The Agricultural Systems Cluster (ASC) promotes integration and application of technology and agricultural sciences in the management and support of technical systems in agriculture. It draws its strength from the knowledge and expertise in farming systems, soil science, agricultural extension, and other agriculture-related disciplines. The ASC shall provide the important link to integrate human and agricultural resources and technologies, and extension approaches. This is envisioned to improve the overall agricultural productivity, stakeholders’ well-being, and the stability of agroecosystems.

Domain

The Agricultural Systems Cluster (ASC) covers instruction, research and extension and related activities in:

1. Integrated Farming Systems and Agricultural Extension

   It views farms and the food production system as an integrated whole, where a more efficient use can be made of natural, economic, and social resources. It covers the goals of finding and adopting methodologies for integrated and resource-efficient crop and livestock systems that maintain productivity, that are profitable, and that protect the environment and the personal health of farmers and their families as well as overcoming the barriers to adoption of more sustainable agricultural systems so these systems can serve as foundation upon which rural communities will be revitalized (adapted from Hesterman and Thorburn, 1994).

2. Soils and Agroecosystems

   The study of soil properties in combination with the interpretation of landforms, vegetation, climate and other aspects of land in order to evaluate the performance of existing land use, and identify and make comparison of promising kinds of agricultural systems in lowland, upland and hillyland agroecosystems (adapted from Beek, 1978).

Strategic Vision

A center of excellence in instruction, research, and extension in agricultural systems science, soil science, and agricultural extension to address the problems of agricultural communities and countryside development.