Ecological Engineering

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William J Mitsch - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Ecological Engineering of sustainable landscapes
    Ecological Engineering, 2017
    Co-Authors: William J Mitsch, Ülo Mander
    Abstract:

    Abstract This editorial describes a 25-paper special issue that began with a symposium at EcoSummit 2016 in Montpellier France in August/September 2016 with a focus on Ecological Engineering principles applied to the development of large-scale sustainable landscapes and catchments. The papers are divided into the following categories: watershed management (3 papers); wetland creation and restoration (5 papers); monitoring wetlands (3 papers); lake management (2 papers); restoration of wetland and terrestrial landscapes (6 papers); public health (2 papers); and ecotechnological solutions (4 papers). Some of these case studies are purposeful application of Ecological Engineering principles; others happened or are happening naturally through self-design. Several of the presentations focus on Ecological Engineering that involves scales of thousands of hectares or even larger catchments to solve Ecological and environmental problems. Case studies are presented by scientists and Engineering from North America, Europe, and South America.

  • What is Ecological Engineering
    Ecological Engineering, 2012
    Co-Authors: William J Mitsch
    Abstract:

    Ecological Engineering, defined as the design of sustainable ecosystems that integrate human society with its natural environment for the benefit of both, has developed over the last 30 years, and rapidly over the last 10 years. Its goals include the restoration of ecosystems that have been substantially disturbed by human activities and the development of new sustainable ecosystems that have both human and Ecological values. It is especially needed as conventional energy sources diminish and amplification of nature's ecosystem services is needed even more. There are now several universities developing academic programs or departments called Ecological Engineering, Ecological restoration, or similar terms, the number of manuscripts submitted to the journal Ecological Engineering continue to increase at an rapid rate, and the U.S. National Science Foundation now has a specific research focus area called Ecological Engineering. There are many private firms now developing and even prospering that are now specializing in the restoration of streams, rivers, lakes, forests, grasslands, and wetlands, the rehabilitation of minelands and urban brownfields, and the creation of treatment wetlands and phytoremediation sites. It appears that the perfect synchronization of academy, publishing, research resources, and practice is beginning to develop. Yet the field still does not have a formal accreditation in Engineering and receives guarded acceptance in the university system and workplace alike.

  • Ecological Engineering
    Ecological Engineering, 2012
    Co-Authors: Alexia Stokes, Sébastien Barot, Jean-christophe Lata, Gérard Lacroix, Clive G. Jones, William J Mitsch
    Abstract:

    The international congress “Ecological Engineering: From Concepts to Applications (EECA)” was held from 2 to 4 December 2009, at the Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris, France. Six keynote presentations and over 60 talks and 40 posters were presented during the 3-day conference. More than 200 participants attended the conference (Fig. 1; Table 1), which was devoted to the exploration of new developments in Ecological Engineering and thoughts on how to build this field based on sound Ecological and conceptual foundations. This conference was organized by the Groupe d’Application de l’Ingénierie des Ecosystèmes (GAIE, Ecological Engineering Applications Group). GAIE promotes the development of Ecological Engineering and is based in the Ile-de-France. The group is comprised of ca. 125 individuals from many institutions in the region and in France, representing several different disciplines, e.g., ecology, environmental science, management science, Engineering and social science. Group activities include organizing conferences, symposia, workshops and working groups, discussion meetings, field trips, research and applied projects.

  • Benefits of Ecological Engineering practices
    Procedia environmental sciences, 2011
    Co-Authors: A. Brüll, Robert Costanza, H. Van Bohemen, William J Mitsch
    Abstract:

    With the intention to further promote the field of Ecological Engineering and the solutions it provides, a workshop on “Benefits of Ecological Engineering Practices” was held 3 Dec 2009. It was conducted by the International Ecological Engineering Society in Paris at the conference “Ecological Engineering: from Concepts to Application” organized by the Ecological Engineering Applications Group GAIE. This paper presents the results of the workshop related to three key questions: (1) what are the benefits of Ecological Engineering practices to human and ecosystem well-being, (2) which concepts are used or useful to identify, reference, and measure the benefits of Ecological Engineering practices, and (3) how and to whom shall benefits of Ecological Engineering practices be promoted. While benefits of Ecological Engineering practices are diverse, general conclusions can be derived to facilitate communication. Identifying benefits requires valuation frameworks reaching beyond the scope of ecology and Engineering. A distinction between human and ecosystem well-being in this regard may not be easy or useful, but instead humans embedded in ecosystems should be addressed as a whole. The concepts of resource efficiency, ecosystem services, ecosystem health, and multifunctional land use could serve as suitable references to frame Ecological Engineering benefits, as well as referring to international political goals such as biodiversity protection, climate change mitigation and poverty reduction. Sector and application specific criteria of good practice could be worked out. Regional, area specific reference systems for sustainable development could provide comparative advantages for Ecologically engineered solutions. Besides people with high decision making power and people with high motivation for change are good target groups to be addressed.

