What does an increase in biodiversity through intercropping achieve?

An increase in biodiversity through intercropping achieves the goal of deterring pests by breaking their life cycles. This occurs because intercropping involves growing multiple crop species in proximity, which can disrupt the habitat and food sources that pests rely on for survival. When different crops are planted together, pests that typically target a specific crop may find it more difficult to locate their preferred host, leading to reduced pest populations.

Moreover, diverse crops can attract beneficial insects that prey on pests or compete with them for resources, further mitigating pest problems. By creating a more balanced ecosystem, intercropping can enhance natural pest control mechanisms, making it an effective strategy for managing pest populations in agricultural systems.

While increasing biodiversity can also lead to other benefits, such as less soil nutrient depletion and potentially more efficient pest management, the primary and most direct effect related to pest control is the disruption of pest life cycles through the introduction of diverse crops.