What benefit does biodiversity provide in agriculture?

Biodiversity plays a crucial role in agriculture by improving ecosystem resilience. A diverse range of plants, animals, and microorganisms within an agricultural system can enhance productivity and stability. This diversity allows ecosystems to better withstand environmental stressors such as drought, disease, and climate fluctuations. Additionally, a variety of crops can contribute to a more balanced ecosystem, promoting natural pest control, improving soil health, and enabling pollination, which all contribute to higher yields and sustainability in agricultural practices.

This benefit is essential for reducing the vulnerability of agricultural systems to changes in environmental conditions and ensuring food security. Furthermore, resilient ecosystems can recover more quickly from disturbances, ultimately leading to more sustainable agricultural practices.