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Unit 1: Basic Ecological Concepts and Principles Related to Agricultural Systems

(Brian Prechtel, USDA ARS)

The following series of questions captures the task:

• Can natural processes and cycles be managed to enhance the supply of nutrients for plant growth?

• In managing nutrient cycles, can we reduce the need for purchased fertilizer inputs?

• When adding nutrients to a farming system, what strategies can we use to ensure maximum uptake and use by the crop and least disruption to the environment?

In this course, we give you the opportunity to explore five different nutrient cycles in detail. Here in Unit 1 we’ll look at the water and carbon cycles. In Unit 2: Applying Ecological Concepts to Crop Production, we’ll cover the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium cycles, looking at management practices for maintaining productivity, profits and environmental benefits.