Impact Of Agriculture On The Ecosystem - SS1 Biology Lesson Note
Agriculture has a significant impact on the ecosystem, influencing various ecological processes and altering natural systems. Here are some key impacts of agriculture on the ecosystem:
1. Habitat Modification: Agricultural activities often involve clearing land for cultivation, resulting in the conversion of natural habitats into agricultural landscapes. This habitat modification can lead to the loss of native vegetation, fragmentation of ecosystems, and reduction in biodiversity. Many native species may lose their habitats and struggle to survive in the altered environment.
2. Soil Degradation: Intensive farming practices can lead to soil erosion, nutrient depletion, and degradation. Soil erosion occurs when topsoil is washed or blown away, resulting in the loss of fertile soil, and reducing its ability to support plant growth. The excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture can also contribute to soil pollution, affecting soil health and the overall ecosystem functioning.
3. Water Pollution: Agricultural activities can result in the contamination of water bodies through runoff of fertilizers, pesticides, and manure. This runoff, known as agricultural runoff, carries these substances into rivers, lakes, and groundwater, causing water pollution. The presence of excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus in water bodies can lead to eutrophication, resulting in algal blooms, oxygen depletion, and harm to aquatic life.
4. Biodiversity Loss: The conversion of natural habitats to agricultural land often leads to a loss of biodiversity. Native plants and animals that were once abundant in the area may be displaced or become endangered. Moreover, the use of monocultures and the elimination of natural vegetation strips within agricultural fields can further reduce habitat diversity, limiting the availability of food and shelter for various species.
5. Deforestation: Agriculture is one of the leading causes of deforestation worldwide. Forests are often cleared to make way for large-scale agriculture, such as palm oil plantations or soybean fields. Deforestation not only results in the loss of valuable ecosystems but also contributes to climate change as forests act as carbon sinks.
Figure 83 image from nationalgeographic.com
1. Climate Change: Agricultural practices, particularly livestock production and the use of synthetic fertilizers, contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Livestock farming produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas, while the use of fertilizers releases nitrous oxide. These emissions contribute to climate change and its associated impacts, such as rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events.
2. Loss of Natural Resources: Agricultural practices can deplete natural resources such as water and energy. Irrigation for crop production can lead to the over-extraction of water from rivers and aquifers, resulting in water scarcity in some regions. Additionally, energy-intensive processes involved in modern agricultural practices, such as mechanization, transportation, and chemical production, contribute to the depletion of fossil fuel resources.