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Education and Production on a School Farm: Can Both Be Sustainable? Ecologically-Based Pest Management at UC Berkeley's Albany Gill Tract Field Planning an Urban Market Garden in Toronto, Canada Adoption Process of Agroecological Alternatives in a "Campesinos" Farming System in Yucatan, Mexico Integrated Cropping Systems Trials (WICST) in Wisconsin, USA Biointensive Agroecology on a Community Farm in California, USA Thermophilic Composting of Human Manure in Pennsylvania, USA Options for Sustainable Sugarcane Farming in the Everglades Agricultural Area, Florida, USA Using Agroecology in a Botanical Garden, Santa Barbara, California, USA Fiber Production from Hesperaloe in Arizona, USA Community Development with the Bribri of Costa Rica "Milpa" Agroecosystems in Yucatan, Mexico Ecological Principles of Vineyard Vegetation Management on California's Northern Coast

Seattle Tilth, Urban Agroecology in Western Washington, USA Biological Weed Management of Leafy Spurge, Montana, USA United Indian Health Village - Ecosystem and Community Restoration in Arcata, California, USA City Rooftops in Toronto, Canada Post-War Reconstruction using Sustainable Agriculture in Chalatenango, El Salvador Community Supported Agriculture in Santa Cruz, California, USA Organic Control of Peach Brown Rot in California, USA Beef Cattle Finishing and Narrow Strip Cropping System in Kansas, USA Using Weed Borders to Manage Insect Pests in California Cauliflower Fields Soil Ecology of Grape Phylloxera and the Potential for Biological Control Pre-Hispanic Raised Field Systems in the Quintana Roo, Mexico Cover-Cropping with Rye and Bellbeans in California, USA Vegetable Production Mustard Cover Crops in Apple Orchards in California, USA Broccoli/Lettuce Intercropping in California, USA Beneficial Insectary Plants in Oregon, USA Organic Strawberries in California, USA Cajete Terracing Systems in Mexico Tropical Agroforestry Homegardens in Nicaragua Corn-Bean-Squash Intercrop in Mexico Zapopano Maize Agrecosystem Establishment and Agronomic Productivity of Silvopastoral Systems with Pelibuey Sheep in Yucatan, Mexico From a conventional agriculture system to a system of self sustaining management practices: the case of Cuba

Cajete Terracing Systems in Tlaxcala, Mexico

Cajete Terracing Systems in Tlaxcala, Mexico

Overview

The Cajete terrace system of collecting water and reducing soil erosion has been in use since preHispanic times (1000 B.C.). Particularly important in present agriculture practices where people must grow their food on steep, erosion prone slopes. Community, farm, region Tlaxcala, Mexico (19.2N, 98.1W) 1500 to 3000 meters Undifferentiated Highlands (Cfa- G. T. Trewartha) Subsistence Crop and Livestock Farming - K 25 - 50 persons / square kilometer Corn (Zea mays), Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), Squash (Cucurbita sp.), Maguey cactus (Agave sp.), Wheat (Triticum aestivum), none Duripan (tepetate) and clay soils. Mountain Soils - Ustic great groups of Alfisols, Entisols, Inceptisols, Mollisols and Ultisols

Scale Location Elevation Climate Agricultural Region Population Density Principal Crops Domestic Animals Soils

Natural Vegetation Ecoregion Basic Principles addressed Page Author and Date

Mixed: Broadleaf deciduous and needleleaf evergreen trees - M Rainforest Altitudinal Zone Conserve Resources, Manage Ecological Relationships, Diversify, Empower People, Manage Whole Systems Chris Bley from studies by Steve Gliessman

Cajete Terrace agroecosystems have been in place for three thousand years in hillside regions in Tlaxcala, Mexico. These rainfed Corn-Bean-Squash agroecosystems must survive several adverse conditions to be successful; food is grown on steep erosion prone slopes and rainfall is concentrated between May and September and often occurs in sudden downpours. Archaeological evidence shows that settlements in the Tlaxcala area used sloping terraces to slow runoff from rainfall and prevent soil erosion. Sloping terraces feed excess water into tanks (cajetes) which are storage catches for water which would not otherwise be absorbed into the soil. Water collected inside cajetes slowly percolates into the surrounding soils after the rain has ended. Eroded soils are also trapped inside of the cajetes, preventing soil loss down the slope. Nutrient rich soils inside of the cajetes are later gathered and distributed into the fields.

