Sustainability: Agroecology

Agroecological methods of farming are defined as the “application of ecological science to the study, design and management of sustainable agroecosystems” (Altieri, 2007). These methods mimic nature’s interdependent relationships through methods of diversifying species, intercropping, integrating livestock into crop production, and recycling nutrients and energy on-site. Rather than view insects strictly as pests, agroecological methods integrate pest management through natural biological controls.