HumanDimensions of Long Term Ecological Research onAgroecosystems

Vanderpool, C.K., C.K. Harris, L. Bohannan, L. Geason, T. Yamaguchi, E. Wollf

Presented at the ASM at Snowbird (2000-08-02 to 2017-12-05 )

An integrated model of agricultural and natural resource ecosystems requires a multidisciplinary systems approach which studies the points of interaction between natural and social systems.  Key points of integration within various natural and social ecosystems include chemical, biological, geomorphological, and human dimensions.  Human dimensions are characterized by basic components of a social system:  a) demographic-population size, distribution, growth, migration; b) economic-composition of markets, patterns of economic activity, shifts in labor market, changing bases of capital; c) cultural – norms, values, attitudes, knowledge and information which define the “lens” through which people view ecosystems; and d) social structure and relations – patterns of interaction and relationships, social organizational networks, institutional structure (interrelationship of political, economic, legal, and social institutions), patterns of ownership, power structures, and intersections of inequality.  Both natural and social systems have histories and the essence of long term ecological research is to mark changes in agricultural and natural ecosystems.  Human dimensions that have long term impacts on these ecosystems are explored at both a micro and macro level.

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