The latest addition to the Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) Network Book Series is a new volume by the Kellogg Biological Station (KBS), “The Ecology of Agricultural Landscapes: Long-term Research on the Path to Sustainability.” The volume synthesizes 25 years of KBS LTER research that explores fundamental relationships and processes in row-crop ecosystems in order to bring more biologically based management practices to productive farms in the US Midwest.
Using a systems approach, the research addresses the biophysical underpinnings of crop productivity, the interactions of crop ecosystems with the hydrology and biodiversity of the broader landscapes in which they lie, farmers’ views about alternative practices, economic valuation of ecosystem services, and global impacts such as greenhouse gas exchanges with the atmosphere.
Lead editor Steve Hamilton notes, “The book demonstrates how cross-disciplinary, long-term research is essential for understanding ecosystem services from agriculture. With this understanding, we can move forward in managing and designing agricultural landscapes to meet the growing world demand for agricultural products in a way that minimizes environmental harm and enhances the delivery of a diverse array of ecosystem services.”
The release of the book coincides with the KBS LTER program’s 25-year Celebration Symposium on April 15-16 in East Lansing, Michigan. An exciting program is planned, with distinguished keynote and KBS LTER speakers, a poster reception, and discussion sessions.
The book is available for ordering at Oxford University Press (discount promo code ASPROMP8) and Amazon.com.
Hamilton, S.K., J. E. Doll, and G. P. Robertson, editors. 2015. The ecology of agricultural landscapes: long-term research on the path to sustainability. Oxford University Press, New York, New York, USA.