4.13B **Biology Only** - Agricultural Solutions

Question 1

What are fertilisers used for in agriculture?

Answer 1

Fertilisers provide useful nutrients (nitrates and phosphates) to plants, making them more resistant to environmental conditions and able to grow faster and larger, resulting in increased crop yields. Excess fertiliser can run off into rivers, killing fish and other wildlife and affecting biodiversity.

Question 2

What is biological control in agriculture?

Answer 2

Biological control is the use of certain species to control the population of other species. For example, Aphelinus abdominalis, the aphid killer wasp, has been used successfully to control aphid populations, which feed on fruit crops. However, this reduces biodiversity and has a knock-on effect across the whole ecosystem.