The success of the cajete/terrace complex can be judged primarily by its longevity, but the use and maintenance of the cajetes has been gradually declining. Farmers attribute this decline to the rising cost of labor, but there are also socioeconomic factors. Many of the farmer's children have left the rural farm for higher paying jobs thus leaving the cajetes in disrepair. Success in the traditional system can also be seen in the problems that are found in government modernization projects in the Tlaxcala region. Increased incidence of erosion are evident in traditional farming where tractors have entered the fields, filled in the cajetes, and disrupted the complicated canal system which maintained the water runoff. Tractors are not solely to be blamed for examples such as this, but rather the attempt to modernize or improve farming practices without looking at existing well established practices first.

Conserve Resources The cajete/terrace complex slows the rate of intense rainfall runoff which often comes in bursts, thereby minimizing erosion while conserving water. After rainfall events, the cajete enables captured water to

slowly percolate into the fields making for an efficient irrigation system. Manage Ecological Relationships Cajetes trap concentrated nutrients and soils eroded from fields and leaf litter from border plants are trapped in cajetes as well, producing compost pits that are periodically emptied and to recycle nutrients back to the fields. Diversify By creating cajetes along hillslopes, landscapes are diversified in a form of contour tillage. Empower People Evidence of canals in association with terraces dating back to 1000 B.C. shows that indigenous knowledge has evolved into a sophisticated system of water and soil management which does not degrade the agroecosystem. Manage Whole Systems By building cajetes within agroecosystems, the hydrology of landscapes is modified to conserve soil and water, enhancing nutrient cycling and water availability for crops.

Mountjoy, D.C., and S.R. Gliessman. 1988. Traditional management of a hillside agroecosystem in Tlaxcala, Mexico: An ecologically based maintenance system. American Journal of Alternative Agriculture. 3:-10.

Corn-Bean-Squash Intercrop in Mexico

Overview Scale Location Elevation Climate Agricultural Region Population Density Principal Crops Domestic Animals Soils Natural Vegetation Ecoregion Basic Principles addressed Page Author and Date

Corn (maize), Bean and Squash polyculture cropping system field, subsistence farm, collective, village, township, local region Tabasco, Mexico (21.5N, 103.0W) 1500 to 3000 meters Undifferentiated Highlands (H - G.T. Trewartha) Subsistence Crop and Livestock Farming - (K) 10 - 25 persons / square kilometer Maize (Zea mays), Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), Squash (Cucurbita sp.) n/a Mountain Soils, ustic great groups of Alfisols, Entisols, Inceptisols, Mollisols and Ultisols Needleleaf evergreen trees, growth singly or in groups or patches (Ep) Tropical/Subtropical Steppe Altitudinal Zone Use Renewable Resources, Conserve resources, Manage Ecological Relationships, Diversify, Empower People, Maximize Long-Term Benefits Chris Bley from studies by Steve Gliessman

A polyculture of maize, beans and squash are planted together in the same cropping system. This system has many mutually beneficial effects, including allelopathic inhibition of weed growth, nitrogen fixation and increased resistance to insects and disease, which are shown to dramatically reduce the need for outside inputs and increase the overall output.

Successful intercropping system of maize, beans and squash is seen primarily in the tropics where a high percentage of agricultural production is still grown in polyculture mixtures. As many farmers are unable to afford inputs, they have adapted low input, high yield strategies such as corn-bean-squash intercropping. The results of a series of studies has shown that maize yields in corn-bean-squash intercrops can be increased by as much as 50% over monoculture yields. Although the yield for the two other crops was reduced dramatically, the overall yield for the three combined crops was greater than if they were grown separately in monocultures.

Use Renewable Resources Beans in this polyculture nodulate more, increasing biological nitrogen fixation and supplying nitrogen to the maize. Conserve Resources Planting at the beginning of the rainy season reduces dependence on off-farm water sources. Manage Ecological Relationships The presence of squash leaves helps manage pests, diseases, and weeds, while beneficial biota are enhanced in the soil by mycorrhizal fungi interconnecting the root systems. Intercropping also promotes beneficial insects and deters herbivorous insects. Diversify

By using polycultures, biodiversity is increased. Empower People Using indigenous knowledge passes these traditional farming techniques from generation to generation.

