Plant Diversity is Key to Maintaining Productive Systems

This is something we all know as proponents of ecology-based agriculture. Unfortunately, economies work on instant gratification and developing productive systems can take decades. Because of this, short term studies have yielded results saying that 6 or 8 species is the maximum needed to achieve this benefit. These studies lasted a paltry two years. This new study is in its 14th year and counting. The most biodiverse plot carries 16 species and shows that on a longer time scale, maximum biodiversity yields maximum benefit. Much of this may have to do with insect and bird biodiversity as well.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120503142638.htm