Biodiversity and Agriculture.
What is the link?

2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity, but what does the term biodiversity mean?

The word biodiversity is relatively new. It is made from the term 'biological diversity' and refers to the astounding array of plant and animal species that perform a vital role in the web of life.

When considering biodiversity it is easy to just think of our natural landscapes such as rainforests and alpine environments. However, biodiversity is relevant when considering agricultural landscapes too.

Biodiversity is the foundation of agriculture. Every plant, animal and micro-organism in an agricultural system plays a part in the regulation of essential ecosystem services, such as water conservation, decomposition of waste and nutrient cycling, pollination, pest and disease control, climate regulation, erosion control and flood prevention, carbon sequestration and many more (Convention on Biological Diversity 2010).

There is increasing acknowledgement of the value of retaining large old trees and areas of remnant bushland, and establishment of farm forests and shelterbelts, not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their economic benefits (Department of Sustainability and Environment 2003).

For example, nectar-rich shrubs like Sweet Bursaria, tea-trees, rice flowers and everlasting daisies in shelter belts or remnant woodlands, attract a range of parasitic wasps and flies that are very helpful to the farmer. These wasps will hunt all day for insect pests like Cockchafer Grubs and Christmas Beetle larvae that destroy the roots of pastures. This results in increased production and profit, and decreased need for chemicals.

The sheer diversity of living things is of enormous value. It provides a foundation for the continued existence of a healthy planet and our own well-being (Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and Arts 2010).

next» Biodiversity on a Plate—Part 1