Optimizing Agricultural Landscapes: Enhancing Yields and Sustainability through Ecological Intensification
Location: Beaty Museum Allan Yap Theatre (Basement, 2212 Main Mall). Please check in at front desk on main floor before going downstairs.
No food or drinks allowed in the Theatre.
Time: 12:30pm to 1:20pm
Click here to register for Zoom link.
Note: Lucas will be presenting virtually and we will stream the presentation in the Beaty Museum Allan Yap Theatre.
Talk summary:
This talk will explore the role of landscape configuration and ecological intensification in optimizing agricultural productivity and sustainability, drawing insights from recent studies across Argentina’s agricultural regions. Key findings demonstrate that smaller fields, increased edge density, and proximity to natural habitats not only enhance crop yields—such as sunflower in the Pampas—but also reduce the prevalence of herbicide-resistant weeds in maize and soybean fields. These results underscore the importance of integrating ecological principles into agricultural practices to foster biodiversity, improve pollination, and control weeds naturally. By rethinking landscape design and management, we can achieve a balance between high productivity and long-term environmental health, offering practical strategies for sustainable agriculture in diverse cropping systems.
Bio:
Lucas Alejandro Garibaldi is a researcher and educator specializing in agroecology, biodiversity, bees, and sustainable agricultural practices. He holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences and is the Director of the Institute for Research in Natural Resources, Agroecology, and Rural Development (IRNAD) at the National University of Río Negro, Argentina. Garibaldi has authored over 197 scientific articles and 11 books, with his work widely cited in the academic community. He is also an active contributor to international platforms like IPBES and has received numerous awards for his contributions to science and technology.
Thank you to Interdisciplinary Biodiversity Solutions Collaboratory (IBioS) for co-sponsoring this seminar!