Pre-Hispanic Raised Field Systems in the Quintana Roo, Mexico

Overview

Remnants of ancient canals and raised beds in the lowlands of Quintana Roo, Mexico demonstrate techniques of wetland farming that were sustained for more than 1000 years. farm, subsistence farm, community, watershed Bajo Morocoy, Southeastern Quintana Roo, Mexico (18.1N, 88.5W) 0 to 150 meters Tropical savanna climate; with wet and dry seasons (Aw) Rudimental Sedentary Cultivation (D) Under 1 person / square kilometer (at current time) Current: Rice (Oryza sativa), Maize (Zea mays); Suspected Mayan Crops: Maize (Zea mays), Cotton, (Gossypium sp.) none Mollisols, Tendolls, formed on highly calcareous parent materials (M3)

Scale Location Elevation Climate Agricultural Region Population Density

Principal Crops Domestic Animals Soils

Natural Vegetation Ecoregion

Broadleaf evergreen trees (B) Rainforest Province, constantly humid, broadleaf evergreen forest (Tr3) Use Renewable Resources, Conserve Resources, Manage Ecological Relationships, Adjust to Local Environments, Empower People, Manage Whole Systems, Maximize Long-Term Benefits Chris Bley from studies by Steve Gliessman

Basic Principles addressed

Page Author and Date

From 800 BC to 200 AD, a vast wetland-based agroecosystem was managed in southeastern Mexico using canals, raised beds (platforms), and other water management structures that occupied nearly 20,000 hectares. These structures evidence several strategies used by prehispanic Maya of the Yucatan Peninsula to cultivate in conditions of excess water, caused by annual precipitation averaging 2,000 mm of which 76% occurs between May and October. By analyzing the remains of these canal and platform systems, scientists have deduced strategies for their use. Mayans excavated canals down to the bottom of the topsoil layers and formed platforms by mounding the removed soil to create planting surfaces between the canals. Soils eroded from platforms included organic materials that slowly filled canals. It is not known exactly what types of crops were planted in this system due to quick plant decomposition in the tropics, but work in other regions suggests maize and cotton were important crops.

Many agroecosystems are situated in wetlands or regions that are periodically flooded during a wet season. Management of these wetland systems requires limiting water in times of inundation and extending the cropping season in times of draught. Much can be learned from prehistoric wetland based agroecosystem management and the current indigenous farming techniques in wetland areas of Mexico that were most likely handed down from Mayan ancestors. Periodic cleaning of canals returns rich soils to the planting platforms, and soil studies demonstrate that nitrogen levels were highest on the platforms and dropped off rapidly with increased depth. Maize yields are over four times greater in these traditional indigenous farming systems compared to adjacent fields that have been cleared, drained and farmed using modern techniques.

Use Renewable Resources

Crop and non-crop residues are left on the soil surface and recycled as fertilizer for the following crop. Conserve Resources Efficient irrigation systems conserve water, enabling Mayans and their ancestors in wetland regions to produce food where otherwise impossible. Use of local varieties of seeds conserves genetic resources. Manage Ecological Relationships Soil nutrients are recycled from canal bottoms and returned to the raised platforms. After harvest, maize stalks are left on the soil to recycle nutrients and organic materials. Adjust to Local Environments Strategies such as raised beds and canals adapt farming systems to the physical limitations of the farm landscape. Empower People Farmers in lowland regions of Mexico use indigenous knowledge handed down from generation to generation. Manage Whole Systems By harvesting and recycling sediments, aquatic systems are kept clear of sediment accretion while maintaining fertility of raised beds, managing nutrients across entire landscapes. Maximize Long-Term Benefits Raised bed and canal systems have proven to be long-term strategies of farming, sustaining productivity under continuous use for more than 1000 years.

A soil profile through a raised bed

"Milpa" Agroecosystems in Yucatan, Mexico

Overview

Milpa in Yucatan is an intercropping system of corn, beans, lima beans and squash that is managed through slash and burn with fallow periods and the use of mulch.

