Sustainable Agriculture Literature Review - Boulder County

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666, 667
Figure 32: Managing Biodiversity
In operations where soil biodiversity is limited, a decrease is seen in nutrient efficiency,
drought tolerance, and plant growth during times of resource constraints. 668, 669, 670 A
number of management practices have been shown to increase the activity and diversity
of soil biota. Some of these practices are shown in Figure 32, but the greatest benefits
have come from the proper choice and distribution of crops, the enhancement of natural
pest and disease resistance through plant selection, and management of organic matter
and external inputs (e.g. fertilizers). 671, 672, 673 In comparison to conventionally cultivated
soils, using conservation tillage and maintaining crop residue cover on the soil surface
674, 675
benefit below ground food webs and processes.
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