Objectives

To reflect on the function and importance of agroecology in integrated agroecosystems, and its effect on the structure, functioning and efficient use of the resources of such system.

Materials and Methods

The available literature on the fields of ecology, agricultural sciences and agroecology was consulted and analyzed, in order to establish the scientific bases, definitions and state-of-the-art in the studies and the results related to conventional and integrated (agriculture-animal husbandry) systems and to agroecology.

Results

It was observed that the integration of animals and crops in integrated agriculture-animal husbandry systems generates synergies that enhance the productive capacities of such systems, in addition to allowing the reduction of vulnerability to agricultural pests, decreasing the dependence on external inputs and capital requirements, and increasing the efficiency of land use.

Conclusions

The application of agroecological approaches contributes to the sustainable intensification of food production and to the solution of many problems, related to adverse environmental effects and to the low productivity and efficiency that still prevail in specialized systems.

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