Different management practices in six agroecosystems located near Goldsboro, NC, USA were conducted including a successional field (SU), a plantation woodlot (WO), an integrated cropping system with animals (IN), an o...Different management practices in six agroecosystems located near Goldsboro, NC, USA were conducted including a successional field (SU), a plantation woodlot (WO), an integrated cropping system with animals (IN), an organic farming system (OR), and two cash-grain cropping systems employing either tillage (CT) or no-tillage (NT) to examine if and how microbial biomass and activity differ in response to alterations in disturbance intensity from six land management strategies. Results showed that soil microbial biomass and activity differed, with microbial activity in intermediately disturbed ecosystems (NT, OR, IN) being significantly higher (P < 0.01) than systems with either high or low disturbance intensities. There was also a significant and a highly significant ecosystem effect from the treatments on microbial biomass C (MBC) (P < 0.05) and on microbial activity (respiration) (P < 0.01), respectively. Multiple comparisons of mean respiration rates distinctly separated the six ecosystem types into three groups: CT < NT, SU and WO < OR and IN.Thus, for detecting microbial response to disturbance changes these results indicated that the active component of the soil microbial community was a better indicator than total biomass.展开更多
The preservation of the traditional subsistence farming systems and the conservation of natural values (habitats, fauna and flora), in articulation with local development, was the key issues in this paper. The farme...The preservation of the traditional subsistence farming systems and the conservation of natural values (habitats, fauna and flora), in articulation with local development, was the key issues in this paper. The farmers have been able to manage the systems so as to cope with adverse conditions, but their future is quite uncertain. The methodology included: (1) field observation visits and cartographic information analysis of land use; (2) structured interviews with animal production and agro-forestry specialists; and (3) meetings with the participation of stakeholders. The paper concludes that depopulation is responsible for the increasing decline of agriculture and livestock. The decrease in agricultural activity in general and the consequent practices and traditional systems of agriculture causes changes in the landscape and has negative effects on nature conservation and biodiversity. Thus, we believe that the preservation and development of traditional economic activities linked to agriculture, agro-forestry and food processing are essential to maintain the typical landscape and to preserve natural values of Montemuro Site. The paper shows that in mountain areas, particularly those classified as nature network sites, farming, economic development and nature conservation are not antagonistic objectives.展开更多
Outgrower Schemes have been implemented in different parts of the world to provide wood to forest and other companies and as income alternatives for farmers in rural areas. They have been considered by some researcher...Outgrower Schemes have been implemented in different parts of the world to provide wood to forest and other companies and as income alternatives for farmers in rural areas. They have been considered by some researchers and practitioners as important advances in the area of planted forest and promoted by governments and forest companies in partnership with rural farmers and communities. Considering the importance of subsistence crops and forest products to smallholders and consumers and the economic viability of agroforestry, attention is given in this paper to Outgrower Schemes that combine tree planting with agroforestry, to contribute to food security and environment preservation in developing countries. The issue of Outgrower Schemes through integrated crops-tree systems was raised in a previous study of Outgrower Schemes in Brazil, commissioned by the FAO1. This paper examines, based on the research done for that study, the views and perspectives of the companies' personnel, the tree growers that participate in the programs studied, and other stakeholders' related institutions involved in such schemes with regard to the promotion of Outgrower Schemes through integrated crops-tree systems, linking them with agroforestry, which is a way those Outgrower Schemes can contribute to food security and environment preservation goals.展开更多
The widespread use of agrochemicals and its possible negative impacts on humans and the environment remains a highly topical and controversial issue. Of particular concern here are chemicals that can disturb an organ...The widespread use of agrochemicals and its possible negative impacts on humans and the environment remains a highly topical and controversial issue. Of particular concern here are chemicals that can disturb an organism's endocrine system. Referring to the precautionary principle, the objective of the research project start2 is to develop management strategies that help reduce possible risks for httmans and the environment of endocrine active agrochemicals. As an empirical basis we combined qualitative and quantitative methods and initiated two expert dialogues. Our findings underpin the well known fact that the use of agrochemicals is complex and dependent on more than the individual attitudes of farmers. Agricultural plant protection management is the collective product of a complex agricultural system, which encompasses treatment, marketing, industry and agricultural consultation as well as agricultural teaching institutions and relevant scientific disciplines. Successful management strategies for risk reduction in the context of hormonally active agrochemicals thus need to involve all actors within this system. The paper proposes a strategy that promotes participation by enabling learning processes among these actors.展开更多
