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Unit 1: Basic Ecological Concepts and Principles Related to Agricultural Systems

Despite the debate and inconsistent evidence about the relationship between diversity and stability, we can still identify some specific benefits from increasing diversity in agricultural systems. Some of the main benefits are outlined below.

Benefits of increasing diversity:

• encourages more of the positive biological interactions described under Ecological Principle 2 (e.g., symbiosis)

• enhances the opportunities for beneficial organisms

• leads to better resource use efficiency

• reduces risks for the farmer

• improves nutrient cycling on the farm/ranch, especially as livestock are integrated into the system