Scale Location Elevation Climate Agricultural Region Population Density Principal Crops Domestic Animals Soils Natural Vegetation Ecoregion Basic Principles addressed Page Author and Date

Subsistence agriculture, region and corn-growing community Yucatan, Mexico, 19.2- 21.6N, 87.5- 90.5W 0 to 150 meters Tropical savanna climate; with wet and dry seasons (Aw- G.T. Trewartha) Rudimental Sedentary Cultivation - (D); Plantation Agriculture - (G) <25 persons / square kilometer Corn (Zea mays), Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), Lima Bean (Phaseolus lunatus), Squash (Cucurbita spp), Chile Pepper (Capsicum spp) none Rendolls (M3) formed on highly calcareous parent materials (Rendzina) [Karst, Litosoles y Rendzina] Broadleaf deciduous, shrubform, minimum height 3 feet (Ds) Savanna Province (Tr1) Minimize Toxics, Conserve Resources, Manage Ecological Relationships, Diversify, Empower People Luis M. Arias R. with information from IPGRI-IDRCCINVESTAV Merida, 1999.

The "Milpa" system is a traditional intercropping system of corn, lima bean, common bean, and squash. Present day Mayan farmers cultivate this intercropping system through the practice of slash and burn together with small plots of other vegetable crops such as chiles. Corn, beans, squash and chile from "milpa" systems are produced as well as consumed locally, and constitute the essential staple crops for local and regional food consumption needs. The milpa cycle involves two years of cultivation and eight years of fallow, or secondary growth, to allow for natural regeneration of vegetation. As long as this rotation continues without shortening fallow periods, the system can be sustained indefinitely.

The system of rotation of agricultural plots in the slash-and-burn system allows for the regeneration of secondary vegetation; creating ecosystems that are favorable for traditional forest management and subsistence hunting. Nevertheless, demographic pressures and rural development policies are promoting the increased use of agrochemicals and have reduced the agricultural productivity of this system. Comparisons of genetic diversity of crops grown by communities practicing milpa versus those that have modernized agriculture with mechanization, agrochemicals and improved varieties show that traditional milpa systems conserve genetic diversity resources in situ while agricultural modernization erodes them.

Minimize Toxics Milpa systems make minimal use of toxic agrochemicals that are now promoted by government development programs. Conserve Resources Traditional landraces are sustained by Milpa systems, conserving crop genetic resources. Manage Ecological Relationships The intercropping association of corn-beans-squash increases biological N fixation and the biological control of insects and disease. Fallow and mulching periods in Milpa systems are adjusted to manage productive potential, with longer fallow periods increasing biomass production and nutrient recycling that boosts crop yields after cultivating fallow areas.

Diversify Crop genetic diversity is high in communities using milpa systems, with more than fifteen local varieties of corn, five of bean, three of squash and six of chile. Fallow areas of the milpa are habitat for birds and small mammals, conserving natural biodiversity and creating diverse landscapes. Milpa systems provide for the varied needs of entire farming community, including subsistence food crops, forage crops (squash pulp), rural construction materials, fuel-wood, flowering plants and secondary vegetation for apiculture, and animals that may be hunted. Empower People Using traditional Milpa systems conserves local knowledge, enables farmers to control their genetic resources, and provides for local subsistence food production.

Milpa plot

Related Publications: Arias, L. 1995, La milpa en Yaxcaba, Yucatan, en: Hernandez X., E. Bello y S. Levy, La produccion de la milpa en Yucatan, Colegio de Postgraduados, Montecillos, Mexico.

