ENVS 105 - Agroecology: An Environmental Approach to Agriculture

5 Credits

Survey of agroecology, a multi-disciplinary field that applies ecological principles to the analysis and management of agriculture systems. Explore ways to create abundance and reduce external inputs by enhancing nutrient cycling, energy flow, and beneficial interactions.

FeesSL SC

Quarters Typically Offered
Summer Day, Evening
Fall Day, Evening
Designed to Serve Designed to serve students in the Sustainable Agriculture Program, as well as general education students in need of a lab science.
Active Date 20210403T10:08:13

Grading Basis Decimal Grade
Class Limit 24
Contact Hours: Lecture 44 Lab 22
Total Contact Hours 66
Degree Distributions:
AA

Science
Science Lab

Course Outline

Introduction to ecological agriculture
History of agricultural systems
Soil properties
Land management and soil conservation
Plant structure and reproduction
Species interactions and conservation of biodiversity
Weeds, pests and their management
Genetically modified organisms
Urban to rural livestock integration
Water resources
Energy/Biofuels
Non-food crop and livestock products
Introduction to permaculture concepts
Seattle area food system

Student Learning Outcomes
Describe the ecological principles that support agroecosystems, and compare the ecology and economy of agroecosystem landscapes at different scales.

Describe the biological, physical, and chemical factors that affect plant growth and reproduction and how these factors are managed for agricultural production, with an emphasis on the Pacific Northwest.

Examine conventional and alternative agricultural paradigms and practices from an agroecological perspective, and incorporate analysis of system productivity, resiliency, diversity, and equitability.

Discuss the ways in which socioeconomic, cultural, and political dynamics influence local and global food systems.

Assess the challenges and opportunities encountered when developing and managing sustainable urban and small farm agriculture systems.