Multi-Scale Integrated Analysis of AgroecosystemsCRC Press, 24 nov 2003 - 472 pagina's 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. |
Inhoudsopgave
The Crash of Reductionism against the Complexity of Reality | 8 |
The Epistemological Predicament Entailed by Complexity | 15 |
Complex Systems Thinking New Concepts and Narratives | 43 |
The New Terms of Reference for Science for Governance Postnormal Science | 71 |
Integrated Assessment of Agroecosystems and Multi Criteria Analysis Basic Definitions and Challenges | 93 |
Complex Systems Thinking Daring to Violate Basic Taboos of Reductionism | 127 |
Forget about the Occam Razor Looking for MultiScale Mosaic Effects | 129 |
Impredicative Loop Analysis Dealing with the Representation of ChickenEgg Processes | 171 |
Sustainability Requires the Ability to Generate Useful Narratives Capable of Surfing Complex Time | 231 |
Complex Systems Thinking in Action MultiScale Integrated Analysis of Agroecosystems | 277 |
MultiScale Integrated Analysis of Agroecosystems Bridging Disciplinary Gaps and Hierarchical Levels | 283 |
MultiScale Integrated Analysis of Agroecosystems Technological Changes and Ecological Compatibility | 325 |
MultiScale Integrated Analysis of Farming Systems Benchmarking and Tailoring Representations across Levels | 369 |
Overige edities - Alles bekijken
Veelvoorkomende woorden en zinsdelen
added value adopted agroecology agroecosystems associative context autocatalytic loop bioeconomic biomass biophysical capita changes Chapter characteristics characterize choice complex concept congruence considered constraints consumption crops dealing defined definition developing countries discussed dissipative systems ecological economic ecosystems endosomatic energy forms entropy environment environmental epistemological equivalence class essence example existence exosomatic energy extensive variable farmers farming system flows food energy formal identity fossil energy Giampietro given in Figure goal hectare holarchy holons household human activity implies indicators individual information space input integrated assessment interaction kilograms labor land mapping mechanism models mosaic effect multi-criteria multi-scale integrated analysis observer obtained operating perceive and represent perception and representation performance population possible precautionary principle problem structuring qualities referring relation relevant scale scientific scientists sector selection semantic social societal metabolism society socioeconomic system space-time stability sustainability terrestrial ecosystems throughput types typologies validity values taken various
Verwijzingen naar dit boek
Agroecology: The Ecology of Sustainable Food Systems Stephen R. Gliessman Gedeeltelijke weergave - 2007 |