  • Ecological Engineering: a field whose time has come
    Ecological Engineering, 2003
    Co-Authors: William J Mitsch, Sven Erik Jørgensen
    Abstract:

    Abstract Ecological Engineering is defined as “the design of sustainable ecosystems that integrate human society with its natural environment for the benefit of both.” It involves the restoration of ecosystems that have been substantially disturbed by human activities such as environmental pollution or land disturbance; and the development of new sustainable ecosystems that have both human and Ecological value. While there was some early discussion of Ecological Engineering in the 1960s, its development was spawned later by several factors, including loss of confidence in the view that all pollution problems can be solved through technological means and the realization that with technological means, pollutants are just being moved from one form to another. Conventional approaches require massive amounts of resources to solve these problems, and that in turn perpetuates carbon and nitrogen cycle problems, for example. The development of Ecological Engineering was given strong impetus in the last decade with a textbook, the journal Ecological Engineering and two professional Ecological Engineering societies. Five principles about Ecological Engineering are: (1) It is based on the self-designing capacity of ecosystems; (2) It can be the acid test of Ecological theories; (3) It relies on system approaches; (4) It conserves non-renewable energy sources; and (5) It supports biological conservation. Ecology as a science is not routinely integrated into Engineering curricula, even in environmental Engineering programs, while shortcoming, ecologists, environmental scientists, and managers miss important training in their profession—problem solving. These two problems could be solved in the integrated field of Ecological Engineering.

Daniel E Storm - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Ecological Engineering a rationale for standardized curriculum and professional certification in the united states
    Ecological Engineering, 2001
    Co-Authors: Marty D. Matlock, Scott G Osborn, Ann L Kenimer, Cully W Hession, Daniel E Storm
    Abstract:

    Abstract The demand for Engineering solutions to ecosystem–level problems has increased as the impact of human activities has expanded to global proportions. While the science of restoration ecology has been developed to address many critical ecosystem management issues, the high degree of complexity and uncertainty associated with these issues demands a more quantitative approach. Ecological Engineering uses science-based quantification of Ecological processes to develop and apply Engineering-based design criteria for sustainable systems. We suggest that in the United States Ecological Engineering curricula should be offered at the graduate level and should require rigorous Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology-accredited (or equivalent) undergraduate preparation in Engineering fundamentals. In addition to strengthening students’ mastery of Engineering theory and application, the graduate curriculum should provide core courses in ecosystem theory including quantitative ecology, systems ecology, restoration ecology, Ecological Engineering, Ecological modeling, and Ecological Engineering economics. Advanced courses in limnology, environmental plant physiology, Ecological economics, and specific ecosystem design should be provided to address students’ specific professional objectives. Finally, professional Engineering certification must be developed to insure the credibility of this new Engineering specialization.

Colleen Johnson - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

Miguel A Altieri - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Ecological Engineering for pest management advances in habitat manipulation for arthropods
    2004
    Co-Authors: Geoff M Gurr, S D Wratten, Miguel A Altieri
    Abstract:

