What is Crop Diversity?

Food Security Worldwide

Even if you don’t own a plot of land or garden, sustainable agriculture is sure to have some effect on the foods you and your family consume. One of the main concepts behind sustainability in farming and cultivation is the diversity of plant life. But why is it so important? Our global food systems are heavily reliant on the same types of foods; soy, corn, and wheat. Because of this, large areas of land have been cultivated solely for the production of these crops. This may be a solution to global needs, but what about in years to come? Here’s how local farms are paving the way for a more continuous food system, and through the use of crop diversity. 

The Long-Term Effects of Industrial Agriculture

Industrial farming has revolutionized ways to feed the masses, but these production tactics have come at a cost. Large-scale farms tend to use monocultures, a single crop grown continuously on a piece of land. This may not seem like that big of a deal, but it can have tragic consequences for the environment. Pests and diseases tend to attack the same species of plants, like cabbage root maggots can devastate all plants from the brassica family if grown year after year. So it’s no wonder that industrial farms have taken to using harsh chemicals like pesticides to be able to counteract their infestations. But is there a simpler solution?

Indeed there is, and small-scale farms have been making it a priority for years! Through crop diversity, they have found ways to naturally stop the persistence of certain pests and diseases. For example, if you are planting corn you may have found if you continue to grow that same crop on that piece of land that corn rootworm is a huge concern. But a plant like soybeans is a non-host of that pest. For more information on how to start implementing crop rotation into your garden or farm, check out our blog or links to YouTube videos we have found helpful.  

Is Crop Diversity the Best Man-made Ecosystem?

Crop diversity means so much more than just rotating crops. It’s all about adding new species to your landholding. In nature, the best ecosystems are those that have a huge amount of different species in any given area. Those plants use different nutrients or put others back into the soil. So if you mainly grow a vegetable garden, consider growing some flowering plants to help attract pollinators! Or if you have grown a single type of tomato, consider growing multiple varieties. You can implement these small changes and make for a better-cultivated ecosystem, all living with and thriving off one another. 

How to Implement Crop Diversity

So now that you’re interested in crop diversity, what’s the next step? Well, depending on the soil and climate of your state, different crops may be more likely to grow and produce. So I would suggest checking out your state’s Department of Agriculture website, and see what your state is known for. We here in Washington State have an amazing amount of options, we produce 300 commodities (WSDA). We are the number one producer of apples, blueberries, hops, pears, and sweet cherries. So if you’re considering adding, don’t forget that fruit trees can be a great option! In fact, agroforestry is an amazing tactic in sustainable agriculture, and for good reason too. 

Passionate About Fresh Produce

At Four Roots, we believe that through education and community involvement, we can help create equal opportunity. So even if you don’t grow yourself, knowing a thing or two about the ins and outs of sustainable agriculture may help with your decisions when feeding you and your family. Even purchasing at your local farmers market can help show your support for local farmers. Because their hard work is helping build a better, brighter, more sustainable future, one acre at a time.