Agriculture - Degradation of Ecosystem

Agriculture whether traditional or modern involves intervention and modification of the natural ecological systems. Ever since man has started practising agriculture, his main aim has been to modify the agro-ecosystem in such a way as to remove or diminish natural limitations upon productivity and to provide a more favourable environment for crop growth. These modifications include the introduction of new species or varieties of crop plants and livestock, the elimination of competing plants (weeds etc.) and other organisms by the use of pesticides and removal of habitats, the use of high level of fertilisers, manipulation of soil conditions by tillage, and control of soil moisture by irrigation and drainage.

Though the achievements in this field have been astonishing, the other side of the picture has often been ignored, that is, its impact on the environment. The various agricultural practices adopted by man have considerably degraded the environment over the years.