Cultivating biodiversity: a farmers view of the role of diversity in agroecosystems

摘要

Agriculture has had a significant impact on global biodiversity. Farming systems have become increasingly simplified at a genetic, species and landscape level, in the drive for productivity - leading to dramatic loss of habitat, natural and agricultural biodiversity. Agricultural activities such as tillage, use of pesticides and nutrient leaching into waterways have significant implications for species diversity and composition (McLaughlin and Mineau 1995). But what about the impact of biodiversity on agriculture? As in ecological systems, diversity likely plays a key role in the function, productivity, stability and resilience of agroecosystems (Altieri 1999; Costanzo and Barberi 2014; Tilman et al. 1997). Considering the relationship between agriculture and biodiversity from an agroecosystem function perspective, together with farmers, could make way for exploring new synergies.