Post 44. Agroecology - Diversity rather than monoculture

 

Silvo-pasture combining tree based production with grassland for livestock

What is monoculture?

Monoculture quite simply, is the production of one crop in one area. Whilst growing one crop e.g. wheat at a time in a field can have advantages in terms of efficiency and yield, this farming practice can reduce diversity of species over time if the farmer grows the same crop year after year (monocropping) without rotating to different crops. This can lead to depletion of the environment in terms of the ability to grow food e.g. reduces soil quality and also reduces the land's ability to support nature.

What is a crop rotation? 

Crop rotation is the practice of growing different but complementary, crops in succession on the same land chiefly to preserve the productive capacity of the soil. [1] Choosing the different crops that are grown sequentially is done to optimise production, soil health, the right balance of nutrients in the soil, and to combat pest and weed problems. [2] The rotation can be two or three crops or more complex.

What is intercropping?

Intercropping, a practice throughout the world, is when multiple crops are grown in the same area at the same time. The aim is to gain more yield from the two crops than if they were grown on their own. For example short rooting caps and deep rooting crops can be grown together [3]

What its agrobiodiversity? 

Agrobiodiversity is delivered through the interaction between the environment, genetic resources (the variety and variability of animals, plants and micro-organisms that are necessary for sustaining key functions), farm management systems, support systems (soil micro-organisms, predators, pollinators) and the knowledge, culture and practices used by local people. [4] 

Agrobiodiversity systems can [4]: 

• Increase productivity, food security, and economic returns 
• Reduce agricultural production pressure on fragile areas, forests and endangered species 
• Increase resilience and sustainability in farming systems 
• Contribute to good pest and disease management
• Conserve soil and increase natural soil fertility and health 
• Contribute to sustainable intensification 
• Diversify crops and off-farm income opportunities 
• Reduce or spread financial, economic and environmental risks at household and national level
• Promote effective use of resources and the environment 
• Reduce dependency on external inputs 
• Improve human nutrition and can provide sources of medicines and vitamins, and 
• Conserve ecosystem structure and stability of species diversity. 

[1] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crop%20rotation

[2] https://rodaleinstitute.org/why-organic/organic-farming-practices/crop-rotations/

[3] http://nwrm.eu/measure/intercropping  

  ecosystems, which values the diversity of aquatic species and their importance for rural livelihoods.11

[4] https://www.fao.org/3/y5609e/y5609e01.htm