Using Weed Borders to Manage Insect Pests in California Cauliflower Fields

Overview Scale Location Elevation Climate Agricultural Region Population Density Principal Crops Domestic Animals Soils

Weed borders are used in an agroecosystem to attract insects, facilitating colonization in the adjacent cauliflower crop. field, patch, local region Santa Cruz, California, USA (36.6N, 122.0W) 0 to 150 meters Mediterranean or Dry Summer Subtropical (Cs) Mediterranean Agriculture - H >35 persons / square kilometer Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis L.) none Specific: Sandy loam General: Mountain Soils - Xeric great group of Alfisols, Entisols, Inceptisols, Mollisols and Ultisols (X5) Needleleaf evergreen trees (E), Douglas fir- Redwood (29) Mediterranean Province (H11) Use Renewable Resources, Minimize Toxics, Manage Ecological Relationships, Diversify, Maximize LongTerm Benefits Chris Bley from studies by Steve Gliessman

Natural Vegetation Ecoregion Basic Principles addressed Page Author and Date

In a study undertaken in Santa Cruz, California, three types of half meter weed border strips were used to attract insects to cauliflower fields: 1) wild mustard (Brassica campestris) and radish (Raphanus sativus), 2) acorn spurry (Spergula arvensis) and 3) lamb's-quarters (chenopodium album). Insect populations that were attracted to and colonized the cauliflower field, both pests and beneficials, were then measured. Lamb's-quarters borders reduced the occurrence of two pests dramatically, the cabbage looper and flea beetle. The opposite was true of the mustard and radish border which attracted the cabbage looper and flea beetle, but which also attracted the greatest number of beneficial parasitoids, increasing parasitization of aphids on the cauliflower crop.

Populations of both harmful and beneficial insects are greatly affected by insecticide applications, reducing the role of insects in agroecosystems. Because monocultures attract insect pests, these pests have few predators in sprayed fields, so that pests must be killed with insecticides. Results from this study indicate that weed borders can help attract beneficial predatory insects to agroecosystems, giving organic farmers some degree of control over pest populations. In some cases these border strips can also repel pests, thereby slowing, delaying, or even preventing their arrival in the field while the plant is vulnerable.

Use Renewable Resources Planting weed borders attracts beneficial insects as an alternative to purchased insecticides, eliminating non-renewable off-farm inputs. Minimize Toxics Controlling insect pests with weed borders reduces or eliminates the use of materials that have the potential to harm the environment the health of farmers, farm workers, or the consumer. Manage Ecological Relationships Using weed borders to attract beneficial insects helps to manage pests instead of "controlling" them. Diversify

Biodiversity is increased in agroecosystems by attracting insects with weed border plants. Maximize Long-Term Benefits The use of weed borders incorporates long-term sustainability into overall agroecosystem design and management.

Ruiz-Rosado, O. 1984. Effects of weed borders on the dynamics of insect communities in a cauliflower agroecosystem. M.A. Thesis, University of California, Santa Cruz.

Adoption Process of Agroecological Alternatives in a "Campesinos" Farming System in Yucatan, Mexico

Overview

Green manures and cover crops, IPM, manuring, agroforestry and organic horticulture alternatives are developed, tested and transferred through participatory adoption processes with farmers. Field, household, subsistence farm, organization, collective, village, local region, bioregion Sisal and Southern Yucatan zones (Merida, Sahcaba, Hocaba, Hunucma, Tekit, Mani, and other communities) (88-90.1 W, 20.1- 21N) 0 to 152.5 meters Tropical Steppe and dry forest with coolest month 18 C (BSh) up north, and Tropical Savanna and forest with dry season in winter (Aw) down south. Plantation agriculture (G) up north, Rudimental sedentary cultivation (D) down south; and Shifting cultivation (C) spread all over the region.

Scale

Location Elevation Climate

Agricultural Region

Population Density

From 1-10 persons / square kilometer, up to 25-50 persons / square kilometer in the gradients south to north of the state. Improved Milpa: Maize (Zea mays), Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris, P. lunatus, Vigna unguiculata), Squashes (Cucurbita pepo, C. moschata, C. maxima) and Velvetbean (Mucuna deeringiana); Organic Horticulture: Tomato (Lycopersicum sculentum), Chili (Capsicum capsici), Watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris), Cucumber, Melon, Radish, Coriander, Lettuce (Lactuca sativa); Agroforestry systems: Ramon (Brosimum alicastrum), Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala), Star grass (Cynodon nlemfuensis), Taiwan (Pennisetum purpureum), Guinea (Pannicum maximum) Plantations: Sisal (Agave fourcroydes), Papaya (Carica papaya), Orange (Citrus aurantifolia), Lemon (Citrus lemon), Aloe (Aloe vera) Homegarden: Chickens (Avis spp.), Turkeys, Pigs, and Cattle (Bos indicus) Agroforestry Systems: Goats and Sheep Mollisols (soils of the steppe with thick, black organic rich surface horizons and high base cation supply); Rendolls (M3) formed on highly calcareous parent materials (Rendzina). Broadleaf deciduous, with shrubs forms with minimum height of 3 feet (Ds) up north; and Semideciduous, with broadleaf evergreen and broadleaf deciduous trees (S) down south. Savanna province, with seasonally dry forest, open woodland and tall grass (Tr1) up north; and Rainforest province, constantly humid, with broadleaf, evergreen forest (Tr3) down south. Use Renewable Resources, Minimize Toxics, Conserve Resources, Manage Ecological Relationships, Adjust to Local Environments, Diversify, Empower People, Manage Whole Systems, Maximize Long-Term Benefits, Value Health

