Why Biodiversity is Good for the Environment

You may have heard about the word ‘biodiversity’ and that it is good for the environment, but do you know why? Basically, biodiversity in agriculture means that there is a combination of different animals, crops, and systems on a farm. The main idea focuses on combining agriculture with nature as much as possible, essentially mimicking nature as best as farmers can. This means rotating crops often, inducing bees and insects into the farm, having multiple types of animals on one farm, etc. This system is often used in organic farming and is being encouraged and adapted around the world due to its benefits. Firstly, biodiversity is a lot more beneficial to the environment that traditional agriculture. The system is based on the combination of nature and agriculture, meaning ecosystems are restored through this way of farming. For example, the use of bees for pollination protects bees and helps them restore their numbers, as well as contribute to the natural ecosystem of crops in nature. The increase of healthy insects will also reduce the damage caused to crops by pests as the natural life cycle will prevent damage. Secondly, implementing practices such as planting multiple crops, rotating crops often, introduction of wild insects and animals, and not using pesticides revives the soil and makes it incredibly healthy. This means higher yield for farmers, a better quality of life for the surrounding ecosystem, and a restoration of the environment. This will also increase the quality of the crops produces, therefore making them healthier. This type of farming also reduces the need for water, allowing that fresh water to be used somewhere else. Lastly, this system will decrease pressure on the environment, therefore making agriculture more sustainable and reducing the effects on climate change. Biodiversity allows the farmer to farm even more and increase their yield while actually decreasing the stress on the environment as the farming process is mimicking and supporting natural ecosystems. This therefore decreases carbon emissions from farms and increases yield, which will help to feed the growing population. Biodiversity will also restore natural ecosystems, which will help the conservation of animals, water, healthy soil, and eventually lower carbon emissions. This is an extremely efficient system that benefits our environment greatly and will lead to more sustainable agriculture!