Introductory Agroecology

Catalog description

This course focuses on the fundamental ecological principles of population, community, and ecosystem ecology applicable to agroecosystems. Students will be taught about the history and consequences of modern industrial agricultural systems and the urgent need for more sustainable management practices. By the end of this course, students will be able to demonstrate how integrating the fields of ecology with agricultural sciences provides opportunities to develop and implement innovative strategies for sustainable agriculture. These include managing soil health and fertility, pathogen suppression and pest control, reduction of external inputs of chemicals in agroecosystems, and strategies for decreasing the negative effects of agricultural practices on the environment.