Field and laboratory investigations in agroecology / Stephen R. Gliessman.

Contents

Introduction
The Investigations
Keeping a Lab Notebook
Using the Datasheets
Working as a Team
Using Statistical Analyses
Generating Random Numbers
Writing Lab Reports

I. STUDIES OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
1 Effect of Microclimate on Seed Germination
2 Light Transmission and the Vegetative Canopy
3 Soil Temperature
4 Soil Moisture Content
5 Soil Properties Analysis
6 Canopy Litterfall Analysis
7 Mulch System Comparison
8 Root System Response to Soil Type

II. STUDIES OF POPULATION DYNAMICS IN CROP SYSTEMS
9 Intraspecific Interactions in a Crop Population
10 Management History and the Weed Seed Bank
11 Comparison of Arthropod Populations
12 Census of Soil-surface Fauna

III. STUDIES OF INTERSPECIFIC INTERACTIONS IN CROPPING COMMUNITIES
13 Bioassay for Allelopathic Potential
14 Rhizobium Nodulation in Legumes
15 Effects of Agroecosystem Diversity on Herbivore Activity
16 Herbivore Feeding Preferences
IV. STUDIES OF FARM AND FIELD SYSTEMS
17 Effects of a Weedy Border on Insect Populations
18 Mapping Agroecosystem Biodiversity
19 Overyielding in an Intercrop System
20 Grazing Intensity and Net Primary Productivity
21 Effects of Trees in an Agroecosystem

V. FOOD SYSTEM STUDIES
22 On-Farm Energy Use
23 Farmer Interview
24 Local Food Market Analysis

INSTRUCTOR APPENDICES
Appendix A: Planning the Field and Laboratory Course
Equipment and Facilities
Choosing Investigations to Match Your Goals
Choosing Investigations for Your Climate and Season
Scheduling the Investigations
Combining and Coordinating Investigations
Modifying Investigations
Accumulating Data from Year to Year
Appendix B: Running the Field and Laboratory Course
Preparing and Maintaining the Investigation Set-ups
Working With Teams
Using the Datasheets
Sharing Data Among Teams
Assigning Work