Agrocenosis

artificially cultivated ecosystem (biogeocenosis), the basic functions of which (first of all, productivity) are maintained by a system of agronomical measures (ploughing, usage of fertilizers, chemical weed-killers and pest-killers, etc.). It differs from natural biogeocenosis by simplicity and, as a rule, by prevalence of cultural plants. Without support of a man, A. is quickly disintegrated, reverting to its natural state.