Possibilities for Increasing Biodiversity of Natural Ecosystems and Agroecosystems
Keywords:
agriculture, agricultural landscape, agroecosystems, biodiversity, biobelts, ecosystemsAbstract
The presented study addresses the issue of biodiversity, which is a fundamental element of all ecosystems. Since the reduction or loss occurs as a result of many factors, such as habitat degradation, rapidly increasing environmental pollution, worsening climate crisis, monoculture cultivation, urbanisation, and the expansion of non-native species, among others, which have serious consequences for the existence of life on Earth. For this reason, biodiversity protection is necessary, as any change threatens the existing flora, fauna, habitats and the entire society, since all of these factors lead to a deterioration in the functioning of not only natural ecosystems, but also agro-ecosystems. Especially in agricultural landscapes, it is necessary to solve the above problem with measures that would support wild organisms. One of the measures is modern biobelts, which serve to slow down or stop the reduction of biodiversity, as they address the agro-environmental-climatic aspect. The present vegetation of biobelts improves the trophic supply and increases the spatial and temporal availability of food sources for the present organisms. On the other hand, biobelts pose a risk of enriching the soil seed bank with weeds, which may later be manifested in increased weeding of cultivated crops, and the proliferation of pests also appears to be a problem. Another highly effective measure in providing multiple ecosystem services, ensuring water regulation and quality, pest and disease control, while supporting biodiversity, long-term productivity and soil quality, is the use of agroforestry. The results show that increasing diversity in natural ecosystems and agroecosystems through planned measures represents an important strategy, which leads to improved biodiversity and ecosystem services.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Jana Ivanič-Porhajášová, Ing. Mária Babošová, PhD., doc. Ing. Eva Mlyneková, PhD.
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