Ecological balance in the agro-ecosystem

1. Ecological balance
• Ecology is the science of the study of
ecosystems. Ecological balance has been defined
by various online dictionaries as "a state of
dynamic equilibrium within a community of
organisms in which genetic, species and
ecosystem diversity remain relatively stable,
subject to gradual changes through natural
succession." and "A stable balance in the numbers
of each species in an ecosystem."

3. • The most important point being that the natural balance in an
ecosystem is maintained. This balance may be disturbed due to the
introduction of new species, the sudden death of some species,
natural hazards or man-made causes. In this field trip we will explore
how human population and development affects the ecological
balance.
• Ecological balance is also important because it leads to the
continuous existence of the organisms. It ensures that no
particular species is exploited or overused
• A balanced ecosystem signifies a habitat which is sustainable. It
consists of animals, plants, microorganisms and more which depend
on each other and their surroundings. These ecosystems exhibit
resourceful energy and material cycling. It also displays
interconnectedness amid primary producers and predators.

4. What is Ecological Balance?
• Ecology is a field of science that specializes in the study of
environmental systems and the organisms that live within those
systems, collectively called ecosystems.
• Ecological balance or ecological equilibrium is an ecological
concept that describes how ecosystems exist in a dynamic state
of balance or equilibrium.
• Dynamic equilibrium means that despite disturbances, which may
be natural or anthropogenic (human-caused), a balanced
ecosystem remains stable because it is in a constant state of flux,
perpetually compensating for changes.
• Simply put, a balanced ecosystem is in a state of dynamic
stability where different species interact with each other and their
environment in a sustainable way.

5. Factors of balanced ecosystems:
• In a balanced ecosystem, the community of living (biotic) organisms
interacts with non-living (abiotic) features in the environment.
• Abiotic features of ecosystems include precipitation, temperature,
landscape, sunlight, soil, water chemistry, and moisture.
• The types of biotic factors in a balanced ecosystem include primary
producers such as plants, primary consumers such as herbivores,
secondary consumers such as carnivores, consumers such as
omnivores that consume both plants and animals, and detritivores
that eat decaying organic matter.
• Biotic factors rely upon abiotic factors to survive.
• Plants require a certain temperature, moisture, and soil chemistry to
thrive. Animals rely on those plants for their food.
• Anything affecting any factor of an ecosystem can throw it off balance
and force organisms to adapt or die off.

6. Importance of ecological balance:
•Ecological balance ensures the stability of the
organisms and environment.
•It creates a conducive environment for organism
multiplication and thriving.
•It enhances a stable environment that is free from
ecological imbalances such as flood, hunger caused
by drought, windstorms that may wipe out
everything, and over hunting of the predators.

7. Ways to Maintain Ecological Balance
• Manage Natural Resources Carefully
• You can see this in marine ecosystems where the loss of just a few
species can threaten an entire ecosystem. A concerted effort to use
natural resources in a sustainable manner will help to protect and
maintain ecological balance.
• Control the Population
• This problem is important despite emotional, cultural or religious
sensitivity to the issue..
• Controlling the birth rate through contraception and family planning
will reduce the strain on the ecosystem by reducing the rate at which
people consume natural resources.

8. • Protect the Water
• Taking steps to reduce or eliminate pollution from nonpoint
sources such as streets and farms will help to maintain the
ecological balance.
• This causes a reduction in the amount of natural plant life in
the marine ecosystem.
• The animals that feed on the plants die, which leads to the
death of animals that prey on them.
• The decaying algae promote the growth of anaerobic
organisms, which release compounds into the water that are
toxic to marine animals.

9. What You Can Do
• Protecting the ecological balance is an issue that everybody can become involved in.
• You have the power to have a positive effect, no matter how small, in maintaining the delicate
balance of the Earth's ecosystem.
• Recycle to help prevent the over-harvesting of natural resources.
• Conserve energy by choosing more energy efficient appliances and automobiles.
• If everybody uses less energy, pollution decreases and less coal gets used to power the
nation and the world.
• Encourage family and friends to be ecologically aware in the ways that they live day-to-day.
• Just as many hands make light work, many individuals working together can help by
protecting and maintaining ecological balance.

