  == Possible Mischaracterization of Agroecology  ==  Under the heading, 'The science of agroecology,' we have:  Agroecologists study a variety of agroecosystems, and the field of agroecology is not associated with any one particular method of farming, whether it be organic, conventional, intensive or extensive. Furthermore, it is not defined by certain management practices, such as the use of natural enemies in place of insecticides, or polyculture in place of monoculture. Additionally, agroecologists do not unanimously oppose technology or inputs in agriculture but instead assess how, when, and if technology can be used in conjunction with natural, social and human assets[1].   These are important distinctions; organic-extensive-natural enemy-polyculture-low input-style agriculture was what I was attempting to look up and this is probably true for a good many other people who come to this entry on agroecology. Maybe it would be good to name the single topic that emphasizes these things...is there one? I'll admit for a little while I did think that was what agroecology was all about, as a matter of fact I am reading a textbook right now (Agroecology: Ecological Processes in Sustainable Agriculture by Stephen R. Gliessman, published 1998, Sleeping Bear Press) that explains agroecology as just this sort of thing you guys are saying it is not. What's the deal? Is there indeed a general consensus on the above quote and, if so, why the seemingly common misconception?   Help me out, thanks.   