06
Nov
Study Reinforces Importance of Biodiversity in Agriculture and Ecosystem Health
(Beyond Pesticides, November 6, 2024) An analysis in the International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews emphasizes the role of biodiversity in agriculture, adding to a wide body of science on its importance. The authors, from Western Illinois University in the United States and Rome Business School in Italy, find that biodiversity supports critical ecosystems and organisms needed for sustainable food production. Through literature reviews and case studies, the interconnectedness of agriculture with plant and animal diversity, beneficial insects, soil health, and climate change is highlighted, as well as the need to manage land organically to support biodiversity.
Plant and Animal Diversity
As the researchers note, “A diverse agricultural system can better absorb shocks and maintain productivity, ensuring food security in the face of uncertainty.†A wide range of species present within ecosystems protects from changing environmental conditions and improves resilience. When farmers use monocultures for their crops, this leads to reduced ecosystem services from beneficial insects and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases. “By contrast, diverse cropping systems can enhance resilience, providing a buffer against environmental changes and fostering sustainable food production,†the authors say.
Research shows that higher plant diversity disrupts pest life cycles and promotes beneficial insects, which prevents farmers from relying on chemical inputs. Crop diversity also improves soil health. By having healthy soils, this “reduce[s] the need for chemical inputs while also providing habitats for beneficial organisms that help control pests and diseases.†Having a diverse range of crops, such as with polycultures and crop rotation, improves yield stability and creates a system with natural defenses against pests. This biodiversity also contributes to ecosystem services, such as pollination, nutrient cycling, and soil fertility, that are essential for agriculture.
The authors note that, “[I]n countries like Ethiopia and Kenya, smallholder farmers have integrated legumes and cover crops into their rotations. This not only enhances soil fertility through nitrogen fixation but also contributes to improved food security by providing multiple harvests throughout the year.†This promotes soil health while also supporting farmers and consumers.
A genetically varied population, for both crops and livestock, is “less susceptible to epidemics and can better withstand environmental stresses, such as extreme temperatures or feed shortages,†the researchers report. They continue, “Studies have shown that mixed-species cropping systems often yield higher overall productivity compared to monocultures, as different species can utilize resources (such as light, water, and nutrients) more efficiently. Additionally, diverse plantings can provide habitats for beneficial organisms, fostering a balanced ecosystem.â€
Having plant diversity within a landscape also provides root mass and structure in the soil, which allows for greater water absorption and retention that helps both during periods of drought and in mitigating flooding during heavy rainfall. The authors share additional benefits in saying, “Diverse plant communities act as natural filters, capturing pollutants and nutrients before they can reach water bodies. For instance, buffer strips and cover crops can absorb excess nitrogen and phosphorus, thereby reducing nutrient runoff into rivers and lakes, which helps to prevent eutrophication.â€
The researchers also find that the practice of integrating trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes, known as agroforestry, enhances biodiversity, protects water resources, and improves soil structure. “In Brazil, agroforestry practices such as the integration of native trees with crops and livestock have been instrumental in restoring degraded lands and improving ecosystem health. For example, the ‘Sistema Agroflorestal’ (SAF) involves planting diverse species of trees alongside cash crops, which not only diversifies income sources but also enhances soil fertility and resilience against climate extremes,†the authors share.
Another case study in Costa Rica, which practices agroforestry through its Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) program, “incentivizes farmers to maintain and enhance biodiversity on their lands. This program encourages practices that incorporate native tree species into agricultural landscapes, promoting habitat for wildlife and increasing carbon sequestration,†the researchers state.
Integrating several types of livestock can additionally improve land use. By having cattle, sheep, and poultry, nutrient management increases, and the various livestock, can graze and forage on the land, which supports carbon sequestration. “A diverse array of species within agroecosystems, from crops and livestock to soil organisms and pollinators, contributes to the stability, productivity, and adaptability of farming systems,†the authors say. By creating diverse populations on their land, farmers can increase the resilience and productivity of their farms.
Predatory Insects Crucial for Ecological Balance
An increase in natural predators, such as ladybugs, is seen in diverse ecosystems, which help control pest populations. These insects are better able to adapt to changing conditions and bring many benefits to landscapes. “For instance, ladybugs can consume thousands of aphids in their lifetime, providing significant pest control without the harmful side effects associated with chemical treatments,†the researchers note.
