The Importance of Biodiversity in Agriculture and How Technology Can Help

Many animals and plants have been extinct in India and many parts of the world. Many more are endangered and on the verge of extinction. Persistent interference by humans in the environment has resulted in declining biodiversity.

As the world population is growing, food needs are higher than ever. Forests are cut down for agricultural land. As the forest is the habitat for many living organisms, it has led to a decline in several species including animals, plants, and microbes.

Also, farming with continuous uniform crops may lead to a reduction in biodiversity.

A decline in biodiversity may impact the food chain severely which ultimately affects the overall environment. Hence, biodiversity is important for a healthy environment.

• What Is Biodiversity in Agriculture?

  Biodiversity in agriculture refers to the diversity among living organisms within farming ecosystems. It includes insects, animals, fungi, microorganisms, crops, etc. This biodiversity keeps soil healthy by maintaining nutrient levels. It promotes various ecosystem services like pollination and pest control naturally.

  A diverse agricultural ecosystem is more resilient to diseases, extreme weather, and pests, and can adapt to changing environmental conditions.

  Why Biodiversity Matters in Agriculture

  Resilience to Climate Change

  Crops with diverse agricultural systems become more resilient to adverse environmental conditions. They respond to the climatic conditions in a different manner. They can withstand conditions like draughts, floods, and temperature changes in a more resilient way.

  It reduces the risk of crop failure and increases the productivity of the farm.

  Improved Soil Health

  Biodiversity helps to maintain nutrient levels and the overall structure of the soil. It controls the pests through a natural prey-predator food chain system. This way, biodiversity not only increases the fertility of the soil but also reduces the dependency of farmers on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

  Natural Pest Control

  Nature has its prey-predator food web. It controls the population of organisms at all trophic levels. This prey-predator balance is only possible when there is plenty of diversity. Diverse agricultural systems maintain the life in the soil and the surroundings at an optimum level.

  However, monoculture farming practices may lead to a reduction in the diversity and specific pest outbreaks. This creates a demand for chemical pesticides which are harmful to the environment.

  Pollination Services

  Pollination is one of the important factors of crop cultivation. Many crops need pollinators to complete the process of pollination. Bees, ants, bats, birds, and insects play a vital role in pollination in different crops.

  The absence of such pollinators may fail crop yield which leads to a decrease in the overall production.

  How Technology Can Support Biodiversity

  Precision Farming for Targeted Interventions

  Precision farming uses advanced technologies to collect data from the fields. It helps farmers to use fertilizers and pesticides precisely. Hence, it reduces the overuse of chemicals and encourages a diverse range of beneficial organisms to grow on the farm.

  Drones and Satellite Imaging for Monitoring Ecosystems

  Drones and satellite imagery allow farmers to monitor large fields and track changes in biodiversity over time. These technologies can detect variations in plant health, track the movement of wildlife, and even monitor pollinator activity. This data helps farmers make decisions to increase the productivity of the farm and maintain the balance of the ecosystem.

  Automated Pest Control Solutions

  Biodiversity enhances the interaction between prey and predator. It helps farmers to control the pest in a biological way which reduces the overuse of pesticides. Also, this makes farming more cost-effective for farmers making it a profitable business. It promotes healthy ecosystems without harming the beneficial organisms in the environment.

  Genetic Research and Breeding Programs

  Through genetic research and breeding programs, new varieties of crops have been developed. These varieties are resistant to diseases and pests and can grow with multiple crops symbiotically. This promotes biodiversity by allowing farmers to grow a wider range of species.

  Biodiversity is an essential part of agriculture as it enhances the fertility of the soil and protects the environment from degradation. By integrating tech solutions into biodiversity-focused farming practices, we can ensure a future where agriculture is both productive and sustainable.