Ecosystem is a special unity of plants, microorganisms and animals, within which an exchange of various substances and energy takes place between them. Each ecosystem has its soil composition, temperature, and other indicators that are characteristic only for it. They are divided into two categories - natural (natural) and artificial (agroecosystems). What are their similarities and differences? Let's get it right.
The main differences
How is the natural ecosystem the most different from the agroecosystem? First of all, by the diversity of species on its territory. The first type (agrocenosis) exists for a much longer time, has the ability to independently regulate the processes occurring in it. The natural ecosystem, in contrast to the agroecosystem, is more stable and stable. The biomass created within its boundaries is used to enrich its own resources and does not leave the boundaries of this system. The category of natural ecosystems include seas, forests, steppes, swamps. The second group includes those systems that are created by human hands.
Agricultural Development and the Natural Balance
From the most ancient times, when agriculture was just beginning to emerge, people completely destroyed the vegetation cover in order to grow those species that would be most suitable for food. At the dawn of history, human activity did not upset the balance in the biochemical cycle. However, modern agriculture uses mostly synthesized energy, cultivates the earth by mechanical means. In the vast majority of cases, fertilizers and pesticides are used to obtain a high yield. All these actions can lead to unpredictable consequences.
Danger to nature
Another difference between an ecosystem and an agroecosystem is the area they occupy. The latter occupy no more than 10% of the total land area. But at the same time they are sources of 90% of food for humanity. Their biological productivity is an order of magnitude higher than that of natural ecosystems. However, agroecosystems are less stable. How does a natural ecosystem differ from an agroecosystem in addition to the factors listed? One of the most important differences between these two types of systems is that the agroecosystem depletes the soil and can also be dangerous for soil fertility. The first type, on the contrary, forms high-quality soil.
Those systems created by human hands also produce various wastes and pollutants. They must undergo disinfection, and this happens at the expense of man. Natural ecosystems are disinfected on their own - for this, no fee or effort on the part of people is needed. They also have the ability to preserve themselves for a long time. As for agroecosystems, a large amount of costs is required to maintain them.
Rationality in nature management
Often the answer to the question of what is the difference between an ecosystem and an agroecosystem is necessary to prepare for schoolchildren or students of environmental faculties. The main aspect that needs to be voiced in the preparation of such material is the creation of an agroecosystem by human hands. Those species that are cultivated by human hands are supported by artificial selection. They receive energy flow only through external actions. Without human support, this type of system breaks up very quickly and returns to its normal, natural state.
We examined the differences between an ecosystem and an agroecosystem. From this analysis we can conclude: with prolonged use of natural resources - in particular, with constant harvesting - soil fertility is steadily declining. This position in environmental science is called diminishing fertility. In order to conduct agriculture prudently and rationally, it is necessary to take into account the factor of depletion of soil resources. A person can maintain soil fertility if he uses improved equipment for their processing, makes crop rotation rational, and also uses other techniques.
How is a natural ecosystem different from an agroecosystem? List of differences
All the differences between these types of systems can be presented in the form of a list:
- Agrocenosis created by human hands. A natural ecosystem is formed and functions in nature without intentional human intervention.
- The diversity of species is characteristic only of natural ecosystems. On a wheat or rye field created by the hands of man, you can see only a few types of weeds.
- The natural ecosystem constantly receives, accumulates, and also converts energy. Agrocenosis constantly needs an influx of energy in the form of fertilizers or fuel.
- The change of vegetation in the agroecosystem takes place according to the will of man. In nature, this process proceeds naturally.
- Agrocenosis consumes a large amount of water. The natural ecosystem accumulates water, spending it gradually.
- Agroecosystem requires significant costs to maintain its existence, and the natural ecosystem has the ability to self-healing.
The question of how the natural ecosystem differs from the agroecosystem is addressed by ecology. Those students or schoolchildren who would like to study this question in more detail can read special literature. For example, the textbook “General Ecology” by N. M. Chernova and A. M. Bylova, or the publication “Stability and Sustainability of Agroecosystems” by I. Yu. Vinokurov.