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Unit 2: Applying Ecological Principles

On farms and ranches, the key question for agroecosystem managers goes beyond whether or not the conditions are present and adequate. They are also thinking about how to optimize them for plant and ecosystem health. The basic premise is that the healthier and more robust the plant, the better it will produce in the field and the stronger it will be in the face of pest pressures and other environmental stresses.

This important concept encompasses a number of general management goals that farmers and ranchers work toward. Let’s take a few minutes to review these goals under the following headings:  

• Soil management

• Nutrient management

• Water management

• Pest management