agroecology

noun

ag·​ro·​ecol·​o·​gy ˌa-grō-ē-ˈkä-lə-jē How to pronounce agroecology (audio)
-i-ˈkä-,
-e-ˈkä-
: an ecological approach to agriculture that views agricultural areas as ecosystems and is concerned with the ecological impact of agricultural practices
agroecological adjective

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web McClelland studied agroecology in college, but says that the theoretical classroom work barely prepared her for the rigors of the real thing. Chris Moody, Anchorage Daily News, 16 May 2023 For example, switching away from industrial farming to more sustainable methods – such as agroecology or agroforestry, increasing soil carbon content through the use of cover crops, and promoting soil health by reducing the use of chemical fertilisers. Quora, Forbes, 15 June 2022 Some of those who took part are engaged in a type of farming called agroecology. Moises Velasquez-manoff, New York Times, 8 Nov. 2022 The one-day summit focused on four major topics: protecting terrestrial and marine ecosystems; promoting agroecology, a more sustainable way to grow food; increasing funding to protect biodiversity; and identifying links between deforestation and the health of humans and animals. Sylvie Corbet, Star Tribune, 11 Jan. 2021 Two years ago, a landmark report by the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food demonstrated that agroecology based on sustainable, small-scale, organic methods could potentially double food production in entire regions facing persistent hunger, over five to 10 years. Keith Kloor, Discover Magazine, 20 Dec. 2013 Starting with 30 farmers, the SFHC now works with more than 6,000 people across 200 villages to promote agroecology. Raj Patel, Scientific American, 22 Sep. 2021 But there is one broadly applicable recommendation, according to John Reganold, a professor of soil science and agroecology at Washington State University: Increase organic matter in the soil. Moises Velasquez-manoff, New York Times, 8 Nov. 2022 That’s what is keeping family farming and agroecology alive in Brazil. Ashoka, Forbes, 2 May 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'agroecology.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

agro- + ecology

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of agroecology was in 1967

Dictionary Entries Near agroecology

Cite this Entry

“Agroecology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/agroecology. Accessed 6 Jun. 2023.

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