Analysis of Structure, Function and Diversity on Suburban Eco-agriculture

Urban Farm DB summary

This study tracked six years of dynamic change in agricultural structure, function, and diversity in Xiaodiantou Village, Gejiu City, Yunnan Province, China, as an example of suburban eco-agriculture. Results showed: (1) the structure shifted from a conventional, single food-production type to a commercial economic type combining hog raising, biogas, food crops, forestry, fruit, and vegetables; (2) economic benefit and the output-input value ratio increased gradually; (3) output of matter and energy increased with input, but the output-input ratio of energy and matter decreased when input became excessive; and (4) system diversity was closely related to structure and function, increasing as structure and function improved. Based on these findings, a measure for sustainable development was proposed.