10. AGRO ECOSYSTEM
•Interactive of agriculture and living organism with environment
is called agro ecosystem.
•Agroecosystems are natural communities that have been
modified by humans for agricultural purposes.
DEFINITION
•Agroecosystems refer to the relationships and interactions
between abiotic and biotic factors (including humans) in a
physical space - as well as the agricultural processes
themselves

11. Types of Agroecosystems
•Agroecosystems have been used for thousands
of years among indigenous societies - they
recognised the important connection between
agriculture and natural systems. Only in the 20th
century did agroecology come about as a
discipline in western science.
•The types of agroecosystem vary depending on:
•Location
•Natural community
•Agricultural focus

12. Polyculture (Intercropping)
•Polyculture differs greatly from modern, industrial
monocultures.
•Instead of huge expanses of one plant, different
complementary crops are interspersed,
producing mutual benefits.
•Polyculture strategies can save land area by up to
29% compared to monocultures - making them
very useful in the journey to sustainable
agricultural expansion.

13. Permaculture
•Permaculture systems create synergies and imitate
natural systems. These systems apply holistic
techniques to support ecosystem function, integrating a
range of functions (e.g. hydrology, livestock, waste
management).
•Permaculture has been adopted as a design system in
many other aspects of life. It's about working with, rather
than against, nature. The permaculture philosophy
focuses on earth care, people care, and fair shares.
•Permaculture designs can be applied to urban areas,
finance, technology, culture, education, and health and
well-being.

14. Agroforestry
•Agroforestry encompasses the growth of trees and
crops, and managing animals for mutual benefit.
•Silvopastoral Systems
•Silvopastoral systems combine livestock with mixed
plants such as trees, grasses and shrubs.
•hese systems are common in Latin America, and
typically combine grazing pastures and trees - such as
timber plantations or fruit trees.
•These pastures are incorporated among trees or using
rows of trees to provide borders.
•Grazing is rotated between different pastures to allow
time for recuperation.

15. •Trees provide shade and shelter, providing favourable
conditions for the livestock and improving their welfare,
while animals provide manure that fertilises the land.
•When compared to modern farming methods,
silvopastoral systems show improved animal welfare,
increased biodiversity, and increased production of meat
and dairy. Furthermore, silvopastoral systems also
support climate mitigation.
•Agrisilvicultural Systems
•Agrisilvicultural systems combine crops and trees.
•Agrosilvopastoral Systems
•These systems combine all three elements of crops,
forests and pasture.

16. Components of Agroecosystems
• Agroecosystems consist of two components: abiotic and biotic.
• Abiotic Components
• Climate: temperature, light intensity, day length, CO2
• Resources: water availability, nutrient supply
• Landscape: topography, relief
• Soil: fertility, salinity, pH
• Biotic Components
• Pests: parasites, herbivores
• Competition: between plants
• Symbiotic relationships: subterranean organisms, pollinators
• Farmers: includes their management of (a)biotic factors

17. Characteristics of Agroecosystems
•Agroecosystems are categorised by types of
diversity.
•Planned diversity focuses on the domesticated
plants and animals (and beneficial organisms) that
are deliberately added to the system.
•Unplanned diversity focuses on other organisms
in the system after conversion to agriculture (e.g.
predators, weeds, microbes)

18. • Interactions between Planned and Unplanned Diversity
• Planned diversity can impact overall ecosystem functioning.
Modern industrial agricultural systems have much lower diversity
(including genetic diversity) than traditional systems. Reduced
genetic diversity leaves plants and animals susceptible to pests
and diseases, which have often adapted to exploit the most
common varieties.
• A potential mitigation strategy is genetically engineering
agricultural products to have increased resistance to these
diseases and pests.
• Alternatively, promoting increased diversity can help reduce
these problems and increase overall resistance. Furthermore,
increasing planned diversity also increases unplanned diversity.
This benefits agricultural production by delivering services such
as pollination, pest control and soil health.

