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Agricultural intensification and ecosystem properties.
P A Matson1, W J Parton, A G Power
1Ecosystem Sciences Division, Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|July 29, 2010
Summary
Agricultural intensification boosts food production but alters ecosystems. Ecologically based management can enhance sustainable farming and reduce environmental harm.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Ecology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Global agricultural expansion and intensification are key drivers of environmental change.
- Modern agriculture, through high-yield varieties, fertilizers, irrigation, and pesticides, has significantly increased food production.
- These practices alter ecosystem dynamics, resource availability, and can lead to adverse environmental impacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the environmental consequences of agricultural intensification.
- To introduce ecologically based management as a sustainable alternative.
- To advocate for strategies that balance food production with ecological health.
Main Methods:
- Review of current agricultural practices and their environmental effects.
- Analysis of biotic interactions and resource availability alterations.
- Evaluation of ecologically based management strategies for sustainability.
Main Results:
- Intensification practices significantly impact ecosystems and resource availability.
- Negative environmental consequences can be local, regional, and global.
- Ecologically based management offers a pathway to sustainable agriculture.
Conclusions:
- Sustainable agricultural production requires integrating ecological principles.
- Ecologically based management can mitigate the off-site environmental consequences of farming.
- Balancing intensification with ecological considerations is crucial for long-term food security and environmental health.
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