2. How Can We Manage
Working Lands More Sustainably?
Conceptual Framework: Pathway Two
Our lab studies how agricultural diversification, and its converse, landscape simplification and chemical intensification, affect ecological communities of wild pollinators, pests and predators, and how these community characteristics in turn affect the ecosystem services of crop pollination and crop pest control. We assess how these services affect crop yields and profits, and seek to understand what social and economic factors affect farmer’s interest and ability to adopt diversification practices. Combining these elements, we aim to inform and improve upon the condition of agricultural working landscapes to protect the wild species also found there and support sustainable food production.