What aspect of plant demographics have agronomists been able to use successfully in their quest for improved crop yields, but which has sacrificed overall agroecosystem sustainability? What changes would you make in the research agenda of agronomists in order to correct this problem?

The aspect of plant demographics that agronomists have used successfully to improve crop yields is the selection and breeding of high-yielding varieties. They do this through genetic modification and hybridization.

Although high-yielding varieties have led to an increase in crop production, they have had a negative impact on overall agroecosystem sustainability. Some consequences include decreased genetic diversity, reduced soil fertility, water pollution from excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and susceptibility to pests and diseases.

1. Focus on agroecological approaches: Research should prioritize sustainable agricultural practices that are based on ecological processes and focus on soil health, biodiversity conservation, and efficient use of resources. 2. Promote crop diversity: Instead of focusing solely on high-yielding varieties, agronomists should promote research on diverse crop varieties that can adapt and thrive in various environmental conditions and are resistant to pests and diseases. 3. Develop Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies: Agronomists should work on developing IPM strategies that minimize the use of chemical pesticides and prioritize biological controls and ecological approaches to reduce pesticide-related issues. 4. Encourage intercropping and agroforestry practices: Research should focus on developing innovative cropping systems that integrate different plant species to enhance agroecosystem services and support sustainable agriculture. 5. Improve nutrient management: Researchers should work on optimizing the use of nutrients, recycling organic waste and exploring innovative alternatives for synthetic chemical fertilizers such as biological nitrogen fixation and organic fertilizers. By adopting the suggested changes in research, agronomists can help ensure increased crop production while simultaneously preserving agroecosystem sustainability.