Podcast
Questions and Answers
How does planned diversity in cropping systems contribute to total biodiversity?
How does planned diversity in cropping systems contribute to total biodiversity?
Planned diversity in cropping systems enhances total biodiversity by influencing the composition and abundance of associated biota, including pest complexes and soil microorganisms.
What effects does agricultural intensification have on the pest complex in monocultural systems?
What effects does agricultural intensification have on the pest complex in monocultural systems?
Agricultural intensification leads to reduced plant species diversity, resulting in a pest complex that is less diverse but more abundant, causing greater crop losses.
Why are lower insect pest densities observed in diverse crop systems like polyculture?
Why are lower insect pest densities observed in diverse crop systems like polyculture?
Lower insect pest densities in polyculture arise from altered host-finding behavior, increased predation, higher parasitism rates, and a greater ratio of natural enemies to herbivores.
How can genetic diversity within crop species help manage pathogen impacts on productivity?
How can genetic diversity within crop species help manage pathogen impacts on productivity?
What potential has been noted regarding the use of crop diversity to manage insect and microbial pests?
What potential has been noted regarding the use of crop diversity to manage insect and microbial pests?
What are the primary factors contributing to the limited adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in agriculture?
What are the primary factors contributing to the limited adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in agriculture?
How does the diversity of soil biota in agricultural systems compare to that in natural ecosystems?
How does the diversity of soil biota in agricultural systems compare to that in natural ecosystems?
What significant disturbances impact soil biota during the transition from natural forest to agricultural land?
What significant disturbances impact soil biota during the transition from natural forest to agricultural land?
In what specific way do climatic extremes influence soil biota activity?
In what specific way do climatic extremes influence soil biota activity?
Despite the general reduction in soil biota diversity, what unique characteristic is observed in tropical pastures?
Despite the general reduction in soil biota diversity, what unique characteristic is observed in tropical pastures?
Flashcards
Pesticide Resistance
Pesticide Resistance
The widespread use of pesticides to manage pests has resulted in the development of pesticide resistance in pests.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
A sustainable approach to pest management that emphasizes using a combination of methods, including natural enemies, resistant crops, and cultural practices, to minimize pesticide use.
Soil Biota
Soil Biota
A diverse community of organisms, including microbes and invertebrates, that live in the soil and play a crucial role in nutrient cycling, soil structure, and overall ecosystem health.
Agricultural Impacts on Soil Biota
Agricultural Impacts on Soil Biota
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Conversion of Natural Ecosystems
Conversion of Natural Ecosystems
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Agricultural Intensification
Agricultural Intensification
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Pest Complex
Pest Complex
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Polyculture
Polyculture
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Multiline Cultivars
Multiline Cultivars
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Resistant Crops
Resistant Crops
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Study Notes
Agricultural Intensification and its Effects on Species Diversity
- Farming practices, termed "planned diversity," dictate the composition of plant communities and influence the composition and abundance of associated organisms (e.g., pests, soil invertebrates, microorganisms).
- Crop diversity is crucial for overall biodiversity and productive agricultural systems.
The Pest Complex
- Herbivorous insects and microbial pathogens have significant impacts on plant productivity in agricultural and natural ecosystems.
- Reduced plant diversity in intensive agriculture alters pest complex communities (insects, predators, parasites, microbes) impacting crop losses.
- Monoculture systems often result in greater, but less diverse, pest populations.
- Diverse crop systems (e.g., polyculture) tend to have lower pest densities due to factors like higher predation, parasitism, and natural enemies.
- Genetic diversity within crop species influences resistance to crop pathogens and helps reduce pathogen spread.
Soil Biota
- Soil communities play a critical role in nutrient cycling, soil structure, and other soil properties in natural ecosystems.
- Agricultural intensification has been shown to significantly reduce soil biodiversity, sometimes to less than half of natural ecosystems.
- Conversions from natural habitats to agricultural land dramatically disrupt soil communities, as does tillage, removal or burning of plant biomass.
- Abrupt temperature and moisture changes impact soil biota, and reduced organic matter significantly alters competitive balance between organisms.
Interactions Between Agroeccosystems and Surrounding Regions
- Agroecosystems interact with surrounding regions both biologically (e.g., nutrient cycling, pesticide use) and physically (e.g., wildlife movement).
- Neighbouring ecosystems can influence agroecosystems, and vice versa, impacting factors like wildlife movement and habitat use.
- Diverse agroecosystems can serve as important habitats for numerous animals, particularly birds. Their presence can influence pest control.
- The cycling of nutrients is altered in agricultural systems through harvest and fertilizer applications, impacting organic matter and soil organisms.
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