    Ecological Engineering, habitat manipulation and pest management, G M Gurr, S L Scarrott, Lincoln University, New Zealand, S D Wratten, L Berndt, University of Conterbury, New Zealand and N Irvin, University of California, Riverside, USA Genetic Engineering and Ecological Engineering a clash of paradigms or scope for synergy?, M A Altieri, G M Gurr and S D Wratten The agroEcological bases of Ecological Engineering for pest management, C I Nicholls, University of California, Berkeley, USA, and M A Altieri The landscape context of arthropod biological control, M H Schmidt, C Thies, and T Tscharntke, Georg-August University, Germany Use of behavioural and life-history studies to understand the effects of habitat manipulation, M A Jervis, Cardiff University, UK J C Lee and G E Heimpel, University of Minnesota, USA Molecular techniques and habitat manipulation approaches for parasitoid conservation in annual cropping systems, F D Menalled, Montana State University, USA, J M Alvarez, University of Idaho, USA, and D A Landis, Michigan State University, USA Marking and tracking techniques for insect predators and parasitoids in Ecological Engineering, B Lavandero, Lincoln University, New Zealand, S D Wratten, and J Tylianakis, Georg-August University, Germany Precision agriculture approaches in support of Ecological Engineering for pest management, M Coll, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel The ecology and management of insect pest populations in tropical agroforestry systems, M A Altieri and C I Nicholls The 'push-pull' strategy for stemborer management: a case study in exploiting biodiversity and chemical ecology, Z R Khan, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Kenya and J A Pickett, Rothamsted Research, UK Use of sown wildflower strips to enhance natural enemies of agricultural pests, L Pfiffner and E Wyss, Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, Switzerland Habitat manipulation for insect pest management in cotton cropping systems, R K Mensah, Australian Cotton Research Institute, Australia and R V Sequeira, Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Australia Engineering farmland for enhanced pest control: added value for wildlife conservation, C Kinross, The University of Sydney, Australia, S D Wratten and G M Gurr Ecological Engineering for pest management: towards a rigorous science, G M Gurr, S D Wratten and M A Altieri

  • Ecological Engineering a new direction for agricultural pest management
    Australian Farm Business Management Journal, 2004
    Co-Authors: Geoff M Gurr, S D Wratten, Miguel A Altieri
    Abstract:

    Ecological Engineering has recently emerged as a paradigm for considering pest management approaches that are based on cultural practices and informed by Ecological knowledge rather than on high technology approaches such as synthetic pesticides and genetically engineered crops (Gurr et al. 2004a). This article provides a brief summary of Ecological Engineering for arthropod pest management and contrasts it with its controversial cousin, genetic Engineering. The development of Ecological Engineering is explored, ranging from a simple first approximation that diversity is beneficial, to contemporary understanding that diversity can have adverse effects on pest management. This requires that the functional mechanisms that lead components of biodiversity to suppress pest activity are better understood and exploited. Pest suppression via Ecological Engineering is placed in the broader context of ‘ecosystem services’ provided by farmland biodiversity including nitrogen fixation and the conservation of pollinator species and wildlife.

  • Ecological Engineering: a new direction for agricultural pest management
    2004
    Co-Authors: Geoff M Gurr, S D Wratten, Miguel A Altieri
    Abstract:

    Ecological Engineering has recently emerged as a paradigm for considering pest management approaches that are based on cultural practices and informed by Ecological knowledge rather than on high technology approaches such as synthetic pesticides and genetically engineered crops (Gurr et al. 2004a). This article provides a brief summary of Ecological Engineering for arthropod pest management and contrasts it with its controversial cousin, genetic Engineering. The development of Ecological Engineering is explored, ranging from a simple first approximation that diversity is beneficial, to contemporary understanding that diversity can have adverse effects on pest management. This requires that the functional mechanisms that lead components of biodiversity to suppress pest activity are better understood and exploited. Pest suppression via Ecological Engineering is placed in the broader context of ‘ecosystem services’ provided by farmland biodiversity including nitrogen fixation and the conservation of pollinator species and wildlife.

Geoff M Gurr - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Rice pest management by Ecological Engineering: A pioneering attempt in China
    Rice Planthoppers, 2014
    Co-Authors: Pingyang Zhu, Geoff M Gurr, Xusong Zheng, Guihua Chen, Kong Luen Heong
    Abstract:

    Ecological Engineering is a relatively new concept of environmental manipulation for the benefit of man and the environment. Recently, a pioneering attempt was made in China to see if rice insect pest problems could be solved through Ecological Engineering. Five years of experimentation at Jinhua, Zhejiang Province in eastern China involved habitat manipulation based on growing nectar producing flowering plants (preferably sesame) combined with trap plants on the rice bounds, reducing the intensity of pesticide use and nitrogenous fertilizers, and managing the vegetation in non-rice habitats including the rice-free season. These practices increased biodiversity in the ecosystem, significantly increased biological control of rice pests, and provided biological stability in the ecosystem. Experimentation with Ecological Engineering in China indicated that it offers immense opportunities to rice pest management using non-chemical methods leading to economic and environmental benefits. Ecological Engineering is not a “high-tech” approach so is simple and practical for rice farmers to implement. Having witnessed the benefits and utility of Ecological Engineering, the National Agriculture Technology Extension and Service Centre (NATESC) of Ministry of Agriculture has recommended it as the national rice pest management strategy in China.