People and nature are working in tandem to reduce the integrity of traditional agricultural systems. The paper highlighted the drivers of change acting on traditional agricultural landscapes including the threats and ...People and nature are working in tandem to reduce the integrity of traditional agricultural systems. The paper highlighted the drivers of change acting on traditional agricultural landscapes including the threats and barriers hindering biodiversity conservation. The drivers of change are: modem agriculture, tourism, education and outmigration and climate change. The threats are encroachment and land-use change, pollution, replacement of traditional varieties and erosion of indigenous knowledge systems and practices. The barriers to biodiversity conservation include the incapacity of farmers to respond to pressures affecting their traditional farming systems, absence of methodologies for integrating traditional and modem knowledge in biodiversity conservation and the multi-functionality of traditional agriculture not fully captured by the market. The conservation framework to guide stakeholders for in-situ management of biodiversity includes niche market development, revenue generation and cultural restoration. The study made use of data collected during the series of workshops conducted in 2005-2007 covering the Ifugao Rice Terraces of the Philippines. Secondary data from other traditional agricultural systems were integrated to enrich the discussion and write-up of this paper.展开更多
An interest in the biodiversity and historical and cultural aspects of farming and ifshing communities, in addition to the basic role of food production, is growing. Development of an Agricultural Heritage System and ...An interest in the biodiversity and historical and cultural aspects of farming and ifshing communities, in addition to the basic role of food production, is growing. Development of an Agricultural Heritage System and Korea Important Agricultural Heritage System has been a key objective of South Korea’s central government. Given that restoration and technology transfer becomes impossible once heritage is damaged, a detailed study of manage-ment regarding conservation is required alongside the development of the Agricultural Heritage System. Here, I was able to analyze several applications submitted by local governments to the Korea Important Agricultural Heritage System. The main objective was to identify the uniqueness of each application with the nature of heritage, threats to this heritage, and current preservation efforts. I found that the most common threat is the decreasing population status for heritage maintenance due to changes in agricultural environments. In response, each site plans to boost local tourism activities as a solution but current tourism oriented management plans may result in further damage to heritage. In light of my analysis I discuss three pilars for future planning: the improvement of heritage understand-ing and awareness; sufifcient space to maintain heritage features; and new industrialization plans that maintain pro-duction activities. These recommendations wil ensure heritage protection, conservation of the natural environment, and invigoration of farming and ifshing communities through biodiversity.展开更多
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 40231016) the National Science Foundation of America (No. DEB-00-01686).
文摘Different management practices in six agroecosystems located near Goldsboro, NC, USA were conducted including a successional field (SU), a plantation woodlot (WO), an integrated cropping system with animals (IN), an organic farming system (OR), and two cash-grain cropping systems employing either tillage (CT) or no-tillage (NT) to examine if and how microbial biomass and activity differ in response to alterations in disturbance intensity from six land management strategies. Results showed that soil microbial biomass and activity differed, with microbial activity in intermediately disturbed ecosystems (NT, OR, IN) being significantly higher (P < 0.01) than systems with either high or low disturbance intensities. There was also a significant and a highly significant ecosystem effect from the treatments on microbial biomass C (MBC) (P < 0.05) and on microbial activity (respiration) (P < 0.01), respectively. Multiple comparisons of mean respiration rates distinctly separated the six ecosystem types into three groups: CT < NT, SU and WO < OR and IN.Thus, for detecting microbial response to disturbance changes these results indicated that the active component of the soil microbial community was a better indicator than total biomass.
文摘The preservation of the traditional subsistence farming systems and the conservation of natural values (habitats, fauna and flora), in articulation with local development, was the key issues in this paper. The farmers have been able to manage the systems so as to cope with adverse conditions, but their future is quite uncertain. The methodology included: (1) field observation visits and cartographic information analysis of land use; (2) structured interviews with animal production and agro-forestry specialists; and (3) meetings with the participation of stakeholders. The paper concludes that depopulation is responsible for the increasing decline of agriculture and livestock. The decrease in agricultural activity in general and the consequent practices and traditional systems of agriculture causes changes in the landscape and has negative effects on nature conservation and biodiversity. Thus, we believe that the preservation and development of traditional economic activities linked to agriculture, agro-forestry and food processing are essential to maintain the typical landscape and to preserve natural values of Montemuro Site. The paper shows that in mountain areas, particularly those classified as nature network sites, farming, economic development and nature conservation are not antagonistic objectives.
