Which of the following practices can enhance the biodiversity of an agricultural ecosystem?

Which of the following practices can enhance the biodiversity of an agricultural ecosystem?

• A. Using chemical herbicides
• B. Planting a single crop variety
• C. Introducing a variety of crops
• D. Monoculture farming

Answer: (C)

Introducing a variety of crops into an agricultural ecosystem can significantly enhance biodiversity. This practice, often referred to as polyculture, involves planting multiple species of crops in the same area. It fosters a more balanced ecosystem by providing habitats for a wider range of organisms, from beneficial insects and pollinators to soil microbes and diverse plant species. When multiple crops are grown together, they can improve soil health through different root structures and nutrient requirements, leading to better use of resources. This also helps in pest management; a diverse planting can disrupt the life cycles of pests and reduce the chance of outbreaks, thus lowering the need for chemical treatments. Furthermore, biodiversity can improve resilience against environmental stressors such as disease, climate change, and soil degradation. In contrast, practices such as using chemical herbicides, planting a single crop variety, or monoculture farming can lead to a decrease in biodiversity. Chemical herbicides can harm non-target species and reduce the overall health of the ecosystem, while monocultures and single crop planting can result in increased vulnerability to pests and diseases, as well as reduced genetic diversity.

Introducing a variety of crops into an agricultural ecosystem can significantly enhance biodiversity. This practice, often referred to as polyculture, involves planting multiple species of crops in the same area. It fosters a more balanced ecosystem by providing habitats for a wider range of organisms, from beneficial insects and pollinators to soil microbes and diverse plant species.

When multiple crops are grown together, they can improve soil health through different root structures and nutrient requirements, leading to better use of resources. This also helps in pest management; a diverse planting can disrupt the life cycles of pests and reduce the chance of outbreaks, thus lowering the need for chemical treatments. Furthermore, biodiversity can improve resilience against environmental stressors such as disease, climate change, and soil degradation.

In contrast, practices such as using chemical herbicides, planting a single crop variety, or monoculture farming can lead to a decrease in biodiversity. Chemical herbicides can harm non-target species and reduce the overall health of the ecosystem, while monocultures and single crop planting can result in increased vulnerability to pests and diseases, as well as reduced genetic diversity.