Management practices that help achieve all three of these goals, such as the use of crop rotation and cover crops, are highlighted in this book. The concepts and principles of ecosystems are introduced in the opening chapter. The text defines an ecosystem as a geographic location on the earth's surface where energy and nutrients are captured and transformed by plants, animals and microbes. With that perspective, an ecosystem can be any size. Greater distinctions between types of ecosystems can be found when one looks closely at the impact of human activity.
Farms are human-managed ecosystems designed to convert energy into harvestable products.
They have different characteristics than natural ecosystems, but the same principles of energy flow, nutrient cycling, and biology apply to both. The importance of ecological principles and relationships to the farmer is brought out clearly in subsequent chapters. The authors recommend careful planning before making significant changes in production systems. Initial steps should include a thorough assessment of current resources and environmental conditions. Michigan Field Crop Ecology is 86 pages, and includes many instructive graphics, photos, and tables.