| Course ID: | CRSS(HORT)(ANTH)(ECOL)(GEOG) 4930/6930. 3 hours. |
| Course Title: | Agroecology of Tropical America |
Course
Description: | Crops and cropping systems in tropical America; influences of geography, climate, and socioeconomic factors, as well as the impact of agriculture, on the ecosystems of the region.
|
| Oasis Title: | AGROECOLOGY TROP AM |
| Prerequisite: | Permission of department |
Semester Course
Offered: | Offered spring semester every year. |
| Grading System: | A-F (Traditional) |
|
| Course Objectives: | 1. Familiarize students with the ecological and agricultural systems of tropical
America, the major agricultural commodities produced there, and their interactions
with the economy and the environment of the region.
2. Link current developments in ecology, agronomy, horticulture and environmental
sciences with examples and experiences of their applications in tropical America. |
| Topical Outline: | Orientation
Field trip slide show and information
SECTION I: Defining the tropics
Tropical climate overview (Rieger)
• Meaning of the word “Tropic”
• Solar radiation, temperature, global circulation patterns
• Precipitation intensity, seasonality; wet/dry seasons
• Microclimates, environmental modification
• Temporal and spatial distribution of crop production in relation to climate
Tropical soils overview (Guest lectures, Dr. Larry West)
• Soil types, potential productivity
• Erosion, soil conservation
Tropical ecosystems (Sarmiento)
• Lowland rain forests
• Cloud forests
• Dry forests
• Savannah
Context of agriculture in tropical America (Sarmiento)
• Land tenure systems & their origin
• Farmer types and organizations
• Infrastructure
• Parks and conservation
• Quiz 1 to students
Reading & interpreting information- developing critical thinking skills (Guest
lecture, Dr, Michelle Momany)
Discussion # 1: Sustainability (Sarmiento; Guest speaker, Dr. Eugene Odum)
• Wes Jackson
• Dennis Avery
• Quiz 1 due
SECTION II: Tropical crop production systems
PreColumbian systems from (Parrott)
• Native crops
• Slash and burn
• Raised fields
• Terracing
• Maize
• Case study- Copán
Farming systems (Parrott)
• Plantations
• Small-plot farms
• Contract farming
• Case study -tobacco
Farm labor and demographics (Sarmiento)
Staple crops & the Green Revolution (Parrott)
Primer on pesticides & biotechnology (Rieger & Parrott)
Discussion # 2: Pesticide use in agriculture (Rieger)
SECTION III: Major tropical crops
Plantation Crops I - Shade Crops (Parrott)
• Cacao, coffee, & tea
Plantation Crops II - Intensely Managed Crops (Rieger)
• Sugarcane
• Banana
• Pineapple
• Quiz 2 to students
Plantation Crops III - Plantations vs. Extractive Economy (Parrott)
• Rubber & Oil Palm
• Chicle
Biogeography (Guest Lecture, Dr. Diana Lieberman)
• Quiz 2 due
• NOTE: $500 trip deposit due!!
• Last class before spring break
Orchard crops (Rieger)
• Fruits from the rainforest?
• Temperate fruits in tropical countries
• Major tropical fruits: Citrus, mango, papaya, avocado, date
Specialty Crops I (Rieger)
• Exotic fruits
• Flowers and ornamentals for export
Discussion # 3: Biotechnology (Parrott)
Specialty Crops II
• Medicinal plants (guest lecture, Dr. Jim Affolter)
• Forage/pasture/cattle (Parrott)
Forest plantations & Agroforestry (Sarmiento)
• Aquaculture (Guest lecture, Dr. Gary Burtle)
• Quiz 3 to students
Student oral presentations
• Quiz 3 due
Term Papers Due Last Day of Class, 5pm
Trip orientation (Parrott, Rieger) *Parents are encouraged to attend*
• Health and safety issues (e.g., immunization, foods, hygiene, first aid)
• Legal issues (passports, laws, insurance, signing of waivers)
• Travel tips and preparations (packing, money)
• Other (appropriate dress and behavior)
• Balance payment for the trip is due |