Theoretical Aspects of Agrogeography

Abstract

This article discusses basic paradigms and definitions of agrogeography (agrolandscape research), a science that studies the processes of the emergence, development, and functioning of agrosystems—geocomplexes transformed by anthropogenic agricultural activities. The main distinctions of this science from other geosystem and agronomic disciplines are outlined. In analyzing the published data and in-house study results, the geosystem, phytocentric, and hierarchical principles of the functioning of agrogeosystems have been established. Much attention is paid to theoretical issues of the substantiation of the geosystem character of natural agricultural formations. The main thesis of agrogeography has been established, stating that the essence of agrolandscape processes can be disclosed only through studying adaptive reactions of cultural and wild plants to the landscape conditions of a territory. The significance of agrogeography for the development of modern agricultural environmentally adapted production has been determined. Agrolandscape research as a complex agricultural science can also solve general problems of environmental engineering.