Pollinators, pests, and predators: Recognizing ecological trade-offs in agroecosystems

Area of Science:

• Agroecology
• Wildlife Ecology
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• Crop yield is influenced by ecological interactions with wild animals, with positive and negative effects often studied in isolation.
• Disciplinary silos between ecological and agricultural sciences have hindered a holistic understanding of these interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for an integrated research paradigm that considers cost-benefit trade-offs of animal activities in agroecosystems.
• To present a conceptual model for understanding animal-crop interactions within social-ecological contexts.
• To highlight emerging trends for sustainable agriculture through evidence-based statements.

Main Methods:

• Development of an evidence-based conceptual model.
• Structuring the model around five key evidence statements.
• Reviewing emerging trends in agroecosystem research.

Main Results:

• A comprehensive assessment of animal activities in agroecosystems requires considering diverse species, crops, and systems.
• Sustainable agroecosystem management necessitates maintaining ecological interaction cycles between crops and wild animals.
• Integrated studies are crucial for quantifying the net returns of animal activity.

Conclusions:

• An integrated research paradigm is essential for understanding the complex ecological interactions between crops and wild animals.
• Sustainable agriculture benefits from acknowledging and managing the trade-offs associated with animal activities in agroecosystems.
• Future research should focus on integrated studies to determine the net economic and ecological returns of animal activities in agricultural landscapes.