Diversity Increases Yields and Protects the Environment

Wildflower strips (Gabriela Brändle, Agroscope) Harnessing the forces of nature and agricultural practice in all its variety - that is diversification. Diversification brings benefits - positive impacts on yields and environmental protection. This is the conclusion of an international study in which Agroscope researchers took part, and which was recently published Advances. Agriculture produces our grains, meat, vegetables and fruit. But in large agricultural countries, wheat or maize, cultivated in vast monocultures, tends to dominate.  This leads to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and water pollution. By contrast, Swiss agriculture is already much more diverse - diversification is the catchword, and is also being promoted by the Swiss federal government.