Human beings have learned the art and science of cultivating plants and animals over several thousands of years.
In agriculture, we are applying the knowledge of ecosystem, i.e. the relationship between the biotic and abiotic factors as well as the interaction between biotic factors.
However, differing from a natural ecosystem where various types of organisms live and grow naturally, in agriculture fields one or a few selected plant(s) may be grown.
For any given crop, farmers maintain favorable conditions in the ecosystems made by them (crop field) for a period of time during which seeds are sown, plants grow, pollination takes place, fruit or grains appear and then the crop matures.
In a paddy field, only paddy is allowed to grow and all other plants that may be present are removed. A crop field is an ecosystem where the plants such as rice, wheat, vegetables etc. are cultivated. Farmers exploit the relationship between the abiotic factors and producers. For instance, when they add manure to their farm they increase the abiotic factors (nutrients) required for the growth of their plants. Similarly, when they remove pests, insects,etc. they are eliminating the consumers that will eat the plants (producers) and reduce waste/loss. Cropland ecosystem like all other artificial ecosystems requires constant intervention by humans. Otherwise, it will degenerate and will result in loss of crops.
Watch the video given below to see various steps of developing a paddy field ecosystem
Video courtesy: Tom Kiron
Discussion
Why do we take out the weeds that grow in the cropland?
Agriculture and ecosystems
Human beings have learned the art and science of cultivating plants and animals over several thousands of years.
However, differing from a natural ecosystem where various types of organisms live and grow naturally, in agriculture fields one or a few selected plant(s) may be grown.
For any given crop, farmers maintain favorable conditions in the ecosystems made by them (crop field) for a period of time during which seeds are sown, plants grow, pollination takes place, fruit or grains appear and then the crop matures.
In a paddy field, only paddy is allowed to grow and all other plants that may be present are removed. A crop field is an ecosystem where the plants such as rice, wheat, vegetables etc. are cultivated. Farmers exploit the relationship between the abiotic factors and producers. For instance, when they add manure to their farm they increase the abiotic factors (nutrients) required for the growth of their plants. Similarly, when they remove pests, insects,etc. they are eliminating the consumers that will eat the plants (producers) and reduce waste/loss. Cropland ecosystem like all other artificial ecosystems requires constant intervention by humans. Otherwise, it will degenerate and will result in loss of crops.
Watch the video given below to see various steps of developing a paddy field ecosystem
Video courtesy: Tom Kiron
Discussion