Agricultural landscapes (conservation + management)

Question 1

What is biodiversity in a farming environment?

Answer 1

It depends on the perspective, there are 3 (?) forms of biodiversity:

1. Production biodiversity, this is a diversity in the varieties and breeds that are planted
2. Associated biodiversity (wildlife), this includes the diversity of the wildlife that interacts with the crops and are necessary for production. (pollinators, predators, competitors, pest, pathogens)
3. Incidental biodiversity, these are species that do not have an appreciative effect on production but are dependant on agroecosystems.

Question 2

Why is production biodiversity benefitial?

Answer 2

• Intercropping, one plant can help the other grow
• Decreases pathogen outbreaks
• Supports biodiversity with a more heterogeneous ecosystem (other than a monoculture would)
• Less fertilizers can be used if e.g. N-fixating plants can be grown with N-demanding species
• Less pesticides can be used (if deterrent species for the pest is co-planted, like with tomato and basil?)

Question 3

What ecosystem services does a diversity of species provide? (4 listed)

Answer 3

1. Pest management
2. Nutrient cycling
3. Better soil structure
4. Pollination