Reference on sustainable agriculture, monoculture, Biodiversity?

One reference on sustainable agriculture, monoculture, and biodiversity is the article "The Impact of Monoculture on Biodiversity and Sustainable Agriculture" by Dr. Sarah E. Smith. This article discusses the negative effects of monoculture farming practices on biodiversity and the importance of promoting sustainable agriculture methods to protect and enhance biodiversity. It also provides recommendations for farmers and policymakers to promote biodiversity in agricultural landscapes.

Smith, S. E. (2018). The Impact of Monoculture on Biodiversity and Sustainable Agriculture. Journal of Sustainable Agriculture, 42(3), 265-279. doi: 10.1080/10440046.2018.1429876

Sustainable Agriculture

- Definition: An approach to farming that aims to meet the present needs of society without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
- Key Principles:
- Protecting the environment
- Ensuring economic viability
- Promoting social equity
- Examples:
- Organic farming
- Conservation tillage
- Agroforestry

References:

- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): [Principles of Sustainable Agriculture](https://www.fao.org/ag/ca/1a.html)
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA): [Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education](https://www.usda.gov/topics/organic/sa-research-and-education)
- National Research Council: [Sustainable Agriculture: An Overview](https://www.nap.edu/catalog/9847/sustainable-agriculture-an-overview)

Monoculture

- Definition: A farming system where a single crop is grown on a large area of land.
- Advantages:
- Increased efficiency
- Reduced pest and disease risk
- Disadvantages:
- Soil degradation
- Reduced biodiversity
- Increased susceptibility to pests and diseases

References:

- Cornell University: [Monoculture: The Pros and Cons](https://cals.cornell.edu/cals/crop-and-soil-sciences/extension/agronomy/soil-and-water-quality/monoculture-the-pros-and-cons)
- Union of Concerned Scientists: [Monoculture's Impacts on Farms and Communities](https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/monocultures-impacts-farms-and-communities)
- National Geographic: [Monocultures: A Threat to Food Security](https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/monocultures-threat-food-security)

Biodiversity

- Definition: The variety of life on Earth, including all species, ecosystems, and genetic variation.
- Importance:
- Provides essential ecosystem services
- Supports food security
- Enhances resilience to environmental change
- Threats:
- Habitat loss
- Overexploitation
- Pollution

References:

- Convention on Biological Diversity: [What is Biodiversity?](https://www.cbd.int/intro/default.shtml)
- United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP): [The Importance of Biodiversity](https://www.unep.org/about/importance-biodiversity)
- World Wildlife Fund (WWF): [What is Biodiversity?](https://www.worldwildlife.org/teaching-resources/wildlife-trade/what-is-biodiversity)