Why is biodiversity important in agricultural systems?

Biodiversity is crucial in agricultural systems because it enhances resilience against pests and diseases. When a diverse range of plants, animals, and microorganisms are present within an ecosystem, it creates a variety of interactions and relationships that can help mitigate the effects of pests and pathogens. This diversity can lead to natural pest control mechanisms and reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides, ultimately promoting a healthier environment.

In contrast, focusing solely on uniform crop quality can make systems vulnerable to specific pests or diseases that thrive on particular crops. Additionally, increased fertilizer requirements are often linked with monoculture practices; however, biodiversity can help optimize nutrient cycling and soil health, potentially reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. While biodiversity can affect water use, it typically doesn't lower the need for water input across the board since different species have diverse water requirements.