The Experts below are selected from a list of 825 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
M J Swift - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Agricultural intensification, soil biodiversity and Agroecosystem Function
Applied Soil Ecology, 1997Co-Authors: Ken E. Giller, Patrick Lavelle, Michael H. Beare, A.-m.n. Izac, M J SwiftAbstract:Abstract Soil is the habitat of plant roots and of a diverse array of organisms—bacteria, fungi, protozoa and invertebrate animals —which contribute to the maintenance and productivity of Agroecosystems. As intensification occurs, the regulation of Functions through soil biodiversity is progressively replaced by regulation through chemical and mechanical inputs. However, the causal relationships between (l) composition, diversity and abundance of soil organisms and (2) sustained soil fertility are unclear. Furthermore, in tropical agricultural systems undergoing intensification, large numbers of farmers have limited access to inputs, and therefore the maintenance and enhancement of soil biodiversity may be particularly relevant to such farmers. In this paper we propose a number of hypotheses which could be tested to explore the relationships between agricultural intensification, biodiversity in tropical soils and ecosystem Functions. We also provide a conceptual framework within which such hypotheses can be tested.
Michael H. Beare - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Agricultural intensification, soil biodiversity and Agroecosystem Function
Applied Soil Ecology, 1997Co-Authors: Ken E. Giller, Patrick Lavelle, Michael H. Beare, A.-m.n. Izac, M J SwiftAbstract:Abstract Soil is the habitat of plant roots and of a diverse array of organisms—bacteria, fungi, protozoa and invertebrate animals —which contribute to the maintenance and productivity of Agroecosystems. As intensification occurs, the regulation of Functions through soil biodiversity is progressively replaced by regulation through chemical and mechanical inputs. However, the causal relationships between (l) composition, diversity and abundance of soil organisms and (2) sustained soil fertility are unclear. Furthermore, in tropical agricultural systems undergoing intensification, large numbers of farmers have limited access to inputs, and therefore the maintenance and enhancement of soil biodiversity may be particularly relevant to such farmers. In this paper we propose a number of hypotheses which could be tested to explore the relationships between agricultural intensification, biodiversity in tropical soils and ecosystem Functions. We also provide a conceptual framework within which such hypotheses can be tested.
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agricultural intensification soil biodiversity and Agroecosystem Function in the tropics the role of decomposer biota
Applied Soil Ecology, 1997Co-Authors: Michael H. Beare, Vikram M Reddy, G Tian, S C SrivastavaAbstract:Abstract Intensification of agriculture in the tropics has resulted from a shortage of farmland and insufficient food production to satisfy the needs of an expanding population. Many tropical farmers are challenged by the prospect of intensifying their production while sustaining or improving the fertility and productivity of soils with only locally available natural resources. The waste products of plant and animal production represent some of the most abundant natural resources available for use by tropical farmers to achieve these goals. The efficient use and management of these resources depends on understanding the role that decomposer biota play in regulating the structure and Function of agricultural ecosystems. Furthermore, the development of agricultural management practices which promote the beneficial attributes of these organisms will be essential to sustaining the productivity and environmental integrity of tropical agriculture. Finally, understanding the role of biodiversity among decomposer biota in maintaining the Functional properties of tropical agricultural ecosystems is critical to achieving this goal. The objective of this review is to further that understanding by describing the taxonomic and Functional diversity of decomposer biota in the tropics and evaluating known links between their diversity and the Function of agricultural ecosystems. We further describe the effects of changing land-use and agricultural intensification on the structure and diversity of decomposer communities in the tropics and suggest some priorities for future research.
Patrick Lavelle - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Agricultural intensification, soil biodiversity and Agroecosystem Function
Applied Soil Ecology, 1997Co-Authors: Ken E. Giller, Patrick Lavelle, Michael H. Beare, A.-m.n. Izac, M J SwiftAbstract:Abstract Soil is the habitat of plant roots and of a diverse array of organisms—bacteria, fungi, protozoa and invertebrate animals —which contribute to the maintenance and productivity of Agroecosystems. As intensification occurs, the regulation of Functions through soil biodiversity is progressively replaced by regulation through chemical and mechanical inputs. However, the causal relationships between (l) composition, diversity and abundance of soil organisms and (2) sustained soil fertility are unclear. Furthermore, in tropical agricultural systems undergoing intensification, large numbers of farmers have limited access to inputs, and therefore the maintenance and enhancement of soil biodiversity may be particularly relevant to such farmers. In this paper we propose a number of hypotheses which could be tested to explore the relationships between agricultural intensification, biodiversity in tropical soils and ecosystem Functions. We also provide a conceptual framework within which such hypotheses can be tested.
