Agroecology of Edible Weeds and Non-Crop Plants

English | 2025 | PDF | 9 MB | 320 Pages

Roland Ebel, Fabian Menalled, 0443160767, 0443160775, 9780443160776, 978-0443160776, 9780443160769, 978-0443160769, 978-0-443-16076-9

Agroecology of Edible Weeds and Non-Crops: Ecology and Socio-Economic Potential of Plant Biodiversity is the first book to move beyond the ethnobotanical aspect of under-utilized non crops to explore how to optimize their potential. 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. The book includes much needed information for identifying, maintaining, and benefitting from these plant species. It is ideal for agricultural professionals, educators, researchers, and students.

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.

• 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