What can lead to ecosystem imbalances in agricultural practices?

Pesticide overuse can lead to significant ecosystem imbalances in agricultural practices due to several interconnected factors. When pesticides are applied excessively, they can disrupt the natural balance of the ecosystem. For instance, beneficial insects that help control pest populations can be harmed or killed off, leading to an increase in pest numbers over time. This reliance on chemical control can create a cycle of dependency where farmers use even more pesticides to combat the rising pest populations, further exacerbating the problem.

Additionally, overuse of pesticides can result in chemical runoff into nearby water bodies, leading to pollution that can affect aquatic life and degrade water quality. This runoff can also contribute to the loss of soil fertility and help build pesticide-resistant pest populations, creating even more challenges for farmers.

In contrast, practices like effective pest management and promoting biodiversity tend to support ecosystem health. Effective pest management integrates multiple strategies to control pests while minimizing harm to non-target organisms and the environment. Promoting biodiversity can create a more resilient agricultural ecosystem, enhancing the interactions among species that can contribute to natural pest control measures.

Reduced use of organic materials also does not directly lead to ecosystem imbalances in the same way that pesticide overuse does. Organic materials can enhance soil health and support a more diverse microbial ecosystem crucial for