Principal Crops

Domestic Animals

Soils

Natural Vegetation

Ecoregion

Basic Principles addressed

Page Author and Date

Adrian Javier Lopez Perez, 2001

Integration of agroecological alternatives such as: green manure and cover crops based systems (largely based on use of legumes, intercropping, minimum tillage, rotations, mulch management, improved local and introduced varieties), agroforestry systems (based on goats and sheeps managed under fodder, firewood, fruits and timber trees, and grasses), organic intensified horticultural systems (using integrated pest mangement (IPM), rotations, improved "ka'anche", composting, and intercropping), and intensive production of local landraces (such as "cashpelona" chickens); and the spreading out of different agroecological practices, technologies and managements such as: IPM, composting and fertility management, water management (rope's pumping), and biodiversity management (intercropping, mixed farming and rotations).

About the agroecological alternatives: some keys for the success have been starting from knowledge of traditional agricultural systems and the environment, diversification, use of local resources, use of local landraces, recovering of local varieties, intercropping and rotation schemes, improving fertility with localinternal improved inputs, synchronization of nutrient fertility and availability with the improvement of soil life and organic matter as well as water (through mulch and soil management, sowing dates, and intercropping patterns), use of plant-plant and plant-insect positive interactions as base for IPM plans, and further integration of animals with crop products and byproducts. About the strategy: Agroecological alternatives are developed, tested and transferred through participatory farmers' adoption processes through schemes such as farmer to farmer, farmers' experimentation, farmers' field schools, training centers for farmers, "campesinos" local promoters, and microcredit systems. Encouraging knowledge and learning based alternatives (including farmers in research, development, design, testing, training, promotion and extension of the alternatives) is the best path for sustainability of adoption processes and rural development.

Use Renewable Resources Highly labor based systems with low use of fossil energy, relying mostly on highly efficient cultural management practices. Minimize Toxics Low application of agrochemicals in the agroecosystems, inoculants, plant regulation substances, and

chemical fertilizers to the land. Conserve Resources Efficient management of water and diversification with native landraces. Manage Ecological Relationships Intercropping of green manure and cover cropping legumes with maize. Adjust to Local Environments Diversification of milpa according to soils heterogeneity and topography, under rainfed conditions. Diversify Intercropping and more intensive rotations with local native landraces and some highly adapted introduced species and varieties of crops allow farmers increase the agrobiodiversity at different scales (farm, community, landscape and region), while respecting the forest at the same time. Empower People Include local people in the decision making process, through the use of highly extended participatory training processes, encouraging networks of "campesinos" promoters directly linked to local farmers, and encouraging microcredit schemes. Manage Whole Systems Integration of products and byproducts of green manure and cover crops based on milpa systems with animals feeding in agroforestry systems and using residues from both for producing enriched compost allows farmers better maneuvering capacities to manage their farming systems though resources allocation, low external inputs use, and improved rotations and intercropping schemes. Maximize Long-Term Benefits Green manure, cover cropping, and agroforestry systems are the best examples of obtaining long-term based benefits with higher returns to labor, capital, and land after some years of adoption, and have proven to do better as compared with their best competitive conventional alternatives. Value Health Low use of agrochemicals, by reducing the frequency and quantity of sprayings of herbicides and pesticides will largely improve the health safety for farmers in the region.

