Discuss the role of biodiversity in maintaining... - SS2 Agriculture Pests of crops Question

Biodiversity plays a crucial role in agricultural ecosystems and pest control:

 

Natural Predators: Diverse ecosystems support a wide range of natural enemies, such as ladybugs, spiders, and birds, that feed on pests, helping to keep their populations in check.

 

Biological Control: A variety of predator and parasitoid species can act as biological control agents, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.

 

Resilience: Biodiverse ecosystems are more resilient to pest outbreaks because they can withstand disturbances better, reducing the likelihood of pest dominance.

 

Ecosystem Services: Biodiversity provides essential ecosystem services like pollination, which is critical for crop production.

 

Genetic Diversity: Maintaining diverse plant species helps preserve genetic diversity, which can be crucial for developing pest-resistant crop varieties.

 

Soil Health: Biodiversity in the soil, including beneficial microorganisms and earthworms, contributes to healthy soil and nutrient cycling.

 

Sustainability: Promoting biodiversity aligns with sustainable agricultural practices and reduces the reliance on synthetic inputs like pesticides.