Field & laboratory investigations in agroecology, 2nd Ed.

Offering step-by-step guidance for structured investigation, Field and Laboratory Investigations in Agroecology, Second Edition covers the topics of environmental factors, population dynamics in soil systems, interspecific interactions in cropping communities, farm and field systems, and food system studies. This edition facilitates hands-on, experiential learning that involves close observation, creative interpretation, and constant questioning of findings. It includes investigations that represent a broad geographical area, with more temperate and fewer tropical examples. Instructions on record-keeping, datasheets, and statistical analyses make this is an ideal reference.

INTRODUCTION. The Investigations. Keeping a Lab Notebook. Using the Datasheets. Working as a Team. Using Statistical Analyses. Generating Random Numbers. Writing Lab Reports. STUDIES OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS. Effect of Microclimate on Seed Germination. Light Transmission and the Vegetative Canopy. Soil Temperature. Soil Moisture Content. Soil Properties Analysis. Canopy Litterfall Analysis. Mulch System Comparison. Root System Response to Soil Type. STUDIES OF POPULATION DYNAMICS IN CROP SYSTEMS. Intraspecific Interactions in a Crop Population. Management History and the Weed Seed Bank. Comparison of Arthropod Populations. Census of Soil-surface Fauna. STUDIES OF INTERSPECIFIC INTERACTIONS IN CROPPING COMMUNITIES. Bioassay for Allelopathic Potential. Rhizobium Nodulation in Legumes. Effects of Agroecosystem Diversity on Herbivore Activity. Herbivore Feeding Preferences. STUDIES OF FARM AND FIELD SYSTEMS. Effects of a Weedy Border on Insect Populations. Mapping Agroecosystem Biodiversity. Overyielding in an Intercrop System. Grazing Intensity and Net Primary Productivity. Effects of Trees in an Agroecosystem. FOOD SYSTEM STUDIES. On-Farm Energy Use. Farmer Interview. Local Food Market Analysis. INSTRUCTOR'S APPENDICES. Appendix A: Planning the Field and Laboratory Course 00. Appendix B: Running the Field and Laboratory Course. GENERAL APPENDICES. Appendix C: Measurement Equivalents. Appendix D: Equipment and Materials Suppliers.