  • Ecological Engineering for pest management advances in habitat manipulation for arthropods
    2004
    Co-Authors: Geoff M Gurr, S D Wratten, Miguel A Altieri
    Abstract:

    Ecological Engineering, habitat manipulation and pest management, G M Gurr, S L Scarrott, Lincoln University, New Zealand, S D Wratten, L Berndt, University of Conterbury, New Zealand and N Irvin, University of California, Riverside, USA Genetic Engineering and Ecological Engineering a clash of paradigms or scope for synergy?, M A Altieri, G M Gurr and S D Wratten The agroEcological bases of Ecological Engineering for pest management, C I Nicholls, University of California, Berkeley, USA, and M A Altieri The landscape context of arthropod biological control, M H Schmidt, C Thies, and T Tscharntke, Georg-August University, Germany Use of behavioural and life-history studies to understand the effects of habitat manipulation, M A Jervis, Cardiff University, UK J C Lee and G E Heimpel, University of Minnesota, USA Molecular techniques and habitat manipulation approaches for parasitoid conservation in annual cropping systems, F D Menalled, Montana State University, USA, J M Alvarez, University of Idaho, USA, and D A Landis, Michigan State University, USA Marking and tracking techniques for insect predators and parasitoids in Ecological Engineering, B Lavandero, Lincoln University, New Zealand, S D Wratten, and J Tylianakis, Georg-August University, Germany Precision agriculture approaches in support of Ecological Engineering for pest management, M Coll, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel The ecology and management of insect pest populations in tropical agroforestry systems, M A Altieri and C I Nicholls The 'push-pull' strategy for stemborer management: a case study in exploiting biodiversity and chemical ecology, Z R Khan, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Kenya and J A Pickett, Rothamsted Research, UK Use of sown wildflower strips to enhance natural enemies of agricultural pests, L Pfiffner and E Wyss, Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, Switzerland Habitat manipulation for insect pest management in cotton cropping systems, R K Mensah, Australian Cotton Research Institute, Australia and R V Sequeira, Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Australia Engineering farmland for enhanced pest control: added value for wildlife conservation, C Kinross, The University of Sydney, Australia, S D Wratten and G M Gurr Ecological Engineering for pest management: towards a rigorous science, G M Gurr, S D Wratten and M A Altieri

  • Ecological Engineering a new direction for agricultural pest management
    Australian Farm Business Management Journal, 2004
    Co-Authors: Geoff M Gurr, S D Wratten, Miguel A Altieri
    Abstract:

    Ecological Engineering has recently emerged as a paradigm for considering pest management approaches that are based on cultural practices and informed by Ecological knowledge rather than on high technology approaches such as synthetic pesticides and genetically engineered crops (Gurr et al. 2004a). This article provides a brief summary of Ecological Engineering for arthropod pest management and contrasts it with its controversial cousin, genetic Engineering. The development of Ecological Engineering is explored, ranging from a simple first approximation that diversity is beneficial, to contemporary understanding that diversity can have adverse effects on pest management. This requires that the functional mechanisms that lead components of biodiversity to suppress pest activity are better understood and exploited. Pest suppression via Ecological Engineering is placed in the broader context of ‘ecosystem services’ provided by farmland biodiversity including nitrogen fixation and the conservation of pollinator species and wildlife.

  • Ecological Engineering: a new direction for agricultural pest management
    2004
    Co-Authors: Geoff M Gurr, S D Wratten, Miguel A Altieri
    Abstract:

    Ecological Engineering has recently emerged as a paradigm for considering pest management approaches that are based on cultural practices and informed by Ecological knowledge rather than on high technology approaches such as synthetic pesticides and genetically engineered crops (Gurr et al. 2004a). This article provides a brief summary of Ecological Engineering for arthropod pest management and contrasts it with its controversial cousin, genetic Engineering. The development of Ecological Engineering is explored, ranging from a simple first approximation that diversity is beneficial, to contemporary understanding that diversity can have adverse effects on pest management. This requires that the functional mechanisms that lead components of biodiversity to suppress pest activity are better understood and exploited. Pest suppression via Ecological Engineering is placed in the broader context of ‘ecosystem services’ provided by farmland biodiversity including nitrogen fixation and the conservation of pollinator species and wildlife.

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