AGROECOSYSTEM BIODIVERSITY - MATCHING PRODUCTION AND CONSERVATION BIOLOGY

A review of the existing literature on biodiversity connected with agricultural activities has been developed, and the possible sustainable alternatives have been looked into. Following recent evaluations, only one-twentieth to one-sixtieth of the planet's species have yet been described and most of these will be lost if the destruction of the environment continues at its present rate. Most of the terrestrial environment (up to 95%) is affected by human activities including agriculture and the terrestrial habitats provide up to 98% of human food on the planet. Sustainable strategies in food production in agriculture improve the existing biodiversity and include the following items: increased porosity of the landscape through proper management of natural vegetation, better use and recycling of organic residues, introduction of integrated farming systems, reduced tillage, rotation, biological control, increased number of biota involved in human food-webs.