Pollinators are necessary for the reproduction of many crops and are drawn to landscapes with a variety of plants. The use of pesticides, such as neonicotinoids, endangers these critical species. (See Daily News here, here, and here.) As the authors share, “The loss of pollinators not only affects crop yields but also threatens the reproduction of many wild plant species, further exacerbating biodiversity loss.â€
Populations of pollinators and other beneficial insects are facing what is known as the “insect apocalypse†as they are threatened with habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and diseases. This has led to a “decline in biodiversity, particularly in agricultural landscapes, [that] can exacerbate these threats by reducing the availability of food and nesting sites for pollinators. Restoring habitats and implementing practices that promote biodiversity, such as planting cover crops and creating wildflower strips, can enhance pollinator populations and, consequently, crop yields,†the researchers state. See more coverage on insect biodiversity here and here.
Soil Health
The foundation of sustainable agriculture begins with healthy soil. The soil microbes, including bacteria and fungi, underfoot provide essential functions in nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and disease suppression, among others. Diversity in soil microorganisms helps maintain soil structure and fertility, which promotes healthy and resilient crops.
“Different microbial species have specialized roles in breaking down organic matter and transforming nutrients into plant available forms. For instance, nitrogen-fixing bacteria can convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms usable by plants, thereby reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers,†the authors write. “Feed the Soil, Not the Plant†is the mantra of organic land management. By focusing on soil health, other issues, such as pests and climate change, are also mitigated.
Climate Change
One of the major crises species are facing today is climate change. There is a vicious cycle of anthropogenic activities that exacerbate climate change, creating conditions that can further these activities even more. With climate change comes severe weather, such as droughts, floods, and heatwaves, that puts stress on food production. In these unfavorable conditions, a shift toward monocultures, as well as increased usage of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, can occur as farmers struggle to maintain productivity, thus creating a treadmill effect.
Farmers with diverse ecosystems, however, “can buffer the impacts of climate change by providing microclimates that protect crops from extreme weather events,†the researchers share. “Resilient agricultural systems are characterized by diversity, adaptability, and efficient resource use, allowing them to maintain productivity and ecosystem services even under adverse conditions.â€
Mitigation of climate change occurs through “enhancing soil health, conserving water, and fostering biodiversity, which collectively contributes to improved productivity and sustainability. Furthermore, resilient agriculture promotes economic stability for farmers and communities. By diversifying crops and employing sustainable practices, farmers can reduce their dependence on external inputs and navigate market fluctuations more effectively,†the authors state. See more on climate change here and here.
Farmers and Food Security
Farmers and farmworkers, who are pivotal in food production, also play a crucial role in biodiversity. Through the way they manage their land, farmers directly impact the health and resilience of ecosystems and act as stewards of biodiversity. Through their daily practices, farmers can either enhance or hinder the sustainability and resilience of agricultural landscapes. Agriculture has the ability to contribute to global food security in a changing climate in a positive way by integrating ecological principles into farming practices or creating a failing food system and barren environment.
Fostering biodiversity both above and below ground is vital for the longevity and health of both farming systems and the environment. The researchers postulate, “As agriculture faces increasing pressures from climate change and environmental degradation, prioritizing the conservation of biodiversity will be essential for securing the future of food systems worldwide.â€
Organic Solution
Supporting biodiversity and mitigating climate change can be accomplished through organic land management. As part of a case study, the authors find that countries including Sweden, Germany, and France have already implemented extensive organic farming initiatives with success. As a result, these farms have improved soil health, increased species diversity, and greater ecosystem stability that supports food production.
The researchers say, “[B]iodiversity-driven resilience is essential for mitigating the impacts of climate change, pests, diseases, and resource scarcity, which pose significant threats to global food security. Agricultural systems rich in biodiversity benefit from improved soil fertility, enhanced pollination, natural pest control, and water regulation, all of which reduce dependence on external inputs such as chemical fertilizers and pesticides.â€
Research also “indicates that organic farms typically support higher levels of biodiversity compared to conventional farms, with greater abundance and variety of species, particularly in wild plants and insects.†In another case study, organic vineyards in France show more resilience to drought conditions due to better water retention and improved soil health. See more on higher production in organic systems here.
“In summary, the path toward sustainable food production hinges on recognizing the vital role of biodiversity in agriculture. By adopting holistic and integrated approaches that prioritize biodiversity, we can build resilient agricultural systems capable of meeting the challenges posed by a changing world,†the authors conclude. “The future of food security, environmental health, and sustainable agriculture is intertwined with our commitment to preserving and enhancing biodiversity in all its forms. It is imperative that we act now to protect these vital resources for generations to come.â€
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All unattributed positions and opinions in this piece are those of Beyond Pesticides.
Source:
Christianah, D. and Folarin, I. (2024) The Role of Biodiversity in Agricultural Resilience: Protecting Ecosystem Services for Sustainable Food Production, International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/384848907_The_Role_of_Biodiversity_in_Agricultural_Resilience_Protecting_Ecosystem_Services_for_Sustainable_Food_Production.