19. Ecological balance in the
agro-ecosystem

20. •Ecological balance in the agro-ecosystem refers to
the equilibrium that is maintained between various
biological, physical, and chemical components
within an agricultural system.
•This balance is essential for the sustainability,
productivity, and health of both the cultivated crops
and the surrounding environment.
•Achieving ecological balance in agriculture
involves integrating ecological principles and
practices to minimize negative impacts on the
ecosystem while maximizing agricultural
productivity.
•Here are some key aspects of ecological balance
in the agro-ecosystem:

21. 1. Biodiversity:
• Promoting biodiversity within agricultural landscapes helps
support a variety of species, including beneficial insects,
pollinators, predators, and microbes. Diverse ecosystems
are more resilient to pests, diseases, and environmental
changes.
2. Crop Diversity:
• Planting a variety of crops can reduce the risk of pest
outbreaks and soil degradation. Crop diversity also provides
a wider range of nutrients and supports ecosystem services.
3. Natural Pest Management:
• Encouraging natural predators and beneficial insects can
help control pest populations without relying heavily on
chemical pesticides. This involves creating habitats and
food sources for these natural enemies.

22. 4. Soil Health:
•Maintaining healthy soil through practices like cover
cropping, reduced tillage, and organic matter addition
supports nutrient cycling, water retention, and overall
ecosystem vitality.
5. Integrated Pest Management (IPM):
•IPM focuses on a combination of strategies such as
cultural practices, biological control, and judicious use of
pesticides to manage pests effectively while minimizing
environmental impact.
6. Conservation of Resources:
•Efficient use of water, energy, and other resources
reduces waste and environmental stress. Techniques
like drip irrigation and agroforestry contribute to
resource conservation.

23. 7. Reduced Chemical Inputs:
• Minimizing the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides
reduces their negative impact on the environment and helps
prevent pollution of soil and water.
8. Agroforestry and Hedgerows:
• Integrating trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes
provides habitat for wildlife, helps control erosion, and
enhances soil fertility.
9. Water Management:
• Implementing water-saving practices like rainwater harvesting,
proper irrigation techniques, and maintaining riparian zones
contributes to water conservation and quality.
10. Erosion Control:
• Practices such as contour farming, terracing, and maintaining

24. 11. Rotational Grazing: For livestock systems,
rotational grazing allows pastures to recover and
minimizes overgrazing, leading to healthier
ecosystems.
12. Reduced Chemical Inputs: Minimizing
the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides reduces
their negative impact on the environment and helps
prevent pollution of soil and water.
13. Education and Outreach: Educating
farmers and communities about sustainable farming
practices fosters awareness and understanding of

25. 14. Adaptation to Climate Change: Designing
agro-ecosystems to be resilient to climate change
includes selecting climate-appropriate crops,
optimizing water management, and adopting
conservation practices.
15. Crop Rotation and Polyculture: Alternating
crop types and planting multiple crops together can
disrupt pest and disease cycles, improve soil health,
and increase overall system resilience.
16. Habitat Creation: Preserving natural habitats
and creating on-farm habitats like hedgerows,
ponds, and windbreaks provide shelter, food, and
breeding sites for beneficial insects, birds, and other

26. 17. Climate Resilience: Designing agro-ecosystems
to adapt to climate change involves selecting climate-
resilient crop varieties, optimizing planting times, and
adopting practices that reduce vulnerability to
extreme weather events.
18. Community Engagement: Involving local
communities in sustainable agricultural practices
fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility,
leading to better long-term ecological outcomes.
19. Economic Viability: Ecological balance should
also consider the economic viability of the farming
system. Practices that enhance sustainability should
also contribute to the livelihoods of farmers.

27. 20. Research and Innovation:
•Ongoing research and innovation in sustainable
agriculture provide new insights, techniques, and
technologies to continuously improve ecological balance
in agro-ecosystems.
•Achieving and maintaining ecological balance in the
agro-ecosystem requires a comprehensive
understanding of the local environment, ecological
interactions, and the socio-economic context.
•By adopting practices that promote biodiversity,
conserve resources, and minimize environmental
impacts, farmers can contribute to the long-term health

28. •Achieving ecological balance in agro-ecosystems
requires a holistic and context-specific approach.
It involves understanding the relationships
between different components of the ecosystem
and applying practices that promote both
agricultural productivity and environmental
health. By doing so, farmers can ensure long-
term sustainability and maintain a balance
between production and ecosystem services.