This publication contains
the proceedings of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA)/FAO
International Technical Workshop on Biological Management of Soil Ecosystems
for Sustainable Agriculture, which was held at EMBRAPA-Soybean headquarters
in Londrina, Brazil, from 24 to 27 June 2002. The report includes a review of
current understanding and knowledge of the biological management of soil ecosystems
through a set of case studies from different production systems and socio-economic
conditions, in the areas of indicators and assessment of soil health, adaptive
management and innovative technologies.
A general discussion and review of lessons learned leading to the main recommendations
and further steps for the implementation of an International Soil Biodiversity
Initiative are also presented. The financial support was provided through the
agricultural biodiversity component of the FAO-Netherlands Partnership Programme.