University of Illinois: Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture

Research in sustainable agriculture and agroecology is applied in nature and often relies on participatory methods that engage the farmers, community and business groups, or consumers. Related research draws on our strengths in soil, water, and microbial sciences to apply ecological principles to solve problems in agriculture and to determine how farming methods and conservation practices influence ecosystem services, disease-pest-antibiotic resistance, and climate mitigation. NRES faculty develop management tools such as soil tests and sustainability certification strategies for food and bio-energy systems. We apply geospatial analysis and modeling tools to understand the influence of farming systems on wildlife, biodiversity, water, and wetlands. Our strengths in geography, policy and psychology allow us to explore interactions between agricultural practices and the socio-technical factors (eg: legal frameworks, policy and social and business networks) that determine sustainability.