(no photo available) Overview Scale Location Elevation Climate Agricultural Region Population Density Principal Crops Domestic Animals Soils Natural Vegetation Ecoregion Basic Principles addressed Page Author and Date

Zapopano Maize Agrecosystem In this agroecosystem, we will transition to sustainable agriculture. The zapopan valley has mainly subsistence farm. Production is for the local market, the EJIDO, and rural owners. It is located in Jalisco state near to Guadalara city. The latitude is 20 42` N and altitude of 100 23). It is 1750 m above sea level. Tropical Savanna (Aw) Cooler uplands stippled. G (Plantation agriculture). unknown Corn (Zea mayz), Sorghum (Sorgum vulgare), Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), Star grass (Cynodon plectostachyus). cows, horses, chickens, some pigs. Arididols (Pedogonic horizons lower in organic matter and dry > 6 mo. of the year (Desert and Reddish Desert *) Salts may accumulated on or near surface. Argids D2 with horizons of clay accumulation. Broadleaf evergreen, shrubform minimum height 3 feet, growth singly or in groups or patches. D2 Tropical Subtropical Steppe Altitudinal Zone (Upland steppe and desert shrub). Use Renewable Resources, Minimize Toxics, Conserve Resources, Manage Ecological Relationships, Value Health MC Santiago Sanchez Preciado, 2001

The zapopano corn system originated in the 1960s with a government program called Plan Jalisco which had the intention of raising the yield of corn. For this, before the harvest the corn plant was cut, then it was doubled over so that later the harvest could be done by hand. When the weeds present at this time began to flower, they were incorporated with machinery, permitting the decomposition of the weeds in the soil and incorporating the organic matter. It is very common in this region that some rains occur in the months of December and January, called "cabauelas", which allowed the soil to conserve this moisture due to its content of organic matter. In addition this moisture was trapped with a light cultivation. With the use of new technologies that the producers have adopteded (principally the use of herbicides, fertilizers, and mechanical harvesting) the traditional practices were discarded. This contibuted to raising the cost of production, contamination of the environment, and reduction in the amount of organic material and the fertility of the soil. Due to the loss of price supports that had been given by the government, which had kept them above international prices, corn production no longer was profitable. The latter bound the farmer to recover traditional practices in order to reduce the cost of inputs. The government has implemented programs to recover the fertililty of the soil through the use of compost developed from waste and vermicompost, organic fertilizer, and in some cases biofertilizers. Also, the use of biological control of insects such as Trichrograma and Crisoperla.

The most important aspects of this agroecosystem are: first, that the farmer did not believe that his production was sustainable by using expensive inputs to raise yields. The average yield when this agroecosystem study began was was 1200 kl/ha. With traditional management systems the yield was raised to 2200kl/ha. With the use of conventional technologies an average yield was between 1300 y 1500 kl/ha. With this type of production it was not possible to make earnings due to the fact that the costs of inputs fluctuate (there is no set price). There were farmers who obtained yields above 6000 kl/ha in the conventional system but they are not represenative of the majority. It is it the farmers who convinced themselves that they needed to reduce the costs of production and to make sustainable their main acitivity which is farming. The high levels of pesticides and fertilizers of which they apply upwards of 240 kl of nitrogen,120 kl of phosphorus, and in same cases 60 kl of potassium, caused problems with acidity and soil contamination. To recover agroecological practices in the production of corn in this region would help us to reach a sustainable agriculture.

Use Renewable Resources The use of organic fertilizer and compost are sources of renewable energy that promote the fixation of nitrogen in a natural form, in place of synthetic inputs. Besides that on many occasions they are recycled on the farm. Minimize Toxics The use of fewer chemical products minimizes the toxicity in the soil, the environment, and in plants.

Conserve Resources Adequately manage soil and water resources by the use of organic material, a readily available input. Manage Ecological Relationships A key aspect that has helped in the implementation of agroecological practices is the reduction in costs of production, which helps the farmers get a greater profit from the agroecosystem. This is done by the release of beneficical insects such as trichograma to control cogollero y crisoperla to control rizofagas. Value Health For the future it is necessary and must be a permanenet obligation of the famers to care for and reduce risks in the health of people, animals, and the environment, and to achieve sustainable development in the region.