How does Monocropping increase pest issues?

How does Monocropping increase pest issues?

The problem with monocultures, Wetzel said, is that if an insect likes the crop, that insect has a large food supply to draw from all in one place. Conversely, a field containing a variety of plants does not offer a large block of food for the insect, so it will not get the nutrients it needs to survive and thrive.

Why the lack of diversity in agroecosystems makes them more dependent upon pesticides?

Because a less diverse resource base is available, low genetic and species diversity of the crop results in less diversity at higher trophic levels, such as herbivores and predators. Genetically uniform monocultures are often more vulnerable to pests and diseases and therefore require higher inputs of pesticides.

How do biogeochemical cycles in agroecosystems differ from those in natural ecosystems?

Unlike in natural ecosystems, agroecosystems have altered abiotic and biotic conditions in the environment. This event causes disruptions in the biogeochemical cycles. For example, farms contain soil that has more concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus due to the use of fertilizers.

How does Monocropping affect the environment?

Monocropping also creates the spread of pests and diseases, which must be treated with yet more chemicals. The effects of monocropping on the environment are severe when pesticides and fertilizers make their way into ground water or become airborne, creating pollution.

How is monoculture related to population growth?

In addition to overproduction, industrial monoculture predisposes farms to pest problems. Increases in average temperature creates a favorable environment that support larger pest populations.

Why does high biodiversity create a stable ecosystem?

Biodiversity boosts ecosystem productivity where each species, no matter how small, all have an important role to play. For example, A larger number of plant species means a greater variety of crops. Greater species diversity ensures natural sustainability for all life forms.

How do you increase diversity in agroecosystems?

Strategies for Enhancing Plant Diversity

1. Diversify enterprises by including more species of crops and livestock.
2. Use legume-based crop rotations and mixed pastures.
3. Intercrop or strip-crop annual crops where feasible.
4. Mix varieties of the same crop.

Why are pest outbreaks common in an Agroecosystem but rare in a natural ecosystem?

An agroecosystem contains a lesser diversity of animal and plant species than a natural ecosystem like a forest. Agroecosystems can be more susceptible to pest damage and catastrophic outbreaks owing to lack of diversity in species of plants and insects and sudden alternations imposed by weather and man.

Why are agroecosystems generally more fragile than natural ecosystems?

Why are agro-ecosystems generally more fragile than natural ecosystem? They are more fragile than natural ecosystems because they are prone to loss of water and nutrients, and they require significant input from these resources, and once that is lost, the whole system could cease production.

Can a pest in an agroecosystem reduce yield?

Pest species can be present in agroecosystems, but not cause significant crop yield loss or livestock productivity reductions. Why? What factors prevent pest populations from reducing yield?

Which is more vulnerable to pest outbreaks agricultural system or natural ecosystem?

Further, with low genetic diversity within agricultural species and across the landscape, the agricultural system is more vulnerable to pest outbreaks than natural ecosystems.

Why are some crops more resistant to pests than others?

One explanation may be that the crop or livestock is resistant to the pest. For instance, a crop plant may produce compounds that fend off pathogen infection or deter insect feeding. And if environmental conditions and resources are ideal, the plant may be able to grow and recover from pest infestation.

Which is better natural ecosystem or agroecosystem?

You should have many more species at each trophic level in the natural ecosystem. Additionally, the genetic diversity within species in the natural ecosystem is typically greater than in the agroecosystem.