Citation. Figala, J.; Tester, J. R. 1990. Chronobiology and agroecosystems. Pages 793-807 in D. K. Hayes, J. E. Pauly and R. J. Reiter, eds., Chronobiology: Its Role in Clinical Medicine, General Biology, and Agriculture. Part B. Wiley-Liss, Inc.   [1047  LTER]

Introduction. In the last four decades agroecosystems in many parts of the world have changed rapidly. In brief, field units have become larger and "green island" habitats in many fields have been removed. Marshes, swamps and other wetlands have been drained and fields have been tilled with larger and heavier machinery. Use of chemicals as fertilizers and pesticides has increased markedly, resulting in increased chemical residuals in food products and in the soil. Changes in managment practices and increased use of chemicals have caused interruptions in food chains and food webs, resulting in the disappearance of many plant and animal species. These changes in agroecosystems have contributed to destabilization and decrease in the diversity of native plants and animals.

Keywords. chronobiology, agroecosystems, destabilization, ducks