: Familiarity with basic ecological science and some knowledge of agricultural production systems. Co-meets with PLHRT 4730. During first six weeks of class, Thursday meetings may run as late as 5:30 p.m. because of field trips.

L. Drinkwater.

Analysis of the ecological processes operating in agricultural systems, with an emphasis on understanding relationships between agroecosystem structure and function and interactions among organisms. Examines agroecological theory and research through readings and discussions. The first part of this course emphasizes understanding biogeochemical processes, population and community ecology with emphasis on plant-herbivore and plant-microbial interactions, and evolutionary processes in agroecosystems. The latter part focuses on the application of ecological knowledge to the design and management of multifunctional agroecosystems and comparative analysis of frameworks used to assess sustainability. Field trips to local farms and case studies from both the tropics and the temperate zone are used to illustrate important concepts.

Outcome 1: Apply ecological concepts to agricultural systems.

Outcome 2: Explain concepts of agroecology including population, community, evolutionary and ecosystem principles and processes as well as interactions across social and ecological systems.

Outcome 3: Describe history of agricultural intensification and the diverse approaches to meeting the challenge of achieving sustainability.

Outcome 4: Apply critical thinking skills to evaluate controversies and ongoing political debates over technological pathways and environmental policies targeting food production systems.

Outcome 5: Systematically analyze research papers, provide constructive feedback and lead round table discussions based on specific journal articles.

Outcome 6: Develop and practice teaching skills that engage students in active learning processes.

Outcome 7: Identify inconsistencies, develop hypotheses, and synthesize primary literature.