Evaluating the Functional Value of Agroecosystems under Different Management Scenarios

Dear Colleagues,

Agroecosystems, communities of plants and animals interacting with their modified physical and chemical environments, play a crucial role in producing food, fiber, fuel, and other products for human use (Maes, 2018). These systems integrate agricultural activities with the surrounding environment, encompassing both biotic (e.g., crops, livestock, insects, microbes) and abiotic (e.g., climate, nutrients, water, light) components. The interactions within these components can be complex, yet sustainable agroecosystems offer significant benefits such as reducing soil and water erosion, enhancing soil fertility and biodiversity, sequestering carbon, and improving overall productivity, sustainability, stability, and resilience.

In light of the growing challenges related to soil health, food security, and environmental sustainability, there is an urgent need to develop strategies that maximize resource use efficiency while minimizing negative impacts on soils and ecosystems. Understanding the mechanisms behind agroecosystem sustainability is vital for guiding future agricultural practices that can mitigate climate change threats, improve soil fertility, and secure global food supplies.

This Topic seeks to gather and exchange knowledge on the mechanisms and future directions for optimizing agricultural management within agroecosystems.

Dr. Yuan Li
Prof. Dr. Yangzhou Xiang
Dr. Jihui Tian
Prof. Dr. Fuhong Miao
Topic Editors