Kimberley Allder

What is a monoculture? There are two distinct definitions of monoculture: Scientific definition - Vegetation composed of a single species Agricultural definition - Field composed of a single crop rather than multiple crop species. Monoculture is a farming system where only one crop is grown year after year, on the same piece of land. The large monocultures of intensive farming systems limit the variety of different habitats. It also has a high-risk strategy since the crop may fail, because of pests or disease. Without crop rotation, monoculture is likely to result in reduced soil quality despite the addition of artificial fertilizers, and it contributes to soil erosion.

What are the effects? Far less habitat for wildlife, because there is a reduced food supply. Use of herbicides to reduce competition with other weeds. This further reduces variety of food and habitat. Growing the same crop on land for several years reduces the availability of mineral ions at the soil depth of the crop roots. The amount of humus in soil decreases and this affects the soil structure. Hedgerow removal, to increase space in fields to contain a larger amount of crops

How might these effects be overcome?? Use less toxic chemicals. Organic farming- using artificial fertilisers. Leaving areas of headland, outside the field, free to grow wild