The Role of Organic Farming in Providing Ecosystem Services
2013 年 4 巻 1 号 p. 175-178
詳細
2013 年 4 巻 1 号 p. 175-178
Ecosystem Services (ESS) are defined as the benefits humans derive from ecological processes and the ecosystem functions (MA, 2005). The functionality of agro- ecosystems is strengthened through ES like pollination, biological pest control or hydrological services provided by natural ecosystems (Sandhu et al., 2010). Agro- ecosystems also produce several ESS such as carbon sequestration, regulation of soil and water quality and support for biodiversity (Power, 2010). On the other hand agriculture may have a negative impact on neighboring natural ecosystems. Organic farming is the most sustainable and environmentally compatible way of agricultural land use, by using biological methods for regulation of pest and diseases instead of chemically-synthesized pesticides and mineral fertilizers. Thus organic agriculture minimizes negative impacts on nature-related ecosystems while simultaneously providing positive ESS like biodiversity.
