Multi-Scale Integrated Analysis of Agroecosystems: 10 (Advances in Agroecology) - Hardcover

Giampietro, Mario

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0849310679 ISBN 13: 9780849310676

Publisher: CRC Press, 2003

Synopsis

Ecologists, agronomists, and others who may question the validity of current models for determining sustainable growth of agroecosystems, need a new set of analytical tools that more effectively address the complex nature of related processes. Those who challenge traditional assumptions of optimization and static factors in agricultural modeling demand new methods beyond differential equations and traditional statistical tests. Multi-Scale Integrated Analysis of Agroecosystems explores alternative ways to study agricultural sustainability, presenting new approaches to organizing data and applying complex systems theory to actual cases. This innovative text recognizes the changing dynamics of the multiple processes and cross-relations within an environment, proposing a clearer analysis of agroecosystems than that which can be provided by rigid, reductionist methods. Main concepts, new vocabulary and narratives, and practical examples open the book, followed by technical chapters that provide a more detailed explanation of concepts. The final section of the book presents a tool kit based on these concepts, resulting in strong support of empirical observations that challenge traditional notions regarding the sustainability of farming systems, food systems, and agroecosystems.

About this title

About the Author

Giampietro, Mario

Edition details

• Publisher: CRC Press
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0849310679
• ISBN 13: 9780849310676
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 470