Field and Laboratory Investigations in Agroecology

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Handbook / ManualOut of Print

By: Stephen R Gliessman

301 pages, Figs, tabs

CRC Press

About this book

From the basic to the complex, Field and Laboratory Investigation in Agroecology investigates a broad scope of issues. It offers step-by-step guidance for laboratory and field investigations. The investigations are well structured, with an eye towards preparation. Every chapter includes relevant background, concise objectives, a weekly procedure timeline, equipment/materials checklist, and more. Each step is outlined, eliminating the possibility of error and focusing the investigation towards success. Topics for inquiry range from the simple measurement of soil temperature and moisture, to studies of allelopathic potential and Rhizobium nodulation.

STUDIES OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORSEffect of Microclimate on Seed GerminationLight Transmission and the Vegetative CanopySoil TemperatureSoil Moisture ContentSoil Properties AnalysisCanopy Litterfall AnalysisMulch System ComparisonRoot System Response to Soil TypeSTUDIES OF POPULATION DYNAMICS IN CROP SYSTEMSIntraspecific Interactions in a Crop PopulationManagement History and the Weed SeedbankComparison of Arthropod PopulationsCensus of Soil-Surface FaunaSTUDIES OF INTERSPECIFIC INTERACTIONS IN CROPPING COMMUNITIESBioassay for Allelopathic PotentialRhizobium Nodulation in LegumesEffects of Agroecosystem Diversity on Herbivore ActivityHerbivore Feeding PreferencesEffects of a Weedy Border on Insect PopulationsSTUDIES OF FARM AND FIELD SYSTEMSMapping Agroecosystem BiodiversityOveryielding in an Intercrop SystemGrazing Intensity and Net Primary ProductivityEffects of Trees in an AgroecosystemFOOD SYSTEM STUDIESOn-Farm Energy UseFarmer InterviewLocal Food Market AnalysisINSTRUCTOR'S APPENDICESAppendix A: Planning the Field and Laboratory CourseGENERAL APPENDICESAppendix B: Measurement EquivalentsAppendix C: Equipment and Materials Suppliers