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From agriculture based on fossil fuel resources to agriculture based on biological interactions and matter cycling in agroecosystems
Author(s) -
Shiyomi Masae
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
grassland science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.388
H-Index - 19
eISSN - 1744-697X
pISSN - 1744-6961
DOI - 10.1111/j.1744-697x.2005.00002.x
Subject(s) - agroecosystem , agrochemical , agriculture , fossil fuel , cycling , environmental science , ecosystem , natural resource economics , ecology , agroforestry , biology , geography , economics , archaeology
The modern system of agriculture, which depends on the consumption of large quantities of fossil fuel, will be forced to change to a system in which matter cycling and the various interactions operating among organisms and between organisms and their environment are effectively used. Three key factors will necessitate this change: the depletion of readily available fossil fuel resources; the leveling‐off of the growth and yield response of crops in response to the increase in the use of fertilizers, agrochemicals and big machinery; and the degradation of the environment associated with the consumption of fossil fuels and derived agrochemicals. Therefore, it is essential to further promote the following two types of study: (i) the elucidation of the structure and use of complex biological interactions, and the cause‐and‐effect relationships among and between organisms in relation to their environment; and (ii) the effective use of matter cycling in agricultural ecosystems. Efficient use of biological interactions and matter cycling will reduce the dependence of agriculture on fossil fuel.