文摘Outgrower Schemes have been implemented in different parts of the world to provide wood to forest and other companies and as income alternatives for farmers in rural areas. They have been considered by some researchers and practitioners as important advances in the area of planted forest and promoted by governments and forest companies in partnership with rural farmers and communities. Considering the importance of subsistence crops and forest products to smallholders and consumers and the economic viability of agroforestry, attention is given in this paper to Outgrower Schemes that combine tree planting with agroforestry, to contribute to food security and environment preservation in developing countries. The issue of Outgrower Schemes through integrated crops-tree systems was raised in a previous study of Outgrower Schemes in Brazil, commissioned by the FAO1. This paper examines, based on the research done for that study, the views and perspectives of the companies' personnel, the tree growers that participate in the programs studied, and other stakeholders' related institutions involved in such schemes with regard to the promotion of Outgrower Schemes through integrated crops-tree systems, linking them with agroforestry, which is a way those Outgrower Schemes can contribute to food security and environment preservation goals.
文摘The widespread use of agrochemicals and its possible negative impacts on humans and the environment remains a highly topical and controversial issue. Of particular concern here are chemicals that can disturb an organism's endocrine system. Referring to the precautionary principle, the objective of the research project start2 is to develop management strategies that help reduce possible risks for httmans and the environment of endocrine active agrochemicals. As an empirical basis we combined qualitative and quantitative methods and initiated two expert dialogues. Our findings underpin the well known fact that the use of agrochemicals is complex and dependent on more than the individual attitudes of farmers. Agricultural plant protection management is the collective product of a complex agricultural system, which encompasses treatment, marketing, industry and agricultural consultation as well as agricultural teaching institutions and relevant scientific disciplines. Successful management strategies for risk reduction in the context of hormonally active agrochemicals thus need to involve all actors within this system. The paper proposes a strategy that promotes participation by enabling learning processes among these actors.
文摘People and nature are working in tandem to reduce the integrity of traditional agricultural systems. The paper highlighted the drivers of change acting on traditional agricultural landscapes including the threats and barriers hindering biodiversity conservation. The drivers of change are: modem agriculture, tourism, education and outmigration and climate change. The threats are encroachment and land-use change, pollution, replacement of traditional varieties and erosion of indigenous knowledge systems and practices. The barriers to biodiversity conservation include the incapacity of farmers to respond to pressures affecting their traditional farming systems, absence of methodologies for integrating traditional and modem knowledge in biodiversity conservation and the multi-functionality of traditional agriculture not fully captured by the market. The conservation framework to guide stakeholders for in-situ management of biodiversity includes niche market development, revenue generation and cultural restoration. The study made use of data collected during the series of workshops conducted in 2005-2007 covering the Ifugao Rice Terraces of the Philippines. Secondary data from other traditional agricultural systems were integrated to enrich the discussion and write-up of this paper.
文摘An interest in the biodiversity and historical and cultural aspects of farming and ifshing communities, in addition to the basic role of food production, is growing. Development of an Agricultural Heritage System and Korea Important Agricultural Heritage System has been a key objective of South Korea’s central government. Given that restoration and technology transfer becomes impossible once heritage is damaged, a detailed study of manage-ment regarding conservation is required alongside the development of the Agricultural Heritage System. Here, I was able to analyze several applications submitted by local governments to the Korea Important Agricultural Heritage System. The main objective was to identify the uniqueness of each application with the nature of heritage, threats to this heritage, and current preservation efforts. I found that the most common threat is the decreasing population status for heritage maintenance due to changes in agricultural environments. In response, each site plans to boost local tourism activities as a solution but current tourism oriented management plans may result in further damage to heritage. In light of my analysis I discuss three pilars for future planning: the improvement of heritage understand-ing and awareness; sufifcient space to maintain heritage features; and new industrialization plans that maintain pro-duction activities. These recommendations wil ensure heritage protection, conservation of the natural environment, and invigoration of farming and ifshing communities through biodiversity.