Agroecology of Edible Weeds and Non-Crop Plants

Ecology and Socioeconomic Potential of the Associated Plant Biodiversity

Roland Ebel, Fabian Menalled

• Publisher: Academic Press
• Year: 2024
• Topic: Technology & Engineering
• eBook ISBN:
  9780443160776
• Subtopic: Environmental Science
• Index: Technology & Engineering

Agroecology of Edible Weeds and Non-Crops: Ecological and Socio-Economic Potential of the Associated Biodiversity is the first book to move beyond the ethnobotanical aspect of under-utilized non crops to explore how to optimize their potential. Those interested in increasing the diversity of the farming landscape and food systems by means of edible non-crop plants have access to a plethora of information on the ethnobotany of these species. Yet little to no information exists on the agroecological requirements and potential benefits of underutilized edible non-crop plants in the context of sustainable farming systems. This book fills that knowledge gap from identifying edible weeds and non-crop plants, to exploring the ways these plants can be used to economically improve nutrition. With case studies of edible weeds and non-crop plants from around the world, including Europe and North America, in urban as well as rural settings, the book highlights the global opportunities provided by these plants. Agroecology of Edible Weeds and Non-Crops includes much needed information for identifying, maintaining and benefitting from these plant species. It is ideal for agricultural professionals, educators, researchers, and students - Evaluates ecological processes underpinning the abundance and diversity of edible non-crop plants - Assesses ecological benefits of these species within agroecosystems - Identifies socioeconomic barriers and incentives in exploiting consumable agricultural biodiversity - Highlights real-world insights through case studies

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title page
• Table of Contents
• Copyright
• Contents
• List of contributors
• About the authors
• Foreword by Miguel Altieri
• Introduction: Edible weeds. A need for an agroecological perspective
• List of Illustrations
• List of Tables
• Chapter 1 : Ecological principles in the study of edible weeds
• Chapter 2 : Are we fighting our coevolutionary partners?
• Chapter 3 : Developing ecological and socioeconomic criteria to diversify weed use for food
• Chapter 4 : Impacts of edible weeds on other components of the associated biodiversity
• Chapter 5 : Edible weeds as crops
• Chapter 6 : Edible weeds as a component of a resilient food system
• Chapter 7 : Weeds as a social construct
• Chapter 8 : The economy of edible weeds: evidence and conceptual framework
• Chapter 9 : Teaching edible weeds in higher education: examples from Montana State University’s sustainable food systems program
• Chapter 10 : Edible exotic weeds for food security and food sovereignty in NW Patagonia
• Chapter 11 : “Quelites”: the culture of edible weeds in Mexico
• Chapter 12 : Descurainia sophia (flixweed): a weed with many uses and ecological roles
• Chapter 13 : Itajetik: Agroecology and food culture of edible noncrop plants of the Tseltal Maya in northern Chiapas
• Chapter 14 : Food beyond the farm: significance of noncrop plants and mushrooms for food security of highland farming communities in Veracruz, Mexico
• Chapter 15 : Agroecology of edible weeds in India
• Chapter 16 : Epilogue: Harnessing the diversity of our fields. Lessons that edible weeds can teach us
• Index
• A