PUBLICATION W235D
Increasing Farm Biodiversity
If you have questions about this resource, contact your county Extension office.
Summary
Farm biodiversity can make organic and sustainable cropping more stable and productive. This guide explains how diverse rotations and mixed plantings improve soil quality, disrupt weed, insect, and disease cycles, and support beneficial insects and pollinators. It outlines practical steps such as planting multiple crop varieties, adding hedgerows and flower strips, leaving some land uncultivated, providing pollinator nesting sites, using cover crops, reducing tillage, and building organic matter. It also summarizes options like intercropping and conservation tillage.
Publications in Series: Introduction to Organic and Sustainable Agriculture Practices
Transitioning to Organic Farm Systems
Building Healthy Soils
Crop Rotations
Trap Crops, Intercropping and Companion Planting
Cover Crops and Green Manures
Communicating the Green Advantages of Wood to Your Customers: A Marketing Guide for Manufacturers
Fall Cover Crop Selection and Planting Dates in Tennessee
Harvested for You
Based on the subjects and categories of this publication, you may be interested in the following resources.
Row Crop Sustainability
Tennessee Private Pesticide Applicator Recordkeeping Manual
Forage Herbicide Quick Reference Guide
