Using an Agroecological Approach to Farming Systems Research

• DOI: 10.21273/horttech.12.3.345
• Publication Date: 2018-12-14T15:31:40Z
• Authors: K. Delate
• Keywords: Agroecology; Agroecosystem; Crop Rotation

Sales of organic products reached $8 billion in the U.S. 2000, continuing nearly decade-long trend 20% annual growth. In Iowa alone, production for all crops was 5265 ha (13,000 acres) 1995 but 60,750 (150,000 1999. Despite growth agriculture, our knowledge farming systems remains limited. We have adopted a theory approach current research program at State University (ISU) to help address this gap understanding. Systems holds that biological systems, such as agroecosystems, consist integrated units people, plants, animals, soil, insects and microorganisms, each subsystem provides feedback other. order obtain input on questions experimental design, Leopold Center Sustainable Agriculture ISU held six focus groups across 1998 before long-term site establishment. Producers agricultural professionals supported need agroecological (LTAR) sites four distinct zones Iowa. The goal LTAR is examine short- physical, biological, socioeconomic effects conventional systems. By establishing experiments, we are testing hypothesis longer crop rotations, typical farms, provide yield stability, improve plant protection, enhance soil health economic benefits compared with shorter rotations greater off-farm inputs. Examples results from two experiments include similar pepper ( Capsicum annuum ) soybean Glycine max yields Organic used mechanical weed control locally produced compost place synthetic fertilizers. Feedback local farm associations responsible stewardship finances inherent process.