College Honors Program

Date of Creation

5-5-2021

Document Type

Thesis

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Prof. Kelly Wolfe-Bellin

Abstract

Syntropic agriculture is a form of sustainable agriculture that originated in Brazil around 25 years ago. Although it has since spread throughout Brazil and Australia, there has yet to be a comprehensive study of the driving scientific principles behind syntropy. For my thesis, I conducted literature research and interviews with farmers, with the goal of describing the ecological principles on which syntropy is based, including its primary goal to improve soil health. Much of my thesis contrasted syntropic agriculture with conventional agriculture as practiced in the United States today, but I also explored the differences between syntropic agriculture and other forms of sustainable agriculture, as well as the current economic agricultural landscape in the United States. I wrote my thesis in the form of a blog, with weekly posts examining different aspects of syntropy, agricultural systems, and U.S. agricultural economics. By using the blog format, I aimed to make the information accessible for a non-scientific audience, using colloquial language and a casual tone. From my research, I conclude that syntropic agriculture could reasonably replace conventional farming as practiced in the United States today.

Download

Share

COinS