Question on: SS2 Agriculture - Pests of crops
Discuss the role of biodiversity in maintaining a balanced ecosystem and its impact on pest control in agricultural settings.
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.
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