It’s no secret that biodiversity on the farm is critically important for a variety of reasons. Often, the components that may be seen as detriments to a healthy farm cause resiliency. Both planned and unplanned biodiversity improves farm ecosystems.

Planned Biodiversity

If it’s in your farm plan, it’s obviously planned. Crop rotations, the inclusion of livestock, and other farming practices that create diversity are all part of a sustainably managed farm.

Not all farms create a substantial amount of biodiversity. The degree you plan for multiple crops determines the resiliency to biotic and abiotic factors.

Planning #grassland for pastures and grazing ruminants gives your farm greater efficiency. Livestock breaks insect pest cycles, breaks down biomass, and increases nutrient cycling. The microorganisms associated with perennial pastures benefit the cash row crops that follow.

Livestock also is another revenue stream.

Unplanned Biodiversity

We usually call unplanned plant growth weeds. Sometimes weeds are detrimental to a cash crop, but they often increase soil fertility. Each agricultural ecosystem has its own mix of native plant species. Although you may think of those weeds as invasive, it’s essential to “read your weeds.”

The soil biological population is usually not a planned part of your on-farm biodiversity. 95% of microorganisms are benign or helpful so take the time to find out what microorganisms call your farm fields home before using synthetics to kill off pathogens.

The unplanned part of a farm system may have the most direct and indirect effect on your farm’s overall health.

Do you want to find out how #RegenerativeAg practices can increase the biodiversity of your #agroecpology? Learn how to make your farm the most resilient to extreme weather and pests by contacting our team at STBiologicals.com