Ecology

Ecology

Identify and explain TWO environmental impacts food production has on the ecosystem

Food production has led to the lack of biodiversity, as people continue to clear land and plant the same crops. This has reduced the number of plants and other organisms available in the ecosystem. Many people clear land to plant the same foods, irrespective of whether the foods are native to the region. Since they have to use the land, they destroy the organisms that are native to that ecosystem, as they introduce food crops. This reduces biodiversity within the region. Food production has led to loss of habitat for different organisms in the ecosystem. The clearing of land for agriculture not only destroys the vegetation in the ecosystem, but it also destroys other organisms that depend on that vegetation such as birds, insects, and other animals. In some cases, these are the only habitats of those organisms, and they end up being extinct since they cannot survive in any other environment (Harrison and Hester 54-70).

Discuss one pro and con concerning the use of aquaculture to produce more food

Aquaculture has led to improved food security. The use of aquaculture has led to the increase in fish supplies. Over fishing, coupled with the degradation of the environment has led to scarcity of fish in regions that primarily depend on fish as their source of food. This means that the supply of fish available in seas and other natural sources is not able to meet the increasing demand. Aquaculture has been able to meet this demand. Aquaculture has led to changes in land use. Some farmers have found it necessary to practice aquaculture because of its guaranteed profits, at the expense of planting other foods. This is despite the quality of land available in the region. Some forms of aquaculture involve the construction of ponds, while some farmers choose to practice aquaculture on existing water bodies. This has in turn limited the land available for agriculture. Some areas have limited agricultural land, and using this land for aquaculture has affected and decreased other food production in the region.

Identify TWO sustainable agricultural practices to food production

One practice of sustainable agriculture is the use of species that are suited to the environment. Farmers should ensure that they plant species that are native to the land, as this will ensure that they use fewer pesticides. Many native species are pest resistance, and farmers do not have to use pesticides to control pests. This ensures good environmental protection, and it is feasible economically. Moreover, it ensures that the plants produced are healthy and free from chemical contamination. Another practice would be increasing crop diversity, which could be achieved through crop rotation. The practice of monoculture is a poor farming practice that leaves farmers susceptible in case of pest and disease attacks. Crop rotation ensures increased nutrients in the soil, which is essential for quality food production. Crop rotation is a way of breaking the pest cycle. Since most pests prefer one crop, rotating the crops will limit the food available to the pests.

Explain what integrated pest management is and a disadvantage to this method

Integrated pest management refers to a combination of different technologies used in the management of pests. It uses the traditional approaches to pest management and combines this with current research on the best practice of pest management. This method has reduced the use of pesticides. Farmers began using this method after noting the harmful effects of chemical pesticides on humans and the environment. In addition, pesticides had caused resistance to some of the pests. They looked for a way to limit the use of these pesticides while at the same time ensuring that they enhanced their production. Integrated pest management does not overlook the use of pesticides. Strict environmental controls have ensured that manufacturers produce pesticides that are safe for the environment, and that will not cause any harm to humans. Integrated pest management uses current research, and this involves the use of pesticides. Recently, there has been an emphasis on ecological integrated pest management, which incorporates the use of biological, cultural, chemical practices in managing pests. Biological control involves the use of parasites, predators, and fungi in managing pests, by feeding on them. Chemical practices involve the use of selected pesticides and pheromones, which have minimal risks, and which require minimal application to be effective. Cultural practices involve the use of crop rotation and physical aspects such as tillage and aeration (Koul and Cuperus 2). Farmers have to monitor the pests so that they can know the most suitable time of applying pesticides.

Despite the numerous advantages of using integrated pest management, this approach is disadvantageous because of its complexity. Integrated pest management requires one to have knowledge of different pest control methods, and know when to implement them. This may not be practical for farmers who do not have the required resources to do so. It requires massive education, since not all farmers are knowledgeable on different pest management practices. This method requires one to have adequate knowledge of pest interactions and the effects of using different approaches. Integrated pest management is time consuming. Many farmers find it easier to apply chemical pesticides rather than implementing this form of pest management. There is a risk in using biological practices, since the identified predators and fungi intended to reduce pests may become pest themselves.

Works Cited:

Harrison, M. Roy, and Ronald E. Hester. Ecosystem Services. United Kingdom: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2010. Print

Koul, O., and G. W. Cuperus. Ecologically-Based Integrated Pest Management. Cambridge, MA: CABI, 2007. Print