BIODIVERSITY
From page 19
Along with bacteria and
fungi, they convert all dead
plant and animal material
into forms that are useable
for growth either by them-
selves or other organisms.
According to Dr Jankielsohn,
the major concern for insect
biodiversity “is the use of
agrochemicals (insecticides,
herbicides, chemical
fertili s ers, etc) and the
cultivation practices of
planting monocultures.
“The first important step is to
limit and ideally stop the use
of any chemicals, because
these will have a detrimental
effect on insect biodiversity.
By increasing the diversity in
your crop you will increase
the insect diversity.”
We should adopt a holistic
approach to our ecosystems.
What and where we choose
to plant is one aspect of this
ecological management
approach.
Intercropping, companion
planting, polyculture – these
are all terms for planting
different plants or vegetables
together in the same space,
sometimes at the same time
and sometimes in staggered
planting.
Some plants are used in
intercropping because of
their effect on insects. Some
plants repel pest insects while
attracting predatory insects
and pollinators. It is well
known that marigolds and
garlic chives are
very good insect
repellents.
Lucerne is one of
the best crops for
attracting and
retaining
beneficial insects
and it can then
be used as
fodder.
Jankielsohn also
To page 23
21
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A damsel fly devours an aphid