PrintModule 6: Crops
Introduction
Agroecosystems are coupled Human-Nature Systems that are shaped by ecological and human socioeconomic factors.
Agricultural practices that humans use are determined by multiple agroecological factors including climate, soil, native organisms, and human socioeconomic factors. Usually, climate and soil resources are the most significant natural factors that determine the crops and livestock that humans produce. Although in some cases, to overcome climate and soil limitations, humans alter the environment with technology (ex. irrigation or greenhouses) to expand the range of food and fiber crops that they can produce. In this module, we will explore how climate and soil influence crop plant selection; crop plant characteristics and classifications; and some socioeconomic factors that influence the crops that humans chose to grow.