Hannam, K.

Tedla, H.A.

Thomas, B.

English

University of Saskatchewan Research Archive

Exploring Agroecological Practices in Canada Haben Asgedom Tedla1, Ben Thomas2 and Kirsten Hannam3Research Scientists, Systems Agroecologists1. Saskatoon Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada2. Agassiz Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada3. Summerland Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Mar 05, 2019Presentation outline• Background ➢ Agroecology➢ Elements of Agroecology➢ Levels of Agroecology• Agroecological Practices in Canada• Agroecology as a Science in Canada• Future research – Agroecology in Canada• Questions and AnswersDefinition and focus• The term agroecology was first used by Bensin in 1928Definitions  of Agroecology ❑ the study of the interactions between plants, animals, humansand the environment within agricultural systems.❑ integration of research, education, action and changes thatbrings sustainability to all parts of the food system: ecological,economic and social.(Wezel et al., 2009; Altiere 2012; Gliessman, 2018)SciencePractice MovementPractices Science FutureBackgroundAgroecology the study of the interactions between plants, animals, humans and the environment within agricultural systems. (Altieri, 2012; Dalgaard et al. 2003)❑ Enhanced recycling of biomass (organic matter and nutrient cycling) ❑ Minimize losses of energy, water, nutrients and genetic resources  ❑ Increase soil biological activities  ❑ Diversified species and genetic resources overtime and space  ❑ Enhance beneficial biological interactions and synergies  ❑ Strengthen the resilience of agricultural systems  Practices Science FutureBackground❑ Declining response for increasing application of inputs (Law of Diminishing Return) ❑ Resistance to pesticides and herbicides ❑ Low energy efficiency❑ Increased greenhouse gas emissions❑ Polluted water, soil and air❑ Affected wildlife, biodiversity and human health❑ Food insecurity❑ Low resilience and adaptability (Altieri, 2012)ConcernsPractices Science FutureBackgroundElements of AgroecologyDiversitySynergiesEfficiencyRecyclingCo-creation & sharing of knowledgeHuman & social valuesResilienceCulture and Food TraditionsCircular EconomyGovernance(FAO, 2018)Practices Science FutureBackgroundLevels of Agroecological Practices❑ Level 1 Improve input use efficiencies ❑ Level 2 Substitute alternative practices and inputs (BNF, Cover crop) ❑ Level 4 Connections between growers and consumers ❑ Level 3 Redesign whole agroecosystems (diversity, resilience) ❑ Level 5 Integrated and fully developed food system (FAO, 2018; Gliessman, 2014)Practices Science FutureBackgroundAgroecological Practices in Canada❑ Level 1 Improve input use efficiencies • Fertilizer / Irrigation use efficiencies• Precision application of pesticides, nutrients• Reduced energy usage❑ Level 2 Substitute alternative practices and inputs (BNF, Cover crop) • Inclusion of legumes and perennial crops• Cover crops• Intercropping• No-till or reduced tillage• ShelterbeltPractices Science FutureBackground(FAO, 2018)Agroecological Practices in Canada❑ Level 3 Redesign whole agroecosystems (diversity, resilience) • Complex crop rotations• Diversified production for more resilient system against environmental stress• Spatial and temporal diversification• Agroforestry• Integration of crop-livestock systems• Regenerative / rotational grazing❑ Level 4 Connections between growers and consumers • Community Support Agriculture• Organic farmingPractices Science FutureBackground(FAO, 2018)Agroecology as a Science in CanadaUniversity of British ColumbiaUniversity of ManitobaUniversity of GuelphMcGill UniversityDalhousie UniversityTrent UniversityFleming University(Dalhousie University, 2018)University of AlbertaPractices Science FutureBackgroundUniversity of SaskatchewanAgroecology as a Science in CanadaPlacement methods Sources Precipitation (mm)020406080100120Temperature (0C)-5051015202530Day of year140 160 180 200 220 240 260 280 300 320 340 360 N2O (kg N ha-1)0.00.40.81.21.62.02.42.83.2a)b)SuperUUreaManureESNControlAirSoil at 2 cmAsgedom H., Tenuta M., Flaten D., Gao X. and Kebreab (2014) Nitrous Oxide Emissions from Clay Soil Receiving Granular Urea Formulations and Dairy Manure. Agron. J. 106: 732-744.Practices Science FutureBackgroundAgroecology as a Science in CanadaPractices Science FutureBackgroundAgroecology as a Science in Canada• Investigated soil health indicators in response to long-term tillage in the lower Fraser Valley, British Columbia• No tillage for 21 years led to significantly greater:• Soil Active Carbon         24%• Wet Aggregate Stability         2 fold• Available Water Capacity        9%Thomas, Hunt, Bittman, Hannam et al. 2019, Canadian Journal of Soil SciencePractices Science FutureBackgroundAgroecology as a Science in CanadaHubbard M., May W., Gan Y., and Shaw L. (2018) Chickpea/Flax to manage Ascochyta blight.Agroecology as a Science in Canada• Conventional rotation system (control)• A pulse or oilseed intensified systems, with improved BMP’s • Multiple – commodity diversified with ‘nutrient balance model’ • High-risk, potentially high reward innovative system• A free-style, market driven, profit maximization system• Green manure incorporated system(Gan et al., 2017)Optimizing systems productivity, resilience, and sustainability in major Canadian ecozonesPractices Science FutureBackgroundAgroecology as a practice / Movement in CanadaFood: Locally Embedded, Globally Engaged - FLEDGENational or Regional Organic and CSA NetworksThe Young AgrariansThe Bauta Family  Initiative on CanadaEcological Farmers of Ontario - EFAOJust Food FarmUSC Canada(USC-Canada, 2019)Agroecology Practices / Movements in the International ArenaIndia – Sikkim StateBrazil – Campesino a Campesino Europe – A European Association for AgroecologyFuture – Agroecology in Canada ❖ Recognition of agroecological practices❖ Utilization of digital technologies to assessagroecology❖ More research on redesigning of agriculturalsystems for more resiliency❖ Research on effects of advanced agroecologicalpractices on ecosystem processes - modelingPractices Science FutureBackgroundBe hereNot hereThank you&Q&A

Exploring agroecological practices in Canada

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Exploring agroecological practices in Canada

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