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agricultural intensification soil biodiversity and Agroecosystem Function in the tropics the role of earthworms
Applied Soil Ecology, 1997Co-Authors: Carlos Fragoso, Patrick Lavelle, George G Brown, Jose C Patron, Eric Blanchart, B Pashanasi, B K Senapati, T KumarAbstract:Abstract Earthworm biodiversity is modified when forests and natural savannas are replaced by Agroecosystems; these changes can be studied from the taxonomic and Functional point of view. In the first case the number and origin (native or exotic) of species is important, as well as the geographic scale of the study (local or regional). The Functional approach considers the ecological groups (epigeic, endogeic, anecic), which have different effects on soil Function. Studies in Mexico, Peru and India reveal that Agroecosystem earthworm communities (as compared with those in the undisturbed ecosystem) have lower species richness, lower number of native species, lower number of ecological groups and a predominance of endogeics. Therefore the role of endogeic species in intensifying Agroecosystems is likely to be more important for soil Function, especially because they act as ecosystem engineers and through their mutualistic interactions with microflora, selective ingestion of soil particles, high rates of ingestion and production of casts, galleries, burrows and chambers can affect nutrient and organic matter dynamics and other pedological processes. Epigeic and anecic species do not appear to be as widespread in agricultural systems and their dependence on a litter layer for survival implies that litter management practices must be implemented for their role in soil Function to be of importance. The role of earthworms in enhancing primary production depends on the synlocalization (in the same place) and the synchronization (at the same time) of their activities with the period and the sphere of active root growth and nutrient demands. Several field studies have found significant yield increases with earthworm inoculation, though more research is needed. Incorporation of information on earthworm life histories, field population variations, ecological strategies and short and long term effects on soil properties, in addition to plant and environmental factors (climate, soil, cropping period and management of the Agroecosystem), are essential to properly assess the potential role of a particular earthworm species on plant production. Future research must focus on describing the role of native species and their interaction with or replacement by exotic species (belonging to the same or to a different ecological group) in soil Function and Agroecosystem productivity.
M J N Okwakol - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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agricultural intensification soil biodiversity and Agroecosystem Function in the tropics the role of termites
Applied Soil Ecology, 1997Co-Authors: H I J Black, M J N OkwakolAbstract:Abstract In natural ecosystems, termites are typical ecosystem engineers and, in semi-arid ecosystems, often keystone species. It is thus likely that termites play a major beneficial role through promotion of essential ecological processes in Agroecosystems in conflict with their well-established role as pests. This paper reviews the impacts of land clearing and preparation, cropping systems and management practices on termite diversity and activity. Current knowledge of the role of termites in Agroecosystem Function is discussed with reference to soil processes, vegetation cover, atmospheric gas exchanges and agricultural intensification. Methods for assessing termite diversity and Function are outlined and priority research areas are suggested.
Ken E. Giller - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Agricultural intensification, soil biodiversity and Agroecosystem Function
Applied Soil Ecology, 1997Co-Authors: Ken E. Giller, Patrick Lavelle, Michael H. Beare, A.-m.n. Izac, M J SwiftAbstract:Abstract Soil is the habitat of plant roots and of a diverse array of organisms—bacteria, fungi, protozoa and invertebrate animals —which contribute to the maintenance and productivity of Agroecosystems. As intensification occurs, the regulation of Functions through soil biodiversity is progressively replaced by regulation through chemical and mechanical inputs. However, the causal relationships between (l) composition, diversity and abundance of soil organisms and (2) sustained soil fertility are unclear. Furthermore, in tropical agricultural systems undergoing intensification, large numbers of farmers have limited access to inputs, and therefore the maintenance and enhancement of soil biodiversity may be particularly relevant to such farmers. In this paper we propose a number of hypotheses which could be tested to explore the relationships between agricultural intensification, biodiversity in tropical soils and ecosystem Functions. We also provide a conceptual framework within which such hypotheses can be tested.