The field system

Abstract

The most fundamental socio-ecological system through which humans interact with the biosphere is the field system. The field system comprises both biotic and abiotic components that interact with physical elements such as sunlight and temperature through biogeochemical cycles and ecological processes. With human intervention, field systems produce food and other useful resources that are a large part of the economy and the daily lives of humans. For this reason, it is very important that field managers and law-makers pay close attention to the efficiency, productivity, integrity, and resilience of the field system.